Transfer of Ownership

It is a legal requirement for a new owner to update the ownership details on the passport within 30 days of purchasing the horse. Failure to do so is an offence.

Transfer of Ownership Form

How to complete a change of ownership

A change of ownership form must be completed before any changes are made to the passport. Download the form here or contact the Passport Office Registrar@imhps.com to request a hard copy.

It is important that you provide a signature for the current registered owner (that last name in the passport which the IMHPS stamp has officially endorsed) to confirm that they no longer own the horse.

What if the person I bought the horse from isn’t the registered owner?

IMHPS advises that before purchasing a horse, potential buyers check the horse’s passport to make sure that it contains the seller’s details as the registered owner.

In the event that you are unable to obtain the signature from the current registered owner, you will also need to complete a disclaimer form.

Cost

Change of ownership costs £25 per passport for non-members, or £20 for members.

We return all passports by Second Class Signed For delivery.

Processing Time

Upon receipt of the change of ownership application, the IMHPS team will endeavour to transfer the ownership within 10 working days, however during busy periods this could take up to 15 working days. Please be aware that incorrect paperwork and missing payments can cause delays.

Express Passport Service (Payment by bank transfer only)

The passport will be turned around within five working days, as long as the paperwork is correct. Please add £25 per passport to the stated fees. Please note that if the transfer of ownership form is not completed correctly there will be delays.