Stop someone getting a passport

You might be able to stop a child or vulnerable person getting a passport.

You may want to do this if:

  • you think your child may be abducted and taken overseas by their other parent (or someone who has parental responsibility)
  • a relative is vulnerable (for example, they have a mental disability) and you do not think it would be safe for them to have a passport

Contact the police or social services if you’re concerned about these issues.

You should not stop a child’s passport if they’ve already been taken overseas. It makes the process of getting them back harder and may also be against the law.

How to stop a passport

Contact HM Passport Office to find out if it will be possible to stop someone from getting a passport.

HM Passport Office will usually only stop a passport if you have a court order to do so.

HM Passport Office
Passport Adviceline
Online enquiry form
Telephone: 0300 222 0000
Textphone: 0300 222 0222
Text Relay: 18001 0300 222 0000
Monday to Friday, 8am to 8pm
Saturday, Sunday and public holidays, 9am to 5:30pm
Find out about call charges

Related content