British Passports Will Now Display His Majesty’s Coat of Arms
British Passports to Feature King Charles III’s Coat of Arms in New Design Launch
British Passport Revamp: A Nod to Iconic Landscapes and Enhanced Security
The first British passports showcasing His Majesty King Charles III’s Coat of Arms will be issued starting December, featuring a completely revamped design. The passports will highlight the United Kingdom’s four nations through images of four UNESCO-protected natural landmarks: Ben Nevis, the Lake District, Three Cliffs Bay, and the Giant’s Causeway.
Advanced Security Features to Prevent Forgery
The newly redesigned passport incorporates state-of-the-art anti-forgery technology, making it the most secure version ever produced. Key enhancements include sophisticated holographic and translucent features that simplify verification and significantly enhance protection against forging or tampering.
Strengthening UK Border Security
These innovative security measures aim to prevent illegal entry by individuals lacking legal entry rights, aligning with the government’s Plan for Change to fortify Britain’s borders. Mike Tapp, the Minister for Migration and Citizenship, commented on the heightened security and symbolic design elements of the new passport.
“The introduction of His Majesty’s Arms, alongside iconic landscapes and advanced security features, marks a new era in the history of the British passport. It demonstrates our dedication to outstanding public service, celebrating British heritage while ensuring our passports remain among the most secure and trusted for years to come,” Tapp stated.
Continuous Commitment to Service Excellence
Debuting as the first new passport design since 2020, this release coincides with His Majesty’s Passport Office’s continued commitment to exceptional service for British citizens. During the first six months of 2025, more than 3.8 million passports were issued, with 99.7% of applications processed within three weeks when no additional information was required, exceeding the 98.5% target.
Citizens are advised to verify their passport’s validity and apply well in advance of any planned travel. Passports featuring Queen Elizabeth II’s Coat of Arms will remain valid until their expiration date.
A History of Security Evolution
The first modern-style British passport, introduced in 1915, featured its inaugural security element—a watermark—in 1972. Over the decades, HM Passport Office has pioneered numerous security advancements, including complex, hard-to-replicate designs and features visible only under UV light. These measures ensure British passports continue to outpace criminal attempts at counterfeiting.
