If you are overseas, report the incident to the local police as soon as possible and obtain a police report in the cases of stolen passports.

Following this immediately inform the nearest British Embassy or Consulate, this will reduce the risk of someone stealing your identity or attempting to enter the UK on your passport. Send or take a copy of the police report along with a completed LS01 form (52 K, PDF), which is available online or from one of our offices, to the Consulate who will then be able to cancel your passport.

If you are in the UK, contact the Identity and Passport Service (IPS) on their Passport Advice Line 0870 521 0410 for guidance.

You must return it to the nearest British Embassy or Consulate as soon as possible. If you are in the UK you should return your passport to the nearest Identity and Passport Service office.

Once you report your passport as lost or stolen the passport is electronically cancelled and you are not able to use it as legal proof of identity, nationality or for any other legal purpose. You must not use it to travel, as this may cause the passport to be impounded by the Immigration Service at UK ports or airports, and if attempting to travel overseas, you could face deportation or arrest. You must also not use it as a means of identification, as this may be detected as a potentially fraudulent act."