BRP Card Replacement (Lost, Stolen or Damaged)

If your BRP card is lost or stolen and it was valid for 3 months or more then you can apply for a replacement of Biometric Residence Permit from inside the UK. You must report it and apply for a replacement within 3 months of losing it.

Our team of immigration solicitors in London can provide legal assistance with your BRP replacement application if your BRP card is lost, stolen or damaged.

Table of Contents

1. What is a Biometric Residence Permit (BRP)?
2. If your BRP card is lost or stolen inside the UK
3. If your BRP card is lost or stolen outside the UK
4. How to apply for a BRP replacement online?
5. BRP replacement processing time 2024
6. How much does it cost to replace a BRP card?
7. Solicitor fees for BRP replacement application
8. Need Legal Advice & Assistance?

What is a Biometric Residence Permit (BRP)?

A BRP (Biometric Residence Permit) card is a secure identity document issued by the Home Office which can be used to confirm your identity, right to study, right to any public services or benefits you’re entitled to. Your right to work in the UK cannot be confirmed by a BRP card however you can prove your right to work online.

If your BRP card is lost or stolen inside the UK

You can apply for BRP replacement if your BRP card has been lost or stolen inside the UK and it was valid for 3 months or more. You must do this within 3 months of losing it.

What if BRP was valid for 3 months or less?

You can take several actions depending on your personal circumstances:

• If you do not intend to live in the UK after the expiry of your current visa and your BRP was valid for less than 3 months, then you can simply report to the Home Office about your lost or stolen BRP card. You do not need to apply for the BRP replacement.
• If you are planning to travel outside the UK and come back within 3 months of its expiry date, then you can apply for a replacement of your BRP card.
• If you want to stay in the UK after the expiry of your current visa, then apply for an extension of your visa. You will get a new BRP card if your visa is granted.

If your BRP card is lost or stolen outside the UK

You need to apply for a “replacement BRP visa” if your BRP card has been lost or stolen outside the UK. You cannot apply for the replacement of your BRP card from outside the UK.

This single-entry “replacement BRP visa” allows you to re-enter the UK only once. The replacement BRP visa fee is £154, and Home Office can take up to 8 weeks to process your replacement BRP visa application.

You can apply for your BRP replacement when you return to the UK. You must do this within 3 months of reporting it lost or stolen.

How to apply for a BRP replacement online?

You can apply online for the replacement of your BRP card if your BRP has been lost or stolen and you are currently inside the UK.

Follow these steps to apply for a BRP replacement online. You need to:

• fill in the online application form;
• pay a fee of £56 for your BRP replacement application;
• have your biometrics taken (fingerprints and a photo).

For each dependant or applicant, you will need to complete a new application

BRP replacement processing time 2024

In 2024, the average BRP card replacement application processing time is 3-8 weeks from inside the UK. You cannot apply for BRP replacement from outside the UK.

In other words, you'll get a decision from the Home Office on your BRP replacement application within 3-8 weeks from the date of your biometric appointment. There is no priority service available for the BRP replacement applications.

How much does it cost to replace a BRP card?

The BRP replacement application fee from inside the UK is £56 if you want to replace your lost or stolen BRP card. You also need to pay £19.20 to register your biometrics.

You do not need to pay £56 for a BRP card replacement application if you are applying to replace an expired BRP card.

Solicitor fees for BRP replacement application

At Wembley Solicitors, we charge a fixed fee of £300 plus VAT for our complete legal services in relation to a BRP card replacement application.

Please contact our immigration solicitor on 02034173700 or fill in the enquiry to take the first step towards your successful BRP replacement application.