There is a reference number in every UK passport and it is a crucial and sensitive information. You can not simply look up your reference number of passport online because it is protected by private regulations. However, in case you can not find your physical passport at the moment, there are ways to find your passport number. In this article, we will delve into different processes of finding a British passport number.
What is the UK passport number
A United Kingdom passport number is a 9-digit code assigned to a passport when it is issued for the first time or when it is renewed. It is important information and it is necessary in various official activities such as applying for a visa, crossing borders and more. You should always be cautious about revealing your passport number because it may be used for identity theft or fraud. If your passport is lost or stolen, you need to report the loss as soon as possible.
Where is the UK passport number
A UK passport contains many personal details, but where is passport number? Find it on the personal details page with your passport photo. On this page of your passport, you can see your 9-digit UK passport number on the top right, printed in black. Also, there are 2 rows of numbers and letters at the bottom below the photo. The first 9 numbers on the second row are exactly the same as the 9-digit passport number.
How to find a UK passport number without a passport
Although you can find your passport number easily on your passport page, there are circumstances where you don’t have it in hand but need the passport number right away. How to find out passport number without passport? Here are the alternative means to find your UK passport number:
Frequent flyers
Frequent flyers are people who travel by plane frequently. If you happen to be a frequent flyer, it is very likely you have your passport details stored in your airline accounts. Log in the airline account that you use most often and you can find your passport number on the airline website or application.
Recent visa application
If you have applied for a visa recently, you can look through your visa application documents and e-mails. Usually, personal information including your passport number can be found on visa-related documents.
Hotel check-ins abroad
Some hotel check-ins abroad will keep a copy of the passport of the customers or save passport information of the customers. If you have stayed in a hotel recently, try to contact the hotel to check your passport information. They may have your passport number on file.
Purchased travel insurance
It is possible that you find your passport number in the travel insurance you purchased. Go to the insurance provider’s website and log in to your account. Check the policy details, your passport number may be listed on the document.
Check digital backup
It is always recommended to have a digital backup of your passport. Take a photo of the personal details page of your passport and send it to your own e-mail account. In this way, you can find your passport number through e-mail whenever you want as long as there is internet.
Retrieve from HMPO
Retrieving your passport number from the HMPO (Her Majesty’s Passport Office) should be your last resort because the process takes more time and effort. There are several ways to contact the HMPO:
1. Contact by e-mail
E-mail a request letter to the HMPO at MISC.referral@hmpo.gsi.gov.uk. The letter should include the following:
- Full name at birth and other name changes (if you have).
- Date and place of birth.
- Contact information including address, e-mail address and phone number.
- Relevant passport information that can help with searching your record, such as the estimated date of issuance.
- A copy of a valid ID, such as your driver’s license.
2. Contact by mail
Send a written request to the HMPO address as follows:
Her Majesty’s Passport Office,
PO Box, 767,
Southport,
PR8 9PW
3. Contact by text
Send a text to the HMPO at 18001 0300 222 0222 during working hours, which is 8 am to 8 pm GMT from Monday to Friday. The text content should include the personal details mentioned above.
4. Contact by phone
You can talk to the staff of the HMPO at +44 (0)300 222 0000 during working hours. Pay attention to the time difference if you are not in the UK.
5. Contacty by webchat
Try talk to an adviser of HMPO through webchat . Business hours is 8 am to 8 pm from Monday to Friday and 9 am to 5:30 pm during weekends and public holidays, but please expect delays because the staff is usually busy at peak times.
Since the response time from the HMPO is not clear, it is best you try other ways of retrieving your passport number before you contact the HMPO.
How to keep your UK passport number safe
Your UK passport contains some of the most important personal information about you, especially the passport number. It could cause serious loss if it falls into the wrong hands. Therefore, here are some suggestions for keeping your passport number safe:
1. Make copies of your passport personal page.
- Scan or take a photo of your passport’s personal details page and send it to your e-mail address. It is the quickest way to find your passport number when your passport is inaccessible.
- Also, you can make hard copies of your passport and store them somewhere safe at home, or bring one along with you when traveling.
2. Keep your passport in a zipped pocket.
If you are taking your passport with you all the time, you’d better keep it in a zipped pocket in your bag in case it falls out or gets stolen. If it is lost, report the loss immediately.
3. Be alert when traveling
When you are traveling, you may need to present or submit your passport at some point. Make sure the facility that checks or handles your passport is legitimate and ask if you can submit your ID instead of your passport.
Tips: Valuable information including expiry date, place of issue, name and more can be checked on your British passport. It’s important to keep it safe with the above tips.
FAQ
Are all UK passport numbers 9 digits?
Yes. All UK passport numbers have been 9 digits since 1988.
What is the 44-digit passport number?
At the bottom of your passport’s photo page, there are 2 rows of numbers and letters. Each of them has 44 digits. The first row contains numbers and chevrons while the second row contains numbers, letters and chevrons.
What is the pattern of UK passport numbers?
The pattern of a UK passport number is intricate. It is calculated based on a specific algorithm, which can not be easily decrypted.
Conclusion
The UK passport number is a piece of crucial information and can be used for many official activities. You should always keep it safe and secure. We have walked you through different methods of finding your passport number in this article. Hope it answers your question about “how to obtain my passport number”.
Erin Lo