dunblane

Hi

I'm not sure if there is a thread already for this but heres my problem.

I've lived in the usa for 16yrs and my UK passport expired 11yrs ago and because i never needed it i never renewed it. well now i need to get back to the UK to visit my mum who has alzheimers and her memory is going. Anyway i need to know where do i go to get a new passport. I guess what i've read online is that i need a new one as i've got married and have a different surname, instead of a straight renewal.

I just can't find where i'm supposed to go online to get the forms etc to do this, so frustrating as i seem to be going round in circles

so any help would be so appreciated

Pulaski

Unless you need to stay longer than six months, a US passport will be fine to visit the UK. ..... And you can renew/ replace your British passport more cheaply from there.

dunblane

i don't have a US passport i have an expired UK passport as im not a USA citizen just a permanent resident, i need to know how to renew/replace UK passport here in the USA

Pulaski

Here you go!

dunblane

do i have to send it to the UK i thought you sent it to DC i'm so confused

Pulaski

DC is closed for passports, as is every other embassy around the world. All British passport applications are processed in the UK now, and have been for several years.

If it's a "life or death" matter, you might be able to get an emergency travel document from DC. It is also possible that an airline might let you board with an expired British passport, as it is generally thought that a British citizen is always entitled to enter the UK, and I doubt you would be denied - so getting an airline to allow you to board would likely be your biggest hurdle, especially as your passport expired so long ago.

Thinking of which, your expired passport is probably one which is not machine readable, so you may have to go through extra steps to get a new passport, over and above a straight "renewal", even allowing for change of name.

Jerseygirl

The application is sent to the UK. I renewed mine a few months ago...a received my new pp within the week. Unfortunately your application will be treated as a first time application and not a renewal...therefore it will take longer.

If it is an emergency you may be able to obtain an ETA...emergency travel document. This will mean a trip to a UK embassy or consulate.

dunblane

Where do you find the info on where to send it fees forms etc. I still have my old passport to send with application so they can see I had one is just a name change and new passport

Pulaski

Go through the link I sent you in #4 above. It is specific for applications from outside the UK and takes you step by step through the process, including the mailing address and fees.

Unfortunately old passports were easy to counterfeit, so they can't just issue a new one based on the old one. Changing your name to your married name is an additional complication, which they will need to review and verify before your passport can be issued.

Bob

https://www.gov.uk/overseas-passports

Expired that long, you're looking at applying as if the passport was your first passport.

So it might take a smidge longer than the 2-3 weeks that it takes for a regular renewal.

SanDiegogirl

I'd go for US citizenship too and get your US passport.

Pulaski

To the OP, if you get US citizenship you MUST use a US passport when entering or leaving the US, so this may be an additional cost consideration. On the other hand you would save the ten-yearly cost of renewing your green card.

BritInParis

Pulaski has given you the correct link to renew your passport. You'll need to include your marriage certificate and an official letter or document from the government or your employer in your married name dated within the last year if you wish to your passport to be issued in your married name.

dunblane

A letter from my employer stating what?

Pulaski

"... in your married name ...."

Something to show that you are using your married name in your dealings with your employer or the government. Based on what BiP said, it looks like one of your pay vouchers, or a letter from the IRS or Social Security Administration would be suitable.