What to Do With an Old UK Passport in 2026

Can You Keep Your Old Passport?

When your passport has expired, you may feel like throwing it away. However, this is one of the many ways your identity can be compromised.

Not only that but if you are a victim of identity theft, this exposes you to fraud and will hinder any application to renew your passport.

As a passport is an official document of your nationality, travel history, address, Right to Work for British passport holders, and access to consular assistance overseas, it is vital that you protect this document.

HM Passport Office advises that passports are increasingly targeted by fraudsters and can cost over £100 to replace — making it essential to keep your passport secure whether at home or abroad

This still applies to an expired passport.

While you can destroy an old passport at home, the safest option is to send it to HM Passport Office for secure incineration.

Instead, follow the steps below to return your expired passport to the The UK Passport Office where they will dispose of your invalid documents in a safe, thorough way.

Should You Keep or Return Your Old UK Passport?

It is advised you refrain from simply throwing it away at home, and instead send all expired passports to the the UK Passport Office via postal service so they can dispose of it properly by incineration.

Passports are currently non-recyclable materials.

How to Send Your Old Passport Back to HM Passport Office

To safely dispose of any old passports, simply send to The UK Passport Office:

1. Securely package your old passports in a parcel or large envelope.
2. Include a note within the parcel stating that you would like your passports to be disposed of.
3. Seal the parcel and clearly write the address of the UK Passport Office on the front of your envelope. The UK Passport Office is a freepost address, so you will not need a stamp.
4. Deliver to your local Post Office where they will post your old passports via Royal Mail.

UK Passport Renewal

You are required to renew your passport before travel if your passport:

• Has expired
• Has significant damage or rips
• Lacks sufficient validity for your destination

If you no longer have your old passport, contact HM Passport Office before applying. Standard adult renewals do not require a countersignatory — however, if your old passport is unavailable and your identity cannot be verified digitally, additional documentation may be required.

To renew your passport, you must apply online via the Gov.uk website. You will need:

• A digital passport appropriate photo of the applicant
• A credit/debit card
• Your current valid passport

To renew an adult passport online from within the UK, the current cost is £102 (as of 8 April 2026). Postal applications cost £115.50. Child passport renewals cost £66.50 online.

What to Do With a Lost or Stolen Passport

You must cancel your lost or stolen passport immediately through Gov.uk. This is to prevent identity theft and safeguard your personal details.

If your passport is stolen, report it to the police by calling 101 in the UK.

If your passport is stolen abroad, report it to the local police department and ask for a written report which may be required of you by the British Embassy if you begin a replacement passport application.

You will need the name and contact details of someone who can confirm your identity.

Can I replace my passport via paper application?

Paper postal application forms are available to complete through your local Post Office. Alternatively, you are able to request an application form from Passport Advice.

To complete this application, you will need:

• 2 identical passport appropriate images of yourself.

For more information on paper passport renewal applications, click here.