How to renew a BNO passport in the UK: step-by-step guide

A British National Overseas (BNO) passport renewal in the UK usually involves an online application, document checks, and payment of the official fee. While the process is generally simple, mistakes in the application form or photo submission can lead to unnecessary waiting time. This article sets out each step clearly so you know exactly what to prepare.

Table of contents

• BNO passport renewal in the UK: eligibility check
• Step-by-step: how to renew your BNO passport online
• Documents required to renew a BNO passport
• BNO passport photo requirements
• Get a photo for your BNO passport renewal online!
• BNO passport renewal fee in the UK
• Processing time for BNO passport renewal
• FAQ

BNO passport renewal in the UK: eligibility check

Eligibility usually depends on your BNO status, the validity of your previous passport, and whether your personal details have changed since the last issue. Here you’ll learn what you need to check before submitting your renewal request.

Key eligibility requirements:

• You must hold a registered British National (Overseas) status.
• Your existing BNO passport should be expired, lost, or close to expiring. BNO passport renewals are available even if the passport has already expired.
• If you were born in 1997 or later, you qualify only if you were listed as a child on a parent's BNO application before 1997. Generally, individuals born after 1997 cannot register anew but may access related visas through family connections.

New BNO passports are not issued. Only renewals for existing expired or soon-to-expire passports are possible.

Step-by-step: how to renew your BNO passport online

BNO passports are renewed online through the UK government's overseas passport service, even if you're in the UK, as they are treated as overseas applications. The process involves digital submission followed by mailing original documents within 90 days. Below, we explain how the online BNO passport renewal process works.

Follow these steps for the online application:

1. Visit the Overseas British passport application page on gov.uk.
2. Create an account or begin your application by entering your personal information, including your name, date of birth, BNO passport number, and contact details.
3. Upload a digital photo and details of any other passports, such as SAR.
4. Review your submission and pay with a credit or debit card.
5. Receive an application reference number (PEX) via email or SMS. Print the declaration form if needed.
6. Send your original documents to the specified UK address with your reference number within 90 days using a trackable courier. Track your application progress online.
7. Your new passport will arrive by courier.

Note: Any changes in name or appearance might require additional steps, like a countersignature.

Documents required to renew a BNO passport

To renew your BNO passport effectively, gather all necessary documents ahead of time. This includes identity verification and, if applicable, proof of any changes to your name or status.

Core documents:

• Your current or expired BNO passport in original form, unless it is lost or stolen.
• A colour photocopy of both sides of your Hong Kong Permanent Identity Card. If unavailable, provide a full-colour copy of every page of your HKSAR passport.
• A colour photocopy of every page, including blank ones, of any other valid passports you possess.
• A digital passport photo.

Additional residency/address proof documents for a BNO passport renewal:

• One document from the past 12 months confirming your name and address or residency, such as an employer letter, medical card, council or government letter, voter’s card, visa or residence permit (colour copy), education record, or immigration documents.
• Include a signed declaration by a countersignatory, who is a professional acquainted with you for over two years, if your appearance has changed significantly, your passport expired before 2004, or it is lost or damaged.

BNO passport photo requirements

Ensure your digital photo meets the official criteria for British documents. Follow these precise guidelines:

• Upload photos in JPEG format with at least 600×750 pixels. File size should range from 50 KB to 10 MB.
• Use a plain, light-colored background.
• Keep the photo in focus, with balanced lighting and colour. Avoid making the image too dark or too light.
• You can wear head coverings for religious or medical reasons, but your face must be fully visible.
• Avoid shadows on your face or behind your head.
• Face the camera directly with a neutral expression, keeping your head and shoulders centered in the frame.
• Glasses are fine if your eyes are clearly visible and without reflections.
• The photo must be taken within the last month.

Example of an acceptable BNO passport photo:

Get a photo for your BNO passport renewal online!

