eggysbrain

hey guys, havent posted for ages!
I'm starting to try and figure out the process for renewing my UK passport from here in the USA. Im still a british citizen but a green card holder and I cant seem to locate the right website to find any info or forms.
I also have a couple of questions for those of you whove done this before...(!)

1. My passport expires in May 2010. Can I start the renewal process now or must I wait until its completely expired?

2. I understand my new passport photos will need countersigning (the only thing about my appearance thats changed is my haircolor but I want to be safe rather than sorry!) I dont know any British professionals over here but am wondering if my boss at work can sign them? Her job title would be "Branch manager" She runs a warehouse and sales offices for veterinary supplies.

3. When the passport is ready and delivered to my house, will I need to sign for it? Only I am never home when the mail comes because of work. Would this pose a problem?

4. Whats the best method of sending all the info, including my old passport? I'd like to send it as secure as possible!

5. How long does the whole process take, in your experiences?


sorry for the long winded-ness! I really appreciate any help!
thanks everyone

ian-mstm

You Googled "UK Embassy DC" right? http://ukinusa.fco.gov.uk/en/passports/. You're looking for form C1 and also the notes and instructions.

You can start now.


Yes. By the way, you don't need "British professionals"... Americans with similar status are just fine... I used my dentist.


No.


I used the US Postal Service and a bubble envelope.


Mine took about 6 weeks.

Ian

JAJ

Absolutely start the process now. There are many cases on this forum of passport applications being lost or delayed in the Embassy.

Don't book any travel until you have your new passport.

You would have found it easier to get a US passport, if you had become a citizen.

eggysbrain

thanks! I forgot to add, I am changing my name on the passport to my married name. Do i include my original marriage certificate and fill out the form with my married name?

thanks so much!!!

Elvira

http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/TravelAn...port/DG_174166

This took abut 2 seconds on google...

eggysbrain

thanks ian, thanks jaj. Elvira, you dont have to be so rude. I was only looking for some help.

Elvira

And I gave it to you!

eggysbrain

and i appreciate it I just find this whole thing very confusing at times.

Bob

Have a search through the US forums, plenty of decent info on renewing a Brit passport.

Don't need a counter sig, but if you want, it can be any professional, doctor, teacher, manager etc.

Times, looking through posts on BE, depending, around 2-10 or so weeks.

Lynyvanily

I am so glad I found this forum..... I am sending my existing passport off this week for renewal and name change... I was really worried that I did not know anyone to countersign that they knew me for 2 years (haven't been in Alaska that long!!!)... after reading all the posts and re-reading the UK gov website I found out I do not need to have it countersigned.... phew what a relief!!!! Thanks guys..

wordfool

I've never understood why the DC renewal costs so much more than the expedited UK renewal (that take less than a week). Just ripping off expats?

Is there anything from stopping one renewing a UK passport in the UK on a trip to the UK (using family address for return)? Are expats required to go through the embassy of their country of residence?

Lynyvanily

From reading the UK in USA gov website... they say you can renew whilst in the UK as long as you have an address where the passport can be sent and you can sign for it... The irony for me is I need the passport to get back to the UK and I will be visiting a city which has a passport office...Oh well next time I will have to time the trip better lol....:

Bob

if you've got a US passport, you could use that to travel on...out of date UK passport won't stop you from entering the UK, hassle getting on the plane though.

WF - have a search of the forum, it's been explained quite a few times about the cost, looking for posts from Dean "the consul"

ian-mstm

On the contrary... you're paying for the convenience.

Ian