British Passport Renewal for UK Citizens in the U.S.
If your British passport expires while you're in the United States, there's no need to worry. You don’t have to visit a British consulate or rush home to apply for a new one.
Thanks to the UK’s online passport application system, you can renew your travel document easily from anywhere in the world.
Table of contents
- Take a digital passport photo
- Complete the Online passport application
- Pay the UK passport renewal fee
- Send your expired passport to the HM passport service
- What if I need a new British passport in the USA urgently?
- What if I lost my UK passport in the USA?
To renew your British passport in the USA, follow these instructions.
You will need a digital passport photo when completing your application form. The UK passport photo requirements are as follows:
- The format for a British passport photo is 3:4. If printed, the required size is 35x45 mm, while the digital version must be at least 600 pixels wide and 750 pixels tall;
- The file size must be between 50KB and 10MB;
- The photo should be taken against a plain, light-coloured background, preferably white. A light grey or beige background is also acceptable, provided there are no strong shadows;
- You must look directly at the camera with a neutral expression and your eyes open and visible;
- Head coverings are only permitted for religious or medical reasons, but they must not obscure the face.
Example:
To instantly create a compliant British passport photo, simply upload a portrait of yourself facing forward in even lighting. Visafoto will automatically adjust the background, dimensions, and file size to meet UK passport specifications.
Source
Result
You will get a digital UK passport photo suitable for online applications.
You can apply for a UK passport from the U.S. (or any other country) via the official Gov.uk website. Click the "Start" button, answer a series of eligibility questions (such as your location, type of passport, and reason for renewal), and proceed to the application form.
Make sure you have your previous passport nearby, as you’ll need to provide details such as the passport number, issue date, and expiry date. Your old passport must be physically intact—damaged documents are not eligible for standard renewal and may require a new application as if applying for the first time.
You will be asked to:
- Enter personal details such as your full name, date of birth, and UK National Insurance number (if applicable);
- Confirm your current address abroad and where the new passport should be delivered;
- Upload a digital passport photo that meets UK specifications;
- Pay the application fee using a credit or debit card;
- Print and sign a declaration form (which is emailed to you after submission);
- Send your signed declaration along with your old passport to the address provided.
If you are changing your name or if your appearance has significantly changed, you may also be required to submit additional supporting documents, such as a marriage certificate or a signed statement from a professional who can confirm your identity.
A full list of documents required for renewing a British passport from overseas can be found here.
Take care to review all information before submitting, as errors can delay the processing of your passport.
“How much does it cost to renew a British passport in the USA?” The fee is the same regardless of where you apply from, including the United States.
As of 2025, the cost to renew a British passport online is £88.50 for an adult and £57.50 for a child. If you choose to apply using a paper form, the fee increases to £100 for adults and £69 for children.
You can pay the fee securely online using a debit or credit card during the application process.
Refer to this article for comprehensive information on current British passport fees.
Once your online application is submitted, you will be instructed where to send your expired passport. You can choose a convenient UK passport office address during the process. It is strongly recommended to use a secure, trackable international courier service—DHL is often preferred.
Your old passport will be returned to you along with your new one, usually in a separate envelope.
How long does it take to renew a British passport from the USA?
As the application is processed in the UK, the typical processing time ranges from 4 to 12 weeks. Timescales can vary depending on demand, staffing, and postal delays. During periods of high volume or global disruptions, such as pandemics, longer wait times are possible.
Currently, there is no way to track your UK passport renewal application online if applying from abroad. However, you will receive email updates at key stages of the process.
What if I need a new British passport in the USA urgently?
If your passport has expired and you need to travel urgently, you may be eligible for an Emergency Travel Document (ETD). This document allows British citizens to travel to their intended destination via up to five countries, if needed. It can also be used to return to the United States, provided the route complies with your travel plan.
An ETD is intended for UK nationals abroad who cannot wait for a full passport renewal and need to travel for urgent reasons, such as medical emergencies, bereavements, or unavoidable business travel.
To apply, you will need to provide proof of your travel plans—typically a confirmed booking or a written explanation of the urgency. Applications are submitted online and you must attend an appointment at your nearest British embassy or consulate.
The current fee for an emergency passport is £100.
See this article for more details on the UK Emergency Travel Document.
What if I lost my UK passport in the USA?
If you lose your British passport while in the United States, you must report the loss as soon as possible. Start by contacting the nearest British consulate or embassy. You can find contact details and locations at this link.
You will need to complete a 'LS01 – Lost or Stolen Passport Notification' form, which can be submitted online. In most cases, you will also be asked to attend an in-person appointment.
Depending on your travel plans, you may either apply for a replacement passport (standard processing time) or request an Emergency Travel Document (ETD) if you need to travel urgently.
Be prepared to provide proof of your identity and travel plans, and if possible, a police report—especially if the passport was stolen. The consular staff will guide you through the appropriate steps based on your situation.
Last Update: June 2025
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