Returning a deceased person's passport :Cross Stitch – Travel and transport

If a passport holder dies and their passport is not cancelled, there is a risk that someone could use their identity illegally. The Identity and Passport Service (IPS) can cancel a deceased person’s passport on their database, even if you can’t find the passport to return it.

It is important that the passport of a deceased person is cancelled so it cannot be used illegally. If you are responsible for a deceased person’s belongings, you should return the passport to IPS wherever possible. In all cases you should notify IPS when a passport holder has died.

If you are in the UK, you should either:

  • hand in the passport to your nearest Regional Passport Office
  • send it to Customer Service Manager, Newport Passport Office, PO Box 175, Newport NP20 1XA

You should also include a completed copy of the ‘What to do with a passport when the passport holder has died’ form. You can get the form online by following the link below or by calling the Passport Adviceline on 0300 222 0000.

If you are abroad, you should send the passport to your nearest British embassy, consulate or high commission. You should also include a completed copy of the ‘What to do with a passport when the passport holder has died’ form.

For security purposes, you should cut off the top right-hand corner of the passport’s front cover before posting it. This prevents it from being used again.

When IPS gets the passport, they will cancel it on the passport database and either:

  • dispose of it safely on your behalf
  • return it to you

If you would like the passport returned to you, you need to let IPS know this by ticking a box on the form. If you do not ask for it to be returned, IPS will dispose of the passport once they have cancelled it.

When you return a deceased person’s passport to IPS or a British embassy, consulate or high commission, you should include:

  • the passport, with the top right-hand corner of the cover cut off
  • a completed ‘What to do with a passport when the passport holder has died’ form, stating if you want the passport returned to you (you will need the death certificate number if available)

If the passport is lost or unavailable, it is your responsibility to tell IPS.

If you’re in the UK, you should write to the Customer Service Manager, Newport Passport Office, PO Box 175, Newport, NP20 1XA. Outside the UK, contact your nearest British embassy, consulate or high commission.

You will need to send or hand in to IPS:

  • a completed Lost or Stolen (LS01) Notification form
  • an issued copy (not a photocopy) of the death certificate
  • a completed ‘What to do with a passport when the passport holder has died’ form