Lost your passport, or had it stolen? Act quickly: reporting it protects you from fraud, and you’ll need a replacement before you can travel. Here’s exactly what to do in 2026 — at home or abroad — and what a replacement costs.
1. Report it straight away
Report your passport lost or stolen as soon as you can at gov.uk/report-a-lost-or-stolen-passport. This cancels the passport. Important: once cancelled, it cannot be used again — if you later find it, you still can’t travel on it and must apply for a new one. Cancelling promptly also helps prevent identity fraud.
2. Apply for a replacement
Replacing a lost passport is treated as a new application, not a renewal:
- £102 online (adult) / £115.50 by post; £66.50 for a child online
- upload a new digital photo
- standard processing is about 3–4 weeks (see processing times); Fast Track and same-day Premium services are available if you’re in a hurry
The process is otherwise the same as a passport renewal.
If you’re abroad
If you lose your passport overseas, contact the nearest British embassy, high commission or consulate. If you need to travel before a new passport can be issued, you can usually apply for an Emergency Travel Document (ETD) — around £100 — which lets you make a specific journey. If it was stolen, also report it to the local police and keep the report.
Protect yourself from fraud
A lost or stolen passport is valuable to identity thieves. Cancelling it immediately makes it useless for travel and flags it in border systems. If it was stolen along with other documents, watch for any signs of identity misuse.
For everything else passport-related, see our UK passport guides hub.
Frequently asked questions
What should I do if I lose my passport?
Report it lost or stolen immediately at gov.uk to cancel it, then apply for a replacement.
Can I use my passport if I find it after reporting it lost?
No — once it’s cancelled it can’t be used for travel, even if you find it. You must apply for a new one.
How do I replace a lost passport, and what does it cost?
Apply as a new application online (£102 adult, £66.50 child) with a new photo; standard processing is about 3–4 weeks.
What if I lose my passport abroad?
Contact the nearest British embassy or consulate; you may be issued an Emergency Travel Document (around £100) to travel.
Should I report a stolen passport to the police?
Yes — especially abroad — and cancel it with the Home Office to prevent fraud.
How long does a replacement passport take?
Usually about 3–4 weeks; Fast Track and same-day Premium services are available.
