ethan2

is it mandatory to apply for your passport online?

or is it possible to download the forms and send them by mail without applying online?

Aviator

Of course it is, it is all in the Passport website how to do it.

ethan2

i think perhaps, as in my other thread, you believe i am applying for a canadian passport when, in fact, i am applying for a british passport from overseas.

some searches have indicated that if living in britain its not necessary to apply online but it is so if living abroad.

Quiche2329

I renewed mine a few years but I happened to be back in Scotland for a visit so just did it then..

But if you want to post the application in you could send the completed application to a friend/relative back in the UK then get them to post it in for you.

When I looked into before knowing I was going to be in the UK for a visit I'm sure there was somewhere in Washington you could post it to if you were over in Canada, might be completely wrong.

Try emailing or calling the British Passport office they should be able to advise.

ethan2

mailing it to a friend or relative is a good idea, cheers.

i've phoned numerous times to the passport office and four consuls - only phone prompts. not sure if there are any human beings working for the government anymore

Shirtback

Out of date info (Washington) .

All renewals now go to/through the UK.

ethan2

do you know if renewals can only be done only online, Shirtback?

palmerq

doing it online is really easy and I think it makes the whole thing a bit quicker too,I just renewed mine last month and it took em about 2 weeks to get it back out to me from the date they received it.

pinzo

What is the problem doing it online??

Even if you do it online, you still need to mail in the paperwork (you will have to send your old passport back to the UK Passport office and send in new photos anyway) so you might as well skip the part of sending it to a friend and them sending it in.....just remember to mail it with tracking info.

Everything now goes to Durham, UK....like someone else said, Washington is out of date info.

pinzo

And the website says;

You must apply and pay for your passport online.

So I guess that answers your question

Quiche2329

I knew the Washington info might have been out of date as I did mention it was a few years ago I did it..

Bellanova

I just got mine back in 3 weeks from start to finish and that was over Christmas too, super easy online!!

Shirtback

Apparently. I've had a quick look, & can't find a snail mail option (I could be wrong), but why would you/do you need snail mail?

ethan2

perhaps via snail mail i could pay using a certified cheque or money order

Novocastrian

I assume there's a compelling reason why you don't have a credit card or even a Visa debit card? Prepaid is OK too.