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What to do if…
you notice your passport is not signed and you are close to departure

Produced and maintained by PanicStation.org Published: Last reviewed: Editorial policy UK guide

Short answer

If your UK passport requires a signature, sign it before you travel, using a black ballpoint pen on the “holder’s signature” line. Do not sign it if the passport says “the holder is not required to sign”.

Do not do these things

  • Do not reach check-in or bag drop with the passport still unsigned if you are required to sign it.
  • Do not sign if the passport says “the holder is not required to sign”.
  • Do not let someone else sign your passport for you.
  • Do not sign below the holder’s signature line.
  • Do not add a date, note, explanation, or extra information beside the signature.
  • Do not use pencil, correction fluid, correction tape, or coloured ink; use a black ballpoint pen.
  • Do not cross out, write over, rub out, or try to repair a signing mistake.

What to do now

  1. Check whether the passport says you do not need to sign.
    Look on the page with your name and photo. If the passport says “the holder is not required to sign”, leave the signature area blank.

  2. If you are aged 11 or under, do not sign unless the passport clearly requires it.
    UK passports for holders aged 11 or under should show that the holder is not required to sign.

  3. If you are required to sign, use the right pen.
    Use a black ballpoint pen. Put the passport on a flat, dry surface before you write.

  4. Sign once, carefully, on the holder’s signature line.
    Use your usual signature or mark. Sign on the “holder’s signature” line, and do not sign below the line.

  5. Let the ink dry before closing the passport.
    Keep the page open for a moment so the signature does not smudge or transfer onto the opposite page.

  6. Check for obvious problems before you go further.
    Check that the signature is on the passport itself, not on a photocopy or other document, and that you have not added a date, crossed anything out, or written below the line.

  7. If you made a signing mistake, stop trying to fix it.
    Contact HM Passport Office through the Passport Adviceline or GOV.UK contact routes for advice. A signing mistake may cause travel problems, and some mistakes can make the passport invalid.

  8. If you are already at the airport, pause before check-in or bag drop.
    If the passport is simply unsigned and you are required to sign it, find a black ballpoint pen and sign before presenting it. If you are unsure whether you have made a mistake, speak to airline staff or contact HM Passport Office advice before joining the queue where possible.

What can wait

  • You do not need to read stories about whether other travellers were allowed through with an unsigned passport.
  • You do not need to replace the passport just because it was unsigned, if you signed it correctly and you were required to sign it.
  • You do not need to contact HM Passport Office after signing correctly unless there is another problem with the passport.
  • You do not need to decide wider travel plans until the signature issue is dealt with.

Important reassurance

This is often fixable if the passport simply needs your signature and you sign it correctly before travel. The important thing is not to rush, sign in the wrong place, or try to repair a mistake.

Scope note

These are first steps for an unsigned UK passport close to departure. If there is also damage, a name mismatch, an expiry problem, a visa issue, or destination-specific entry rule, you may need separate specialist help.

Important note

This guide is general information for immediate practical steps. It is not legal, travel, immigration, or professional advice, and airlines or border authorities may still make their own checks.

Additional Resources

Closely connected guides that may be useful during the same situation or its immediate aftermath.

About this guide

This guide was produced and is maintained by PanicStation.org using its published editorial process. Official and specialist sources are checked where relevant, and AI-assisted tools may be used for drafting, organisation, and consistency checks. The site operator remains responsible for publication, revision, and removal decisions.

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