What will the new UK passport look like?

A newly designed passport will be issued to Brits from December, with new technology set to make them the “most secure” ever.

The redesign comes just years after the previous Conservative government changed the passport from red to blue following Brexit in 2020.

The new version keeps the iconic dark blue cover that was standard before the EU introduced burgundy passports.

But now, for the first time, the passport will feature King Charles’ official coat of arms, following the passing of Queen Elizabeth II in 2022.

ITV News explains everything you need to know about the revamped passport.

How will the new passport look?

The most notable change is the cover, which will now feature King Charles’ coat of arms instead of the design linked to his late mother.

Inside, the pages have been updated with watermarked images of iconic British landmarks, including Ben Nevis, Lake Windermere, and Three Cliffs Bay.

Will the passport be more secure?

The Home Office said the new passports will feature the latest anti-forgery technology, making them “harder than ever” to clone or counterfeit, and the “most secure” British passports ever produced.

They will include advanced holographic and translucent features, making them easier to verify and more difficult to tamper with.

This will help prevent illegal entry by those with “no right to be in the UK”, the Home Office added.

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When will the new passport be available?

The new passports will be issued from December.

Anyone applying for a passport after that date should receive the updated design.

You do not need to wait for your current passport to expire to order a new one, although any unused time on your existing document will not carry over.

Passports are generally valid for ten years from the date of issue. The Passport Office may allow an additional nine months of validity if you renew early.

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How much will the new passport cost?

There is no confirmation yet on whether the fees to order a new passport will rise in the near future.

Passport fees increased again earlier this year. A standard adult application costs £94.50, and a child’s passport is £61.50, around 25% higher than in 2022.

Postal applications cost £107 for adults and £74 for children, while the premium one-day service is £222 for adults and £189 for children. Fees are slightly higher for applicants overseas.

Do I need to replace my current passport?

No. Passports issued with Queen Elizabeth II’s coat of arms remain valid until their expiry date. There is no need to renew early unless your passport is due for replacement.

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