I live in Vancouver but have a UK Passport which will expire in Jan 2011.

Is it true that :-

1. I cannot use the passport 6 months before it expires ?
2. I need a new one 6 months before the current one expires ?
3. Do passport photos either in the UK or Canada need to be notorized (signed by someone with a degree or of a certain profession like doctor ?).

Also, has anyone tried renewing there UK Passport via family/friends/contacts in the UK and whether that's possible ? If so, how long did it take ?

........or are people forced to renew there UK passport via the Canadian system (which requires it to be sent the US offices for some reason ?).

Thanks in advance for any advice and comments.

1 - It probably depends on where you are going
2 - You should renew it before it expires, depends on whether you are travelling or not. Between the UK and Canada (assuming you are a PR) I should think you just need it to be valid.
3 - No need to sign photos for adult passport renewal

Thanks Alan2005.

Does the destination make a difference ? I would be travelling from Vancouver to the UK to see my folks but generally anywhere.

So would my current passport still be valid 6 months prior to expiration if I wanted to go to the UK or anywhere in Europe and the US ?

Also, has anyone tried renewing there UK Passport via family/friends/contacts in the UK and whether that's possible ? If so, how long did it take ?

Yes, where you are going can make a difference. Depending on the visa rules for the place - check them for the country you are going to.

If mine was running out in Jan 2011 I'd probably renew around august/september time. If you've got less than 6 mos to go they add the time onto the new passport I think.

They will add a maximum of 9 months unused time to the new passport (i.e. it will be valid for 10 years 9 months.) Or at least that was the case when I recently applied in the UK.

http://ukincanada.fco.gov.uk/en/help...als/passports/

Thanks for that guys.

Just asking but has anyone tried applying as if from the UK ? and if it's possible/easier/cheaper that way ($217 if done from Canada) ?

You should know that passport renewals at the Consulate in Washington DC are currently taking two months or more - there is a long thread about the delays in the US forum.

I have not done it myself but have heard of others who have sent it all to the UK and got friends to receive the new passport and mail it back. This would probably be quicker, but you might not save much money depending on which mail / courier service you used.

In one part it asks you to send your valid passport - and in another line it mentions that if you send a photocopy

Does anyone know for sure if I can I get away with sending the photocopy rather than tying my valid passport up for 2 months ?

You have to send your current passport which they will cancel and return to you.

I thought they had to be signed by a "professional" who'd known you for three years or something?

Not for a normal renewal.