UK Passport Renewal from the USA

Last Updated on September 12, 2025 by Tracey Roberts

British citizens living in the USA must renew their UK passport online, as embassies and consulates no longer process applications. The process typically takes 3-4 weeks, though delays are common during peak travel seasons. You’ll need your current or expired passport, a compliant digital photo, and a debit or credit card to pay the required fee. Your old passport must be posted to the UK, and your new passport will be delivered to your USA address. If you need urgent travel, you may apply for an Emergency Travel Document, but you’ll still need to complete a full renewal afterwards. For step-by-step guidance, expert document checks, and secure courier handling, you can get support from U.K.ABROAD.

Quick Facts: British Passport Renewal from the USA

Where to Renew:
Renew your UK passport online from anywhere in the USA by completing the online application form.

UK Passport Renewal Online:
The entire process can be done online, from submitting your application to uploading your passport photo. U.K.ABROAD offers guidance and assistance with every step to ensure your application is accurate and compliant.

When to Apply:
It’s recommended to renew your UK passport when it has 9 months (or less) validity remaining. You can expect a processing time of 3 to 4 weeks, so apply well in advance if you have upcoming travel.

Eligibility:
You are eligible to renew your UK passport if you already hold a British passport that is about to expire or has expired.

Documents Required:

• Completed online application form
• Your current/expired British passport
• Compliant digital passport photo
• Credit or debit card for payment
• Details of any other valid passports you hold (if applicable)

Apply Online Now

Expedited UK Passport Renewal:

If you need to travel urgently, you can apply for an Emergency Travel Document (ETD) through your nearest British Embassy or Consulate. It’s important to know this is not a fast-track renewal. It’s a temporary travel document that only covers a specific journey. You’ll still need to complete a full UK passport renewal afterwards, which U.K.ABROAD can help you manage alongside your ETD application.. Read more about emergency travel documents here.

Expert Insights from Our Experience with UK Passport Renewals

Over the years, we’ve assisted thousands of British nationals across the United States with their UK passport renewals. From that experience, we’ve noticed some common challenges that cause unnecessary delays. Our experienced British passport specialist, Hanel, breaks down some of the most common challenges applicants face:

“Photo rejections are the number one cause of delays. Many U.S. photo shops don’t follow UK rules – photos may be the wrong size, badly cropped, or have shadows. We check and adjust your digital photo before submission so you don’t lose weeks fixing mistakes.

Mismatched details cause delays. If the name or address on your application doesn’t match your documents, HM Passport Office will ask for extra proof. We check everything first to make sure it everything is in line.

Timing is often underestimated. Although the official processing time is 3-4 weeks, it can take longer around holidays like summer and Christmas. We recommend renewing 6-9 months before expiry to avoid last-minute stress. – Hanel, British passport specialist at U.K.ABROAD

Key Answers: UK Passport Renewal from the USA

As specialists in British passport services, we’ve helped many UK citizens renew their passports while living in the US. Here are straightforward answers to the most common questions we encounter:

Can I Renew My British Passport in the USA?

Yes, the entire process can be done online. With U.K.ABROAD, your valid passport will be delivered to your door in just a few weeks.

You may need to renew your UK passport if:

• You’ve changed your name.
• Your passport is over 10 years old.
• It’s lost, stolen, or damaged.
• You want to travel on a UK passport while living in the USA.

How Do I Renew My British Passport from the USA?

Renewing your UK passport is simpler than ever:

1. Fill out the online application form here.
2. Pay securely via debit or credit card.
3. U.K.ABROAD will review your documents and photo and submit the application.
4. Your documents will be safely sent to the UK.
5. Receive your new passport at your provided USA address.

Apply Online Now

How Long Does It Take to Renew a UK Passport in the USA?

It typically takes 3 to 4 weeks. Start the renewal process when your passport has 9 months of validity left in order to avoid travel issues. We do not recommend that you make travel arrangements if you have less than 6 months validity on your passport, as you run the risk of not being allowed to travel when you reach the airport or go through immigration.

In our experience supporting clients, the average turnaround in the past three months has been around 21 to 28 days for applications from New York, while applications from the West Coast can take slightly longer due to shipping times.

Do I Need to Send My Old Passport when Renewing?

Yes, your old passport must be sent in. For security reasons, it will be returned to you in a separate parcel from your new one. Avoid making travel plans if your passport is expiring soon.  Read more about sending in your old UK passport when renewing here.

What About Unexpired Visas in Your Old Passport?

