Notifying HM Passport Office of a Death
0300 222 0000Everything you need to let HM Passport Office know, including their dedicated bereavement number, the documents to have ready, and how long it usually takes. Their team handle these calls every day and will be patient with you.
Online Form
No online form available. Use the phone number or post instead.
Typical Timeline
The passport is officially cancelled. Unless you ask for it back on the form, it is then securely destroyed.
How to notify HM Passport Office
Tell Us Once: Covers passport cancellation across England, Scotland and Wales (not available in Northern Ireland). Note it gives no option to have the passport returned as a keepsake
Phone: Call 0300 222 0000 (HM Passport Office helpline)
Post: Send form D1 and the passport to Customer Service Management Team, HM Passport Office, PO Box 767, Southport, PR8 9PW
If abroad: Contact the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
Documents you will need
- Form D1 (What to do when a British passport holder dies), from GOV.UK
- Their passport (cut off the top right-hand corner before sending, which HM Passport Office asks for to prevent misuse)
- If the passport is lost or stolen, an original death certificate instead. It is returned to you once the passport is cancelled
What to say when you call
You do not need to explain anything at length. A short, straightforward call is all this takes. If it helps, read the words below straight off the screen. Nobody will mind.
"Hello, I am calling to notify you of a death. The account holder was [full name], and the date of death was [date]."
"I am their [relationship, e.g. son/daughter/executor]. My reference number from the death registration is [Tell Us Once reference number, if you have one]."
"Could you let me know what documents you need and what the next steps are?"
The bereavement team will take it from there and guide you through the rest. Have the death certificate, your photo ID, and any account details beside you before you ring.
Additional information
- Tell Us Once is the preferred method and eliminates need to post the passport
- Cut off the top right-hand corner of the passport before posting, as HM Passport Office asks. If you would like the passport back afterwards as a keepsake, you must say so on form D1: unless you ask, it is destroyed
- Passport should be returned promptly to prevent identity fraud risk
Frequently asked questions
How do I notify HM Passport Office of a death?
You can let HM Passport Office know by calling their bereavement team on 0300 222 0000. Have the death certificate and your own identification beside you before you get in touch.
What documents does HM Passport Office need for bereavement?
HM Passport Office usually asks for: Form D1 (What to do when a British passport holder dies), from GOV.UK, Their passport (cut off the top right-hand corner before sending, which HM Passport Office asks for to prevent misuse), If the passport is lost or stolen, an original death certificate instead. It is returned to you once the passport is cancelled. It helps to have certified copies of the death certificate ready, as originals are sometimes held on to for a while.
How long does HM Passport Office take to process a bereavement?
The passport is officially cancelled. Unless you ask for it back on the form, it is then securely destroyed.
Need to write to HM Passport Office?
Use our ready-made template letters to notify banks, utilities, and other organisations. Just fill in the details and send.
View Template Letters