SECOND BRITISH PASSPORT SOLUTIONS FOR PROFESSIONALS & ORGANISATIONS

When applying for a second UK passport—whether it’s your first additional passport or a renewal—the HM Passport Office will require details of your existing passport as part of the standard application process. The specific documentation required depends on the type of application being submitted, and at SecondUKPassport, we guide each client through the process to ensure compliance with all HMPO requirements.

First-Time Second Passport Applicants

If you’re applying for an additional UK passport for the first time, you’ll typically have two options:

• Submit your original passport with the application; or
• Provide a colour copy of every page of your current passport, including the photo page and any stamped pages.

Since many clients applying for a second passport may need to retain their existing passport for travel or visa reasons, the second option is most common. Please note that only high-quality colour copies are accepted—black-and-white scans will not be approved. This flexibility is generally extended only to business travellers. Applicants applying for second passports due to study-related reasons are usually not required to submit these copies.

At SecondUKPassport, we provide custom template letters to help support your application. These letters outline your reason for retaining the original passport—for example, ongoing visa applications, active travel permits, or the inability to surrender a passport currently with a consulate. Our team is also happy to help you draft a personalised letter suited to your circumstances.

Renewing a Second Passport

If you are renewing an existing second passport, it must be surrendered at your appointment with the passport office. The HMPO will cancel the old passport by cutting the corner and processing the new one separately. Clients should be aware that the renewed passport and the cancelled passport are returned in separate envelopes.

Passport Unavailable? Here’s What You Can Do

If your passport is currently with an embassy for visa processing or otherwise unavailable, the passport office may still proceed with your second passport application—as long as your identity and British nationality can be confirmed via internal checks. Let us know if this applies to you, and we can help facilitate the process.

How the Passport Office Assesses Your Current Passport

The HM Passport Office may review your current passport in detail to assess whether your situation aligns with the criteria for issuing a second passport. If the officer has any doubts or insufficient information, they may escalate the case for further checks. To avoid delays, we ensure all our clients provide thorough supporting documentation at the outset.

Not Sure If You Qualify for a Second Passport?

Use our free eligibility checker or contact our team today. We’ll assess your situation and help you determine if you’re eligible—and guide you step-by-step through the application process.