How to Notify Passport Office of a Death: Government Bereavement Guide 2026

How to notify Passport Office of a death — step by step

1. Use Tell Us Once to notify automatically

   The easiest way to notify HM Passport Office of a death is via the Tell Us Once service at gov.uk/tell-us-once. This automatically cancels the deceased's passport without any further action needed.

2. Alternatively, post the passport directly

   If you prefer to return the passport directly, send it to HM Passport Office, PO Box 767, Southport, PR8 9PW with a covering letter stating the holder has died and the date of death. There is no fee.

3. Cut the corner of the passport if destroying it

   If you wish to destroy the passport yourself rather than return it, cut across one corner (do not shred). This cancels it for travel purposes. However, returning it to HMPO is recommended to prevent identity fraud.

4. Note: passports cannot be transferred

   A passport belongs to the Crown and cannot be transferred or used by anyone other than the person named on it. You cannot use a deceased person's passport for any purpose.

What documents does Passport Office need?

• Deceased's passport (if available)
• Covering letter with deceased's full name, date of birth, and date of death

Have multiple certified copies of the death certificate ready. Banks and financial institutions each require an original or certified copy — you cannot usually pass a single copy between organisations. See our guide to how many death certificates you need.

How long does Passport Office take?

Passport Office typically takes 2–4 weeks to process a bereavement notification once all required documents have been received.

During this period, accounts or services will typically be frozen until the estate is administered. This means no new transactions can be authorised.

If the passport has been lost or stolen, report this separately via the police. Tell Us Once will still cancel HMPO records without the physical passport.

What happens after you notify Passport Office?

Once Passport Office receives your notification and confirms receipt, the account or service will be frozen and no new transactions will be authorised. Estate administration can then begin.

Passport Office will confirm receipt of your notification and advise you of any next steps required to close or transfer the account or policy. Keep a record of all correspondence and reference numbers for the estate file.

What cannot wait