If your British passport contains valid visas (such as permanent residence, re-entry, study, or work visas), they will not automatically transfer to your new passport. Once you receive your new UK passport, you must contact the local authorities in the country where you live to have these visas reissued or linked. Please note that British authorities are not authorised to transfer visas issued by other countries.

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What If your Passport Expired More Than 10 Years Ago?

If your passport has been expired for more than 10 years, you will need to submit a renewal application for a passport. The process for renewing a long-time expired passport is similar to applying for a new one. It involves providing documentation to verify your identity and citizenship. Our British passport specialists will guide you through every step of the process. Click here to find out more about renewing a passport that has been expired for ten years or more. 

How Should Dual Citizens in the US Handle their UK Passport Renewals?

If you hold both a UK and U.S. passport, you can still renew your UK passport online from the USA. You’ll just need to include your U.S. passport details in the application, as HM Passport Office requires information on all valid passports you hold.

How to Take a Photo for a British Passport

Your photo must meet strict UK passport requirements. It should be a recent digital photo, at least 600 x 750 pixels, taken against a plain light background with no shadows. You must face forward with a neutral expression, eyes open, and no glasses (unless medically required). Many U.S. photo centers don’t follow UK rules, so we recommend using a verified digital photo service or having your photo reviewed by U.K.ABROAD before submission. Find out more about UK passport photo requirements here.

Step-by-Step Guide to Renewing Your UK Passport from the USA: 

1. Start your application online

Complete U.K.ABROAD’s official British passport renewal application form for the USA: Click here to access the online application form.

2. Pay the fee

You’ll pay the application fee online using a debit or credit card. Fees are paid in pounds sterling, even if you apply from the USA.

3. Take a compliant digital photo

You’ll need a recent digital passport photo that meets strict UK requirements (at least 600 x 750 pixels, clear, and free of shadows). Your official U.K.ABROAD consultant will review your photo before submission to prevent rejections.

4. Prepare your supporting documents

Prepare to send your current or expired UK passport by courier. If you hold a U.S. passport (or any other nationality), include a colour photocopy of every page. Your dedicated U.K.ABROAD consultant will confirm exactly what you need based on your situation.

5. Send your documents securely

Once the online form is submitted, you’ll receive instructions on where to send your old passport and documents. U.K.ABROAD will arrange secure courier collection and tracked delivery to the relevant HM Passport Office department for peace of mind.

6. Receive your new passport at your provided USA address

After your application is approved, your new UK passport will be printed in the UK and delivered directly to your U.S. home address. Your old passport will be returned separately for your records.

My passport renewal process from the USA was seamless! Everything was explained to me thoroughly and I received my new passport in record time! – Danielle Best via Google Reviews

What documents are needed to renew or apply for a British Passport?

Checklist for UK Passport renewal:

• Completed application form
• Debit or credit card for payment
• Your current/ expired British Passport
• Digital photograph
• Any other non-British passport relating to the applicant

Recent changes to the British passport system must be taken into account when preparing your documents for British passport renewal in the USA. Fill in the easy online application form here, and we will advise what documents are required for your unique case.

Replacing a Lost, Damaged or Stolen British Passport

If your passport is lost or stolen, report it to local authorities and obtain a police report. You can then apply for a replacement using the same online process. If you need to travel urgently, an emergency travel document can be issued through your nearest British Embassy or Consulate. Click here to find out more about replacing a lost or stolen UK passport.

How Do I Replace My Lost British Passport?

If you’ve lost your British passport, follow these steps to get a replacement:

1. Report the Loss: Immediately report your lost passport to the local police and obtain a police report. This is essential for your application and helps protect against identity theft.
2. Gather Documentation: You may need to provide additional documentation for your replacement passport, which could cause minor delays. It’s a good idea to allow a few extra days to gather all necessary paperwork and ensure everything is in order before applying.
3. Submit a Replacement Application: The process for replacing a lost passport is similar to renewing one. Once you have your documents ready, submit your application online. The typical processing time is around 3 to 4 weeks, but this can vary depending on HM Passport Office’s workload.
4. Emergency Travel Documents: An application for a passport renewal or replacement must already be submitted and in progress, before you can apply for an emergency travel document. If you choose to use U.K.ABROAD, a consultant will guide you on how to obtain an emergency travel document within 24 to 48 hours if your application is still being processed and your new passport has not arrived in time.

Passport Validity Rules

Many countries require your passport to remain valid for at least 6 months beyond your planned travel dates, while some may even require 9 months. To avoid problems at check-in or immigration, we recommend renewing your UK passport when it has 9 months or less validity remaining.

No In-Person Renewals in the USA

UK passport renewals can only be completed online – you cannot renew in person at British embassies or consulates in the United States.

