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Original poster

AIBU to be surprised that when you renew a British Passport, you have to send any passports off you have from other countries?

112 replies

PassportQuestionxoxo · 23/01/2025 10:05

Just renewing British passport. In the last few years, have gained an Irish passport. I was surprised to find that in order to renew my British passport, I need to send my Irish passport to the British Passport office as well. The only alternative to sending off the Irish passport, is to do a colour photocopy of all the 30+ pages, which would be a massive task.
Is anyone else surprised by this or is it just me? I had thought that one of the advantages to having a second passport is that you can use it when the other one is not available. Yes, I know that I could photocopy the second passport if desperate, but what a faff, and why does the British Passport Office want my Irish passport anyway?

OP posts:
HavfrueDenizKisi · 23/01/2025 12:04

I asked about this when I renewed my DDs passport in person (fast tracked). Basically it's an identity check to confirm your travelling documents are all in the same name. She has one other nationality passport about to get her next one so she will have three passports in the end!

When I have had to send them off they've always been returned quickly. I send that track and trace or whatever.

SlipperyLizard · 23/01/2025 12:01

I recently had to do this to renew DD’s passport as she’s recently got an Irish one, I agree it didn’t take too long to photocopy but it was a faff and I’m not sure what they gained by seeing lots of blank pages! No way was I trusting them with the actual passport.

The Irish passport process doesn’t require you to send your other passports, so I wonder why the UK does?

ArghhWhatNext · 23/01/2025 12:00

You can go in person to avoid sending it off. My dh travels weekly overseas and can’t be without a passport. He booked and day off work and booked a slot to renew in person.

coldcallerbaiter · 23/01/2025 12:00

Everythingisnumbersnow · 23/01/2025 11:35

You're entitled to use different names

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For women, some countries only accept maiden name. Quite right too.

TheCrowPeople · 23/01/2025 11:59

PassportQuestionxoxo · 23/01/2025 10:29

Bloody hell! I am glad that I did send off the Irish Passport in that case!

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So you've already sent it?

TickingAlongNicely · 23/01/2025 11:59

My DM had trouble renewing her passport as they thought she had another one! (British born, all family British, never lived abroad!). So I wouldn't risk lying.

coldcallerbaiter · 23/01/2025 11:56

PassportQuestionxoxo · 23/01/2025 10:16

It's over 30 pages long, so hardly a five minute task!
I now wish I just hadn't admitted having the Irish Passport now as many of you have suggested!

Edited
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At what point did you admit to it?
On the UK application for a passport? Or before that eg. When you got the Irish one, did you have to report it to the UK authorities?

Zimunya · 23/01/2025 11:53

Chersfrozenface · 23/01/2025 10:26

I found an FOI exchange with the Passport Office and below is relevant information from the HMPO's reply.

"Should it subsequently come to HMPO’s notice that a person had failed to disclose at the point of application for a British passport that they hold a passport in another nationality, it would be a criminal offence on the basis that they would have made a false statement on
the application form.

This may render them liable to criminal proceedings and it would be open to the Secretary of State to consider the exercise of the Royal Prerogative to withdraw or refuse the issue of a British passport. That would be considered on the individual circumstances of the case and the seriousness of the consequences of the attempted deception. "

https://www.whatdotheyknow.com/request/requirement_to_submit_foreign_pa/response/552095/attach/html/3/32065%20final%20Battley.pdf.html

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Thanks for this, @Chersfrozenface . I was surprised by the number of posters who appear willing to lie on official documents in this thread :(

EmmaMaria · 23/01/2025 11:51

Well that is the decider then. I have three passports - dual citizen and also Irish - and I was thinking that at my age three passports really aren't necessary and are expensive. British passport is binned when it comes to renewal - I use the other two more anyway!

EasternStandard · 23/01/2025 11:49

Chersfrozenface · 23/01/2025 10:26

I found an FOI exchange with the Passport Office and below is relevant information from the HMPO's reply.

"Should it subsequently come to HMPO’s notice that a person had failed to disclose at the point of application for a British passport that they hold a passport in another nationality, it would be a criminal offence on the basis that they would have made a false statement on
the application form.

This may render them liable to criminal proceedings and it would be open to the Secretary of State to consider the exercise of the Royal Prerogative to withdraw or refuse the issue of a British passport. That would be considered on the individual circumstances of the case and the seriousness of the consequences of the attempted deception. "

https://www.whatdotheyknow.com/request/requirement_to_submit_foreign_pa/response/552095/attach/html/3/32065%20final%20Battley.pdf.html

Show quote history

Useful post @Chersfrozenface

Completelyjo · 23/01/2025 11:47

HipToTheHopDontStop · 23/01/2025 11:39

It is a problem. An Irish passport is owned by the Irish government, why should anyone send it off to the British government?

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The very simple solution is to photocopy it, which is an acceptable alternative.
OP is the one acting like this is some totally impossible task.

HipToTheHopDontStop · 23/01/2025 11:39

Dotjones · 23/01/2025 11:36

I don't see the problem. It's not much to ask to see copies of other passports you have. If you can't be arsed to send it off or scan 30 pages, you don't have to renew your British passport, you can still travel to most places around the world on your alternative one.

It is a problem. An Irish passport is owned by the Irish government, why should anyone send it off to the British government?

Dotjones · 23/01/2025 11:36

I don't see the problem. It's not much to ask to see copies of other passports you have. If you can't be arsed to send it off or scan 30 pages, you don't have to renew your British passport, you can still travel to most places around the world on your alternative one.

