LONDON – British passports will soon bear King Charles III’s coat of arms for the first time, marking another step in the country’s gradual transition to the new reign.
The Home Office announced that all new passports issued from December will feature the King’s emblem on the front cover, replacing the royal insignia of Queen Elizabeth II.
The move represents the first full redesign of the UK passport in five years, following the switch from burgundy to dark blue covers after Britain’s exit from the European Union.
Landscapes from Across the UK
Inside the new passports, natural landscapes from all four nations of the United Kingdom will be showcased — including Scotland’s Ben Nevis, England’s Lake District, Wales’s Three Cliffs Bay, and Northern Ireland’s Giant’s Causeway.
Officials said the redesign celebrates “British heritage and unity,” while incorporating cutting-edge security technology to make the documents more resistant to forgery and tampering.
A Gradual Transition
Passports have been issued in the name of “His Majesty” since 2023, but they have until now carried the late Queen’s coat of arms on the cover.
The King’s version features the rounded Tudor crown, which he selected as his royal cypher upon ascending the throne in 2022.
As part of the broader transition between reigns, the King’s image and insignia have been slowly introduced across official items such as coins, stamps, and banknotes.
The Home Office said this gradual approach was intended to minimize waste and disruption.
By convention, the monarch does not hold a passport, as the document is issued in his own name.
‘A New Era in Passport History’
Migration and Citizenship Minister Mike Tapp said the updated passport design marked “a new era in the history of the British passport.”
“It demonstrates our commitment to outstanding public service — celebrating British heritage while ensuring our passports remain among the most secure and trusted in the world for years to come,” Tapp said.
The government has urged citizens to check their passport validity and apply for renewals in advance of travel.
Passports featuring Queen Elizabeth II’s coat of arms will remain valid until their expiry date.
UK passports in their modern form, including a photograph and signature, were first introduced in 1915. Machine-readable versions followed in 1988, with watermarks added as early as 1972.
