HM Passport Office is urging anyone who finds a lost British passport not to put it in a postbox or try to return it themselves, warning that mishandling the document could leave its owner vulnerable to identity fraud.
The reminder comes at one of the busiest times of the year for overseas travel, when airports, railway stations, beaches, hotels and tourist attractions are packed with holidaymakers and the chances of passports being misplaced increase.
Official process for returning a recovered passport
In a message on X, HM Passport Office said: “Found a British passport? A few simple steps can help us keep it safe.”
A passport is far more than a travel document. It is one of the UK’s most important forms of identification and, in the wrong hands, could be used by criminals attempting identity fraud or other forms of financial crime. That is why officials are urging anyone who finds a passport not to simply leave it where it is or attempt to return it themselves if they are unsure who the owner is.
Cut off the top right-hand corner
Instead, HM Passport Office says it should be returned through the official process so it can be dealt with securely. People who find a British passport in the UK should complete the Government’s official Recovered British Passport form and send it together with the passport to HM Passport Office using the Freepost address provided.
The guidance advises cutting off the top right-hand corner of the passport before posting it. This prevents the document being used if it is intercepted while in transit, while still allowing officials to identify it and deal with it appropriately.
If you find a passport overseas
Anyone who finds a British passport outside the UK should send or take it to the nearest British Embassy, High Commission or Consulate. The official form asks where and when the passport was found, along with details from the document to help officials identify its owner.
The finder does not have to provide their own personal details if they do not wish to. According to HM Passport Office, following the official process gives the best chance of the passport being dealt with safely and helps reduce the risk of it being misused.