Everythingisnumbersnow · 23/01/2025 11:35

CarrotsAndCheese · 23/01/2025 11:13

I think it's to stop someone from having official identity documents in more than one name. Didn't know you could send photocopies though.

You're entitled to use different names

Everythingisnumbersnow · 23/01/2025 11:34

Chersfrozenface · 23/01/2025 10:26

I found an FOI exchange with the Passport Office and below is relevant information from the HMPO's reply.

"Should it subsequently come to HMPO’s notice that a person had failed to disclose at the point of application for a British passport that they hold a passport in another nationality, it would be a criminal offence on the basis that they would have made a false statement on
the application form.

This may render them liable to criminal proceedings and it would be open to the Secretary of State to consider the exercise of the Royal Prerogative to withdraw or refuse the issue of a British passport. That would be considered on the individual circumstances of the case and the seriousness of the consequences of the attempted deception. "

https://www.whatdotheyknow.com/request/requirement_to_submit_foreign_pa/response/552095/attach/html/3/32065%20final%20Battley.pdf.html

Show quote history

Easy to get confused with these forms

Katiesaidthat · 23/01/2025 11:21

When I renewed my British passport, I declared my Spanish one, fotocopied it and sent the photocopy. I just don´t see what is so onerous. When I got the British one back it has a note on it that this holder also has a passport issued by Spain in such and such a name. If you don´t declare it you will be making a false statement on an official document. Not a good idea.

CarrotsAndCheese · 23/01/2025 11:13

I think it's to stop someone from having official identity documents in more than one name. Didn't know you could send photocopies though.

RabbitsEatPancakes · 23/01/2025 10:50

It's not a big deal to photocopy a passport. I had to do 4 full passports to get visas for holiday last year. It took less than 10 minutes.

HipToTheHopDontStop · 23/01/2025 10:50

Chersfrozenface · 23/01/2025 10:26

I found an FOI exchange with the Passport Office and below is relevant information from the HMPO's reply.

"Should it subsequently come to HMPO’s notice that a person had failed to disclose at the point of application for a British passport that they hold a passport in another nationality, it would be a criminal offence on the basis that they would have made a false statement on
the application form.

This may render them liable to criminal proceedings and it would be open to the Secretary of State to consider the exercise of the Royal Prerogative to withdraw or refuse the issue of a British passport. That would be considered on the individual circumstances of the case and the seriousness of the consequences of the attempted deception. "

https://www.whatdotheyknow.com/request/requirement_to_submit_foreign_pa/response/552095/attach/html/3/32065%20final%20Battley.pdf.html

Show quote history

I wouldn't be concerned about that. It's almost impossible to withdraw a British passport from a British citizen for all but extremely serious reasons

Hoppinggreen · 23/01/2025 10:47

Semiramide · 23/01/2025 10:07

I know it says you 'have to' send in other pass8ports.

But you don't. Just send a copy of the bio page.

I did this for DS and it was rejected and I had to do the whole thing.
Wasn't risking sending the passport though

BeaAndBen · 23/01/2025 10:46

I just didn’t mention it.

gamerchick · 23/01/2025 10:36

Look you have a choice. Send it in or photocopy it. Or do the bio page.

Or have a good moan about it on here and then do it.

Personally I wouldn't send it in.

Original poster
PassportQuestionxoxo · 23/01/2025 10:29

Chersfrozenface · 23/01/2025 10:26

I found an FOI exchange with the Passport Office and below is relevant information from the HMPO's reply.

"Should it subsequently come to HMPO’s notice that a person had failed to disclose at the point of application for a British passport that they hold a passport in another nationality, it would be a criminal offence on the basis that they would have made a false statement on
the application form.

This may render them liable to criminal proceedings and it would be open to the Secretary of State to consider the exercise of the Royal Prerogative to withdraw or refuse the issue of a British passport. That would be considered on the individual circumstances of the case and the seriousness of the consequences of the attempted deception. "

https://www.whatdotheyknow.com/request/requirement_to_submit_foreign_pa/response/552095/attach/html/3/32065%20final%20Battley.pdf.html

Show quote history

Bloody hell! I am glad that I did send off the Irish Passport in that case!

OP posts:
Chersfrozenface · 23/01/2025 10:26

Everythingisnumbersnow · 23/01/2025 10:13

Well it's expensive if you have to pay for colour print

Still don't know why anyone would bother it's not like they can refuse you a passport if you don't

Show quote history

I found an FOI exchange with the Passport Office and below is relevant information from the HMPO's reply.

"Should it subsequently come to HMPO’s notice that a person had failed to disclose at the point of application for a British passport that they hold a passport in another nationality, it would be a criminal offence on the basis that they would have made a false statement on
the application form.

This may render them liable to criminal proceedings and it would be open to the Secretary of State to consider the exercise of the Royal Prerogative to withdraw or refuse the issue of a British passport. That would be considered on the individual circumstances of the case and the seriousness of the consequences of the attempted deception. "

https://www.whatdotheyknow.com/request/requirement_to_submit_foreign_pa/response/552095/attach/html/3/32065%20final%20Battley.pdf.html

Original poster
PassportQuestionxoxo · 23/01/2025 10:23

Semiramide · 23/01/2025 10:20

My husband I have (different) secondary nationalities.
I sent in colour copies of all pages.
He sent a B&W copy of the bio page.
Both were renewed without problems.
Don't overthink this.

Well I am glad that you think that this is not an onerous task!

OP posts: