Lost Biometric Residence Permit (BRP)
Update: As of 31 October 2024, the UKVI no longer issues Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) cards.
If you have lost your BRP card you will no longer be able to apply for a replacement. Instead you will need to create your UKVI account and set up your e-visa if you have not done so already.
If you are having difficulties with creating your UKVI account and require assistance, the UKVI offer a webchat service which can help to guide you through any technical issues here
Find out more about how to create your UKVI account and set up your e-visa
BRP lost in the UK
You must report your lost or stolen BRP to the UKVI, and obtain any evidence of the loss or theft (such as a police report) if relevant. The Home Office will contact you within one working day of making the report.
Whilst you cannot replace your BRP card, it is still mandatory that you report the circumstances online. Failure to do so can result in a £1,000 fine, and also the risk of being made to leave the UK if you fail to do so.
In order to prove your immigration status in the UK without a BRP card, you will need to create a UKVI account in order to access your eVisa.
If you need to travel outside the UK after you have set up your e-visa, then when you return, you can do so using your eVisa and passport only. However you must ensure your UKVI account has all of your correct information, including your correct current passport details which must be linked to your UKVI account in order for you to be able to re-enter the UK smoothly at Border Control.
BRP lost or stolen overseas
If you lose your BRP overseas, there is still a duty to report the loss. Even if you are not planning to return to the UK during the period of visa covered by the lost BRP, or you plan to return to the UK under a different immigration category, you must report your BRP loss to UKVI
Following reporting the loss or theft to the police, you are now no longer able to obtain a replacement BRP. You must however report the circumstances online. Failure to do so can result in a £1,000 fine, and also the risk of being made to leave the UK if you fail to do so.
In order to travel to the UK without a BRP card, and also in order to prove your immigration status in the UK, you will need to create a UKVI account in order to access your eVisa. Your UKVI account must be up to date, and your current passport must be linked to your UKVI account.
If you are unable to set up access to your eVisa, or are having difficulties updating your UKVI account, in these circumstances only, you will need to obtain a replacement BRP visa. The replacement BRP visa will allow you to travel to, and enter the UK only once, and will cost £154.00.
More information about this is available on the following UKCISA webpage