Last Updated on July 3, 2025 by Tracey Roberts
One common question people ask is: Can someone else renew your UK passport for you? The short answer is yes, but only under specific circumstances. This article will walk you through what’s allowed, who can help, what documents are needed, and how U.K.ABROAD can make the process easier, faster, and more secure.
Quick Overview
Wondering if someone else can renew your UK passport on your behalf? In most cases, adults are responsible for handling their own renewal, however, there are important exceptions, such as for children or adults who are medically unable to sign. This guide explains who can help, what the official rules state, and how services like U.K.ABROAD can simplify the process, reduce errors, and expedite your passport renewal, wherever you live in 2025.
FAQs: Can Someone Else Renew Your UK Passport for You?
Can someone apply for a passport on your behalf in the UK?
Generally, adults must apply and sign for their own passports. Only a parent, guardian, or legal representative can apply on behalf of a child under 16 or an adult unable to sign due to medical reasons.
Can I authorise someone to get my passport?
No, the passport is sent directly to the applicant’s address. You cannot authorise someone else to collect it for you.
Can you nominate someone to pick up a passport?
Not for standard applications. Secure courier delivers UK passports to the address you provided; personal collection by someone else isn’t permitted.
Key Takeaways
- Adults must renew their own UK passports unless legally unable.
- Parents or guardians can apply for children under 16 years old.
- U.K.ABROAD helps streamline the process, review documents, and avoid delays.
- Errors in self-submitted applications are a major cause of long waiting times.
- Using an expert service can significantly reduce stress and speed up processing.
When Can Someone Else Help with a UK Passport Renewal?
If you’re abroad or unable to complete the application yourself, someone else can assist you in the application process, but they cannot sign your behalf unless you are a minor or legally incapacitated.
Adults (16 and over):
- You must complete and sign your passport application yourself.
- Someone else can help you fill out the form, upload documents, and track your application, but you must be the one to authorise and submit it.
Children (under 16):
- A parent or legal guardian must apply on their behalf.
- Only one guardian needs to sign the application.
- Both parents may need to provide consent in cases involving shared custody.
Adults with disabilities or medical conditions:
- If you are unable to sign due to a disability or illness, a legal representative can submit the application on your behalf.
- In such cases, you will need to provide medical proof and possibly a Power of Attorney (POA).
There are free services and facilities to help you with your passport application if you’re disabled. – gov.uk
Why Use a Third-Party Passport Service?
If someone else can’t legally submit your application, why do people use services like U.K.ABROAD?
Here’s why:
- They provide professional assistance to help you avoid mistakes.
- They review your documents, ensuring everything is correctly formatted and complete.
- They handle the delivery and return of your documents securely, especially useful if you’re living abroad.
U.K.ABROAD has helped thousands of expats, dual citizens, and families handle renewals without the stress or long waiting times often associated with government channels.
Real-World Example: How U.K.ABROAD Helps
Let’s say you’re a UK citizen living in South Africa, and your passport is about to expire. You’re not sure how to navigate the process, and you’re worried about delays or missing documents. With U.K.ABROAD, you can:
- Get step-by-step guidance from experienced professionals.
- Use their document checking and secure courier service.
- Be confident your application will be processed accurately and quickly, with fewer delays or rejections.
“U.K.ABROAD Passport Service was extremely helpful for getting my passport while living abroad. My experience working with Brittany was absolutely exceptional from start to finish.
Living abroad, gathering all the necessary documents and evidence can be incredibly daunting, but Brittany was instrumental in helping me negotiate every single requirement. She truly simplified a process that felt overwhelming, providing clear next steps and constant updates throughout the entire six months it took. Her proactive check-ins made me feel supported and informed every step of the way.
Thanks to Brittany and the U.K.ABROAD Passport Service, what could have been a very stressful experience was made straightforward and manageable.”
How Long Does It Take?
HM Passport Office processing times vary:
With U.K.ABROAD: as little as 4–6 weeks, depending on document readiness
According to HMPO’s 2024 report, over 12% of passport applications from overseas are delayed due to errors in documentation or incorrect photos. (Source: HMPO Annual Report 2024)
Avoiding these delays is one of the top reasons people turn to expert services.
Renew Your UK Passport Abroad with Ease: Let U.K.ABROAD Handle Everything for You
If you’re living abroad and need to renew your UK passport, don’t go it alone. Trust U.K.ABROAD, the expert passport renewal service for British citizens overseas. Contact our friendly support team for personal assistance and a stress-free experience.
Let U.K.ABROAD handle the paperwork – so you can focus on what really matters.
