An expired passport can cause major problems, from preventing travel to complicating residency paperwork. For British expats living in Tenerife, renewing a UK passport is a process that has changed significantly in recent years. It's now handled entirely online, directly with His Majesty's Passport Office in the UK. This guide breaks down the modern process.

The Process is 100% Online

The most important thing to know is that you **cannot** renew your passport at a British Embassy or Consulate in Spain. The old in-person system no longer exists. The entire application must be completed online.

The official government website will guide you through the application, but you need to be prepared with the right information and documents before you start.

What You Will Need to Renew Your Passport

Before you start the online application, make sure you have the following ready:

  • Your current passport: You will need details from it, and you will have to physically post it back to the UK as part of the process.
  • A digital passport photo: This must meet specific, strict criteria. You can take one at home or use a photo booth that provides a digital code.
  • A credit or debit card: To pay the renewal fee and the courier fee online.
  • An email address and phone number: For communication and updates on your application.

The Step-by-Step Online Process

  1. Go to the official UK Government website: Start the "Overseas British passport applications" process.
  2. Complete the Online Form: You will fill in your personal details, details from your old passport, and upload your digital photo.
  3. Pay the Fee: You will pay the application and courier fees online.
  4. Post Your Old Passport: After completing the application, you will be given instructions and an address to send your old passport to in the UK. It is highly recommended to use a tracked courier service for this.

The new passport will be delivered to your address in Spain via a secure courier.

When You Might Need Translation Services

While the application itself is in English, you may require professional translation services if your circumstances have changed. For example, if you have married in Spain and wish to change your name on the passport, you will need to provide your Spanish marriage certificate.

This official document must be translated into English by a sworn translator ("traductor jurado") to be accepted by the UK Passport Office. We can provide official, sworn translations for marriage certificates, name change documents, and any other supporting evidence you may need to ensure your application is processed without delays.