Passport applications processed after the horse has reached 12 months of age (that have not previously held a passport) are late submissions according to DEFRA's application deadline. A replacement passport must therefore be issued, which is the type of first passport issued to a horse over the age of 12 months. This type of passport automatically signs the animal out of the human food chain, which means they cannot be slaughtered for meat.
The passport will be stamped as a ‘replacement’ and Section IX Part II (or Section II Part II
for passports issued from 1 January 2016) will be signed by a BHS representative to declare
that the horse is not intended for human consumption.
To apply to the BHS
- Download & print the BHS passport application form (or contact the office for a hard copy)
- All intended registered owners to complete page 1 of the application form
- Veterinary surgeon to complete, sign and stamp the identification chart on page 2 of the form
- Submit the completed application form to the office by SCANNING (no photos) a colour copy to the passport mailbox or posting to the office
Applications, including identification charts, must be submitted on a BHS passport application form - forms for other organisations cannot be processed by BHS and will be returned.
Cost
£27.50 for horse owners (£17.50 for registered charities)
All passports are posted via Royal Mail’s 2nd Class Signed For™ service at no additional cost, and the BHS will process the application within 15 days of receiving it. Please note that incorrect/incomplete paperwork will cause delays.
FastTrack service is also available at an additional £25, and will ensure the application is processed within 1 working day, and is returned 1st class signed for.
Microchips
If the horse has an existing microchip, be sure to check the number on the Equine Register ChipChecker to confirm that the horse has not previously been issued a passport. If the microchip number produces a result, you will need to apply to the PIO that issued the original passport for a duplicate.
(Microchips beginning in 372 are Irish and it is possible that the horse has previously been issued a passport in Ireland if they are found to have a microchip beginning in 372, in which case the UELN will need to be overstamped and a duplicate passport will need to be issued; for further information, contact the passport office).