Thanks to modern online photo tools, you don't need a photo studio to get a high-quality image. Here's how to create a compliant photo for your BNO passport application using Visafoto, a reputable photo editing service. Just follow these two simple steps:

1. Upload a photo taken in natural daylight to the Visafoto tool below.
2. Select the country and document type, such as the UK passport.

That's it! Visafoto will automatically adjust the background, size, and head position to meet official requirements. You’ll receive a digital version perfect for online submissions and a format ready for printing.

An example photo for Visafoto:

Result after Visafoto editing:

With a 99.7% acceptance rate and over 1,000,000 approved photos, Visafoto guarantees compliance with official standards or offers a full refund. Our tech support is available 24/7 to assist with any issues.

BNO passport renewal fee in the UK

The cost of renewing a BNO passport varies based on the type of passport and how you apply. Below, we explain the current BNO passport renewal prices.

Online application fees:

• Standard adult 34-page passport: £94.50.
• Adult 54-page frequent traveller passport: £107.50.
• Child (under 16) standard 34-page passport: £61.50.
• Child (under 16) 54-page frequent traveller passport: £74.50.
• Passports for those born on or before 2 September 1929: Free.

Paper form application fees:

• Standard adult 34-page passport: £107.
• Adult 54-page frequent traveller passport: £120.
• Child (under 16) standard 34-page passport: £74.
• Child (under 16) 54-page frequent traveller passport: £87.
• Passports for those born on or before 2 September 1929: Free.

Important: Fees are set to increase on 8 April 2026. Always check the updated costs on the Passport Fees page on the gov.uk website.

Processing time for BNO passport renewal

BNO passport renewals, processed via the UK's overseas passport service, even if applied for within the UK, generally take 3-6 weeks after the HM Passport Office receives your documents. Use your PEX reference number to track the status online.

For quicker processing, consider the urgent options described below.

1-day premium service

The earliest you can get an appointment is 2 days after you apply. You’ll need to hand in your old passport at your appointment. Collect your new passport from the passport office 4 hours after the appointment.

This service is for adult passport renewals only and costs £222 (or £235 for a 54-page frequent traveller passport).

1-week fast-track service

Appointment available the next day. Receive the new passport by courier 1 week after the appointment.

Use this service to:

• renew a passport.
• update personal details (e.g., name, place of birth, or gender);
• replace a lost, stolen, or damaged passport;
• obtain a child's passport.

BNO passport renewal fast-track costs are as follows:

• £178 for an adult passport (or £191 for a 54-page frequent traveller passport).
• £145 for a child passport (or £158 for a 54-page frequent traveller passport).

FAQ

Who can confirm my identity for a BNO passport renewal?

A countersignatory must be age 18 or older, reside in the UK, hold a UK, EU, Commonwealth, or US passport, belong to a recognised profession (such as a lawyer, doctor, or journalist), and have known you (but not as family) for at least two years.

Can I travel on my BNO passport during renewal?

No. Once you’ve submitted your BNO passport for renewal, you cannot use it for international travel. If you have dual nationality, travel with another valid passport, such as an HKSAR passport, since airlines and border officials will not accept expired or submitted documents.

What if my BNO passport has already expired?

You can renew it regardless of how long it has been expired. Make sure to submit the original expired passport with your application. There are no extra penalties for expired documents.

Can I renew my BNO passport if I live abroad but visit the UK?

Yes. You can renew your passport online through the overseas passport service, no matter where you live. You can apply from anywhere, including during a visit to the UK, by sending your documents to the HM Passport Office.

What if my BNO passport is lost or stolen in the UK?

Report the loss or theft to the UK police to obtain a crime reference number. Then, apply for a replacement online at gov.uk/report-a-lost-or-stolen-passport. Include the police report and follow the standard BNO renewal steps with additional identity proof.

Do I need to print out a photo for BNO passport renewal?

You need a digital photo rather than a printed one, as the application is completed online and requires you to upload a digital image.