stoffmin

Hi Guys,

So I have read the threads and done a search for renewing my passport (which expires in January), but still a little confused. On this page:

http://ukinusa.fco.gov.uk/en/help-fo...s/how-to-apply

It says:

It then says:

So which is it? I am based in New York and would love to be able to go to Washington to physically get a passport. The alternative seems to suggest I will be without a passport for 4 weeks, which is not ideal given the health of some family members. Understand I can get an Emergency passport if needed but just want to confirm that the only way to get a passport renewed is via this form?

Many Thanks

Duncan Roberts

The UK Passport Service for the Americas and Caribbean is the nearest British Passport Processing Centre. Unless you go back to the UK and renew it there with the super fast processing then your only options are the US based ones.

Jerseygirl

If you search Dean's posts you will find info about applying for an emergency UK PP.

IMO send your PP, applicable form etc to DC to be renewed and hope that it will be returned before an emergency happens in the UK.

MsElui

just FYI - the website says it aims to get passports back to you within 4 weeks of the money being taken. Earlier this year people were wiating months for the money to get taken but we sent in a renewal 1-2 weeks ago and had the money taken within the week so they look like they are back on top of them now.

stoffmin

OK - an added element to my situation. I am due to go to Italy in December for work. That is roughly 8 weeks away, is it better to apply now and hope they get it back before December, or wait until after Italy and then apply?

Very concerned if they cannot get it back within the 4 week time frame!

MsElui

if it were me id do it now. - but double check and triple check the form and photos so minimum chance of it coming back for a mistake.

Texas_Scouser

Just renewed mine, Took 12 days for my new one to arrive.

Scouser

Picnic

If you have travel booked for December send a copy of the confirmed itinerary with your application - this should speed up the renewal if there is any chance of delayed processing.

taffie77

I would do it now too. Don't you need a couple of months left on a passport to travel?

Jerseygirl

No...but I agree he should get it renewed asap.

MsElui

just wanted to add the renewed passport arrived today (it was sent off sometime in the first week of October - so less than 3 weeks door to door.

jcj

Do you have to send you current ORIGINAL passport with the application?

I need to renew a child's passport, which has two other Visas (including USA) on it, which I want to reuse even after getting the new passport.
So, I am hoping that sending a copy of the current passport is sufficient?

Information on this page is not clear.
http://ukinusa.fco.gov.uk/en/help-fo...-passport-usa/

First it says:

"To apply for a UK passport you must submit:
-your previous passport"

then on the same page it says
"Warning: If you are sending a photocopy of your passport, unless requested in your application your current passport will automatically be cancelled on the issuing of your new passport. You should therefore not undertake any cross border journey until you have received your new passport. To travel before this could leave your stranded in another country."

Jerseygirl

To renew a UK PP you must send the previous one to have it invalidated...it will be sent back to you with the new PP. If the old one contains visas then when you travel you carry both the current PP and the one containing the visa/s.

MsElui

they cut a large corner off the cover of the passport when they invalidate it - but dont harm the visas inside - so you need to carry the old one with the visas in alongside the new valid passport. if you dont return the current passport it may delay the application as they might treat it as 'lost' and do extra checks?

TimNiceBut

Might be worth mentioning that it's got visas inside and ask them politely not to cut or damage those - just to be on the safe side. Most countries don't take very kindly to people showing up with visas that have been damaged when the passport was invalidated.