Need help renewing or replacing your British passport? Contact U.K.ABROAD, specialists in assisting British citizens in the USA. We offer support throughout the entire application process to ensure no details are overlooked.

Watch our short video on British passport renewal from the USA for more guidance.

First-time British Passport Applications from the USA

If you’re applying for your first UK passport, the process is also done online. American citizens can hold dual nationality, so you can keep your US citizenship while holding a UK passport. To find out if you’re eligible, check our criteria on birth, descent, or naturalisation by clicking here.

1. Fill out the online application form here.
2. Pay securely via debit or credit card.
3. U.K.ABROAD will review your supporting documents and photo and submit the application.
4. Your documents will be safely sent to the UK.
5. Receive your passport at your provided USA address.

Processing times can vary, but generally take 4 to 6 weeks for first-time applications.

Apply Online Now

How quickly can I get my first British passport from the USA?

A general rule of thumb is that it takes around 4 to 6 weeks to process a first-time British passport. It all depends on how busy HM Passport Office is at the time of applying.

To avoid any possible problems or delays with your UK passport application, contact the U.K.ABROAD team here or call us on + 44 7441346562 and we can assist you with your entire application and help you to avoid mistakes or an application rejection.

Passport Application Tips

Follow these tips to streamline the passport application process and avoid unnecessary delays:

1. Double-Check Your Information: Ensure all details on your application match your existing passport or legal documents, such as your name, date of birth, and place of birth.
2. Start Early: Begin the renewal process at least six months before your passport expires, if possible. This provides enough time to account for processing delays, especially during busy travel seasons.
3. Keep Your Documents Handy: Gather all necessary documents, such as your current passport, before starting the application. This avoids interruptions when filling out the form.
4. Use a Secure Delivery Address: Provide a reliable delivery address to ensure you receive your new passport safely.

By staying organised and proactive, you can enjoy a smooth renewal experience and continue your travels without concerns.

How much is a British passport?

Below are the costs to apply for or renew your British passport:

Renewals & Lost/Stolen/Damaged Passport Replacements

All inclusive of government fees, shipping fees, service fees, new passport delivered to the applicant – no additional payments will be required.

• Adult 34-page Standard Passport: (latest passport issued AFTER 1 January 2004)  £259.00 GBP*
• Adult 34-page Standard Passport: (latest passport issued BEFORE 1 January 2004) £309.00 GBP*
• Child 34-page Standard Passport: £239.00 GBP*
• Adult 54-page Jumbo Passport: (latest passport issued AFTER 1 January 2004) £269.00 GBP*
• Adult 54-page Jumbo Passport: (latest passport issued BEFORE 1 January 2004) £319.00 GBP*

First-time Applications

• Adult 34-page Standard Passport: £309.00 GBP*
• Child 34-page Standard Passport: £289.00 GBP*
• Adult 54-page Jumbo Passport: £319.00 GBP*

*GBP – British Pound Sterling

Renewing your UK passport while living in the USA is a smooth, convenient process with the right preparation and guidance. By following the recommended timelines and ensuring you have the required documents, you can enjoy a hassle-free renewal experience and continue your travels without interruption.

Child Passport Applications 

Applying for a child’s UK passport from the USA follows a similar online process as adult applications, but with additional requirements. Here’s what you need to know:

1. Eligibility: A child is defined as anyone under the age of 16. Applications must be completed by a parent or legal guardian.
2. Required Documents:
   • Completed online application form.
   • Digital passport photo of the child (meeting UK specifications).
   • The child’s current or expired UK passport (if applicable).
   • Supporting documents proving the child’s British citizenship, such as a UK birth certificate or parents’ passports (if applicable) 
   • Evidence of parental responsibility, if requested.

3. Parental Consent: Both parents may need to provide consent, depending on your family situation. Ensure the application form is completed accurately to avoid delays. Your dedicated U.K.ABROAD consultant will guide you step-by-step through the process. 
4. Processing Time: The standard processing time for child passport applications is 3 to 4 weeks. Apply well in advance of planned travel.

For additional guidance or assistance with child passport applications, U.K.ABROAD’s team can provide expert support to ensure a smooth and stress-free process.

Using a Professional Service

Renewing your UK passport from the USA can feel overwhelming, especially with strict photo requirements, document checks, no refunds, and international shipping. Many applicants choose to use a professional third-party service like U.K.ABROAD, which handles the process from start to finish. We review your application for accuracy, arrange secure courier delivery, and guide you through any complications – saving you time, stress, and the risk of costly delays.