Lost Horse Passport: How to Get a Replacement (UK 2026)

Quick answer: If you've lost your horse's passport, you must apply for a duplicate from the original Passport Issuing Organisation (PIO) — not a new passport (one horse can legally have only one passport). The PIO verifies the horse via its microchip number. A duplicate costs £30-£60 and — importantly — automatically declares the horse "not intended for human consumption" regardless of the original Section IX declaration. If you don't know which PIO issued the original, scan the microchip and check the Central Equine Database.

Why you need a duplicate, not a new passport

UK law allows a horse to have only one passport. Applying for a second "new" passport for a horse that already has one is a criminal offence — it enables passport fraud and food-chain evasion. So when you lose a passport, the correct route is a duplicate, marked as such, from the same PIO that issued the original.

Step-by-step replacement process

1. Identify the issuing PIO. Check old paperwork, or scan the microchip (a vet can do this) and look it up on the Central Equine Database at equineregister.co.uk — it links the chip to the PIO.
2. Contact the PIO and request a duplicate passport application.
3. Provide the microchip number and the horse's details to verify identity.
4. Pay the duplicate fee (£30-£60 typically).
5. Receive the duplicate — marked "DUPLICATE" and declaring the horse not for human consumption.

The food-chain consequence

This is the critical thing owners don't expect: a duplicate passport permanently declares the horse "not intended for human consumption", even if the original passport had it as intended for the food chain. This is a one-way change.

For the vast majority of leisure and competition horses, this makes no practical difference — they were never going into the food chain anyway. But it's worth knowing.

Lost vs damaged vs stolen

• Lost — apply for a duplicate as above
• Damaged — same process; return the damaged original if you still have it
• Stolen — report to police, then apply for a duplicate. The PIO can flag the original as invalid

While you wait

Legally, a horse must have a passport to be moved or sold. While waiting for the duplicate (usually 1-3 weeks), avoid non-essential movements and don't attempt to sell. Emergency veterinary movement is permitted.

If the PIO no longer exists

Some PIOs have closed or merged over the years. If the original issuer no longer operates, the Central Equine Database and DEFRA can direct you to the successor organisation or an approved alternative PIO to issue a duplicate.

FAQs

Can I get a duplicate from a different PIO?

Generally you must use the original issuer. If they've closed, an approved alternative can issue the duplicate, coordinated via the Central Equine Database.

How long does a duplicate take?

Typically 1-3 weeks, depending on the PIO and whether microchip verification is straightforward.

What if my horse isn't microchipped?

You'll need a vet to microchip the horse first (now a legal requirement anyway), then apply for the duplicate with the new chip number.

Does a lost passport mean I can't compete?

Most event organisers require the passport (and vaccination record). You'll need the duplicate before competing. Apply promptly ahead of any planned events.

Related guides

• Horse passports UK: complete guide
• Lost horse passport: replacement process
• Buying or selling a horse: documents you need
• Horse microchipping law UK

Last reviewed 2026-06-08 by Jamie Dawson, Editor.