Originally Posted by JAJ

You can get a copy of your father's birth certificate from the U.K. and then apply directly for a British passport.
http://ukinusa.fco.gov.uk/en/help-fo...nals/passports

It would be advisable to get a duplicate of the marriage certificate since they don't accept photocopies and there is a risk the application documents will be lost either in transit or at the British Embassy.

Alternatively - complete form NS and send to the Home Office (U.K. Border Agency) with supporting documents. They should issue you with a certificate confirming British citizenship, that way you don't need to send as many documents to the Embassy.
http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/si...ty/form_ns.pdf
http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/si...y/guide_ns.pdf

Originally Posted by amoco

So, I have father's birth certificate and parents marriage certificate, but I am leery of sending my passport. Do you know if it is alright to send in an expired passport, such as my previous one? It expired about 8 years ago, but other hair length, I have not changed much. Or am I to trust I will get back my current passport?

I do appreciate all the information you have provided since it is a daunting process and one I want to do right the first time.