Understanding Passport Renewal and the Validity of Old Passports

Greetings, and thank you for asking this important question. When you renew or replace your passport online, your old passport does indeed become invalid upon the issuance of the new one. However, the process is quite meticulous and designed to prevent misuse during the transition period.

How the Process Works

Whenever you apply for the renewal or re-issue of a passport, the previous document is typically canceled, and a new one with a different number and validity starting from the date of issue of the latest passport is issued. During this process, any active visas on the old passport remain valid and can be used until their expiry. It is essential to carry both the old and new passports while traveling during the transition period.

What Happens to the Old Passport?

Upon issuance of the new passport, the old one is effectively canceled. Its number is placed on the list of invalid passports. Authorities generally require you to submit your old passport with your application to prevent misuse during the interim period between the new passport being registered and delivered. This ensures that the old passport cannot be used after it is canceled.

In many countries, including the UK, the passport office physically invalidates the old passport by clipping a corner of its cover. This makes the passport invalid, and you must not use it for travel or other official purposes.

Special Cases for Multiple Passports

There are exceptions where you may apply for a second passport, which can be valid at the same time as your primary passport. This is typically done for specific situations, such as traveling between mutual antagonistic countries or when you need to travel while waiting for a visa. In such cases, you must justify the need for a second passport. For instance, during the 1980s, I had a second passport to travel between Angola and South Africa because processing times for visa applications could be lengthy, and I needed to maintain mobility.

What Happens During the Transition Period?

The process of applying for a new passport itself does not immediately invalidate the old one. However, shortly after the new passport is issued, the database is updated, and attempts to use the old passport might trigger red alerts at immigration desks. Therefore, it’s crucial to ensure that you use your new passport for travel and not the old one once the new one is issued.

Conclusion and Tips

To summarize, the new passport will have a unique number and validity. The old passport is considered invalid and should not be used after the new one is issued. If you do have an old passport that needs to remain valid for a short period, ensure you send it with your application and physically devalue it before using it for travel.

All the very best in your passport renewal process. Should you have any more questions, please feel free to reach out.

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