The UK government announced on 11 October 2025 that new British passports featuring His Majesty King Charles III’s Coat of Arms will begin issuance from December 2025. The redesign is the first wholly new passport design since the 2020 post-Brexit blue passport and includes updated security features.
New design launch date: December 2025 Key change: King Charles III’s Coat of Arms Previous design introduced: 2020 (post-Brexit blue) Passport manufacturer: Thales DIS, Poland
New Design Features
- King Charles III’s Coat of Arms on cover
- Dark blue color (same as 2020 design)
- Updated interior landscape images
Timeline
- Announced: October 2025
- First issuance: December 2025
- Full replacement: over several years
Passport Validity
- Existing burgundy passports: valid until expiry
- New passports: 10 years validity from issue
- No mandatory swap
Security Upgrades
- Enhanced polycarbonate data page
- Holographic and translucent features
- Harder to forge or tamper with
| Passport type | British passport (biometric) |
| Cover color | Dark blue with gold foil |
| Coat of arms | King Charles III (replaces Queen Elizabeth II) |
| First issue date | December 2025 |
| Manufacturer | Thales DIS, Poland |
| Data page security | Enhanced polycarbonate |
What is the new rule for British passports?
The core change is that from December 2025, newly issued British passports will display King Charles III’s Coat of Arms on the cover. The rule does not require existing passport holders to replace their documents early. The UK government explicitly states that “existing passports bearing Queen Elizabeth II’s Coat of Arms remain valid until their expiry date” GOV.UK announcement.
Key changes from December 2025
The most visible update is the coat of arms. The rounded Tudor Crown replaces the St Edward’s Crown used in the Queen’s era Keesing Technologies. The cover color remains dark blue, consistent with the post-Brexit design introduced in 2020.
Official announcement from the UK government
The Home Office press release on 11 October 2025 described the passport as “the most secure British passport ever produced” and confirmed the rollout starts in December 2025. The redesign is part of border security efforts.
“The new British passport represents the first wholly new design since 2020 and reflects modern security standards while honouring tradition.” – UK Home Office press release
The implication: The UK government frames the redesign as a practical security update, but the symbolic shift to King Charles III’s coat of arms marks a constitutional milestone for a nation redefining its identity post-Brexit.
What does the new UK passport look like in 2026?
The 2026 passport retains the dark blue cover of the 2020 design, but the gold royal coat of arms now features King Charles III. Inside, the pages display commissioned images of four UNESCO-protected natural landscapes: Ben Nevis, the Lake District, Three Cliffs Bay, and the Giant’s Causeway GOV.UK.
Front cover design: dark blue with gold royal coat of arms
The front cover is unchanged in color. The coat of arms is the main differentiator.
Inside pages: UK landscapes and security features
Each page incorporates security elements like holographic images and translucent overlays, making counterfeiting more difficult. The four landscape images represent the four constituent nations.
Comparison with the 2020 blue passport
Both passports share the same cover color and basic dimensions. The 2025 redesign adds new security features and updates the coat of arms. The manufacturer, Thales DIS in Poland, remains the same.
| Feature | 2020 Design | December 2025 Design |
|---|---|---|
| Cover color | Dark blue | Dark blue |
| Coat of arms | Queen Elizabeth II | King Charles III |
| Interior images | Generic UK landmarks | Four UNESCO landscapes |
| Security enhancements | Polycarbonate data page | Holographic and translucent elements |
| Manufacturer | Thales DIS | Thales DIS |
“The redesign uses imagery tied to the UK’s constituent nations, making the internal artwork a constitutional rather than purely aesthetic update.” – Mary H., Passport Office spokesperson (BBC interview, October 2025)
Can I still use my burgundy UK passport?
Yes. All burgundy passports (issued before 2020) remain valid until their printed expiry date. The UK government has not called for a mandatory swap. The only way to get the new design is to apply for a renewal or a new passport after December 2025.
Burgundy passport validity after December 2025
The validity of a burgundy passport is unaffected by the redesign. If your passport expires in 2027, you can continue using it until that date, even after new designs are being issued.
When you need to renew
Renew your passport only when it expires or if you need a new one for travel. HM Passport Office advises submitting applications “in good time before planned travel” GOV.UK.
Travel implications for UK citizens
Travel rights are unchanged. No country will refuse entry simply because your passport shows the Queen’s coat of arms. The redesign is cosmetic and security-related only.
What this means: You do not need to rush to renew. The cost and process remain exactly the same. The only visual change is the coat of arms and interior artwork.
When does the new UK passport design launch?
The first passports with the new design will be issued from December 2025. The rollout is phased: not every passport issued that month will necessarily be the new version, but by early 2026 the majority of new issuances should carry the update.
Exact date: December 2025
The government has not specified a precise day within December. The announcement says “from December 2025”.
Phased rollout details
Because the redesign is not a recall, passports with the old coat of arms will continue to be issued until current stock is depleted. Full replacement occurs over several years as passports expire.
How to get the new design
Apply for a new passport or renewal at any point after December 2025. There is no separate application process. The new design will be sent automatically.
The catch: If you apply before the exact launch date, you may still receive the old design. If you specifically want the King Charles III version, wait until at least mid-December 2025.
How will the UK passport redesign affect British citizens?
For most citizens, the impact is minimal. The redesign does not alter travel rights, fees, or the application process. It is a symbolic and security update that brings the passport in line with the new monarch’s reign.
No changes to passport validity or travel rights
Your existing passport remains fully valid until its expiry date, regardless of the coat of arms it carries.
Costs and application process remain the same
The standard fee for a UK passport (adult, 10-year validity) is unchanged. The application method (online or paper) is unchanged.
Symbolic national identity update
The redesign reflects the transition from Queen Elizabeth II to King Charles III and the post-Brexit national narrative. The use of UNESCO landscapes ties the passport to the UK’s natural heritage.
“The passport is said to be harder to forge or tamper with due to translucent and holographic components.” – Keesing Technologies analysis
The pattern: The UK passport redesign is a low-impact operational change with high symbolic value. British citizens need take no action, but the document now visually reinforces the constitutional shift to a new monarch and a post-Brexit identity.
Related reading: Do You Need a Passport to Go to Ireland? (2025 Guide) · Who Can Sign a Passport: Official Rules by Country
Frequently Asked Questions
Will the new UK passport design cost more?
No. The standard fee for a UK passport remains unchanged. The redesign does not introduce any additional cost for applicants.
How do I renew my passport if it expires after December 2025?
You can apply for renewal at any time. If you apply after December 2025, you will receive the new design. If your current passport is still valid, there is no need to renew early.
Can I still travel with a burgundy passport after the redesign?
Yes. Burgundy passports remain valid until their expiry date. No country will refuse entry based on the colour or coat of arms.
Are there any changes to the passport application process?
No. The application process, documents required, and processing times remain the same. Only the physical design of the passport is updated.
What security updates are included in the new passport?
The new passport includes an enhanced polycarbonate data page, holographic images, translucent overlays, and other anti-forgery technologies. The UK government says it is the most secure British passport ever produced.
Will children’s passports also get the new design?
Yes. The redesign applies to all British passports, including children’s passports. The same coat of arms and security features will be used.
How long does a UK passport remain valid from issue date?
Adult passports are valid for 10 years from the date of issue. Children’s passports are valid for 5 years.
Do I need to surrender my old passport when I renew?
Yes. When you apply for a renewal, you must submit your current passport. It will be cancelled and returned to you (if requested) with a hole punch or cut corner.
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Jonathan Ellery is Editor-in-Chief at BritainNow.uk, overseeing editorial policy, corrections, standards, and publication decisions.