What to do when there is an error in your passport

Mistakes on a passport can be stressful, especially if you’ve just received a renewed passport and spotted an error. Whether it’s a misspelt name, wrong date of birth, or even a signature mistake, these issues can affect your ability to travel, prove your identity, or access vital services.

In this article, the Immigration team, alongside Rita Kotecha, discusses what to do if there’s an error on your passport, the steps you need to take to correct it, and why it’s important to act quickly. 

• What happens if there’s an error on your UK passport?
• How to fix an error on your passport
• Is there a fee for correcting a passport error?
• What if I made a mistake on my online passport application?
• What if the passport office made the error?
• How we can help

What happens if there’s an error on your UK passport?

If you’ve found an error on your passport, whether in your name, date of birth, place of birth, gender, nationality, or even the photograph, you should contact the UK Passport Office immediately. You must report the mistake within 28 days of receiving your new passport.

How to fix an error on your passport

If you report the issue in time, the Passport Office will usually ask you to send both the new passport and your previous expired passport back to them for review. This applies whether you’ve made a mistake on your online passport application or the error was made by the Passport Office.

Failing to notify them within 28 days means you’ll need to submit an entirely new passport application, along with:

• A completed application form
• Two new passport photos
• Evidence of the passport application error
  

You’ll then have 28 days to send everything back, or your passport may be cancelled.

Is there a fee for correcting a passport error?

Generally, there is no charge to correct a mistake on your UK passport. However, you may have to cover postage fees, which could be claimed back via the Passport Office compensation process. Be aware that compensation rules are strict, and you may not recover all your costs.

What if I made a mistake on my online passport application?

If you made a mistake on your passport application online, such as a wrong date of birth, misspelt name, or signed the passport incorrectly, you still need to contact the Passport Office within 28 days. You cannot simply cross out mistakes or correct the form manually; doing so may invalidate the application.

What if the passport office made the error?

If the error was made by the Passport Office (known as an error of observation), they are responsible for correcting it. You must still notify them within 28 days, but the process is similar to correcting your own mistake.

In such cases, it might help to seek legal advice, especially if the error has affected your immigration status, employment, or other legal matters. An immigration solicitor can:

• Draft a letter of representation
• Communicate directly with the Passport Office
• Gather evidence of the Passport Office’s responsibility
• Advise on eligibility for compensation

Please note that while legal support can streamline the process, the Passport Office does not cover legal fees; any associated costs would need to be paid by you.

How we can help

Need to correct an error on your passport? Act quickly, follow the correct procedure, and don’t ignore mistakes, even small ones. Whether it’s a mistake on your UK passport application online or a wrong DOB on your passport, timely action is essential. 

If the issue is complex or affecting your legal status, expert immigration lawyers can help guide you through the process and protect your rights.