How to Get a UK Passport Renewed in the US

You can renew a UK passport without leaving the United States.

If you're a British citizen living in the U.S. or staying there for an extended period of time, you may need to renew your passport. Passport services for British citizens are now located in Washington D.C. All passport applications are now required to be made through the North America Passport Production Centre.

Things You'll Need

• Passport application
• Passport photos
• Application fee

Instructions

1. Print and complete a passport application form. Complete Form C1 if you are over 16 years old and form C2 if your under 16. Make sure you initial each completed page.

2. Include two identical recent passport sized photographs. The photographs must follow the specifications outlined by the International Civil Aviation Organization.

3. Send your fee with the application. The cost of renewing your passport, inclusive of postage, as of 2008 is:

   $214 for an adult 32-page passport

   $259 for an adult 48-page passport

   $137 for a child's passport.

   Fees are subject to change at any time; for the latest information visit the UK on the USA website (see Resources).

   Payment can be made by Visa/Mastercard, as well as by money orders and certified bankers or cashiers checks, to the British Embassy Government Account. Personal and certified personal checks are not accepted.

4. Send your completed application from, two passport-sized photographs, postage fee and existing UK passport to the following address:

   North America Passport Production Centre, British Embassy, 19 Observatory Circle, NW, Washington DC, 20008

5. Call 900-285-7277 (when calling from within the US).

   All passport related inquires for the British Embassy are handled by Abtran. The lines are open on weekdays from 8:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m., Eastern Standard Time.

Tips & Warnings

• It takes 10 full working days to renew a British passport from the time of receipt of the application; however this can vary depending on what time of year it is.

• Read the guidance notes before completing your application.

• Send your application via a registered courier service, such as FedEX.

• Include original documents with your application; photocopies are not acceptable.

• Passport fees are only accepted in U.S. dollars.

• A signature is required upon delivery of the passport.

• Check your completed application; incomplete applications can result in long delays.

• Don't make any travel reservations until you have received your passport.

• If your previous passport was lost or stolen, your application may take longer.

Resources

• UK in the USA: Passport Application Forms
• British Home Office: Identity and Passport Service
• UK In the USA
• UK in the USA: Passports