USA Passport Renewal in the UK

If you frequently travel for work or leisure, it is essential to keep your passport up-to-date to ensure smooth and uninterrupted travel. Occasionally, you may need to renew your passport while abroad.

In this article, we will discuss US passport renewal rules while in the UK, including how to apply for a US passport in the UK and where to get a compliant passport photo.

Table of contents

• Is it Possible to Renew a US Passport in the UK?
• What if You Have Lost a US Passport in the UK?
• Where to Apply for a US Passport Renewal in the UK?
• Documents Required for a US Passport Renewal
• US Passport Photo Requirements
• Where to Take a 2×2 Photo in the UK?
• Get a US Passport Photo Online!
• US Passport Photo App
• US Passport Renewal Fees
• How to Track Your US Passport Application in the UK?

Is it Possible to Renew a US Passport in the UK?

Yes, you can renew your U.S. passport while in the UK if you meet the following US passport renewal requirements:

• Your most recent passport is undamaged and was issued when you were 16 or older.
• Your most recent passport was issued within the last 15 years.
• Your most recent passport is not limited to just 1 or 2 years of validity.
• Your name has not changed since your last passport was issued, or you can provide legal proof of your name change.

What if You Have Lost a US Passport in the UK?

If you have lost your US passport in London, follow these steps:

1. Contact the U.S. Embassy in London as soon as possible. You will need an appointment to report the loss in person.
2. At the Embassy, you will need to submit:
   • Form DS11 (passport application form), completed but not signed.
   • Form DS-64 (statement regarding a lost or stolen passport).
   • A passport photo.
   • The application fee.
   • Proof of citizenship, such as a birth certificate or an expired passport.
3. If you need to travel urgently (within 6 weeks), you can apply for an emergency US passport in London. Otherwise, you'll apply for a regular replacement passport.
4. It's advisable to report the stolen passport to the local police in the UK and obtain a written police report. This report may be required by the embassy or your travel insurer.

Where to Apply for a US Passport Renewal in the UK?

Adult passport renewals can be processed by mail through the U.S. Embassy in London. For US passport renewal via mail, you may send your application by Royal Mail Special Delivery to the following US passport office in London:

United States Embassy
Passport & Citizenship Unit
33 Nine Elms Lane
London
SW11 7US

However, if you are a first-time passport applicant or if the applicant is a child under 16, you will need to apply for a new passport in person at the U.S. Embassy.

Documents Required for a US Passport Renewal

To renew your US passport in London, you'll need to submit the following:

• Completed Application Form DS-82. You can complete it online or download and print it.
• Most recent U.S. passport. This will be sent back to you separately after processing.
• One color passport-sized photo meeting the specific requirements.
• Application fee.
• Name change documentation. If your name has changed since your last passport, include legal proof of the change (such as a certified marriage certificate, court order, or change of name deed).
• A prepaid, self-addressed Royal Mail Special Delivery envelope or a DX courier envelope for the return of your new passport.

US Passport Photo Requirements

When taking a photo for your U.S. passport, make sure it meets these guidelines:

• The photo must be taken within the last six months to reflect your current appearance.
• The background must be plain white with no shadows or objects.
• The photo size should be 2×2 inches (5×5 cm) in print and 600–1200 pixels in digital format.
• Your head should be centered in the photo and sized between 1 and 1.4 inches (25 and 35 mm).
• Eyeglasses are not allowed in the photo.
• Head Coverings are only allowed for religious or medical reasons, along with a signed statement.
• Look straight into the camera with a neutral facial expression.

Here is an example:

Where to Take a 2×2 Photo in the UK?

There are several ways to get a 2×2 US passport photo in London, including numerous photo booths, studios, and post offices. A standard passport photo price in the UK typically starts from £9.99. Some most popular options in the UK include:

• Max Photo: Standard passport and ID photo fees start at £9.99
• Timpson: 6 printed photos will cost you around £9.99

You can also cut costs and take a compliant passport-sized photo at home using online services.

Get a US Passport Photo Online!

Save time on your U.S. passport renewal by using Visafoto.com to get your photo professionally done online. This service boasts a 99.7% approval rate and has been providing U.S. passport photos since 2013.

Here’s how it works: Snap a picture against a plain white background. Send your photo to Visafoto.com. Our team will adjust the image size, format, background color, and your face positioning to ensure it meets all official requirements.

You’ll get a digital copy for online submissions and a version ready for printing. Plus, we offer a full refund if you're not satisfied with the result.

Use a selfie taken under daylight, like this one:

As the result, you get a photo for online submission an file with 4 photos for printing:

US Passport Photo App

Check out the 7ID passport photo app from Visafoto.com. This user-friendly app allows you to take and edit passport photos directly from your iPhone or Android device.

The app uses sophisticated algorithms to enhance your photo. Take a picture, upload it to the app, and choose the document type and country. 7ID will automatically adjust your photo to meet official specifications, including size, format, and background color.

You’ll receive a digital file and a print template that fits standard paper sizes like 4×6, A4, A5, or B5. For any questions, our technical support team is available around the clock to assist you.

US Passport Renewal Fees

Here's what you need to know about the fees for renewing a U.S. passport:

• Renewal Fee (Form DS-82): The cost is $130 (about £110) for renewing your passport by mail with your most recent passport included.
• Replacement Fee (Form DS11): The fee is $165 (about £128) if you need to use Form DS11, which is typically required if your previous passport was lost or stolen.

There is an additional charge of $30 (approx. £26) if you're also applying for a passport card.

How to Track Your US Passport Application in the UK?

US Embassy in London passport renewal time usually takes about three weeks.

Do not use the U.S. Passport Application Status page for your US passport renewal UK tracking, as this service only works for applicants in the United States. If the website says your application is “mailed”, it means it has been sent to the United Kingdom for the U.S. Embassy to finish the final processing.

For accurate information, please refer to the three-week processing time mentioned above for applications made in the United Kingdom.

Save time and money by getting your US passport picture in London with Visafoto.com or the 7ID App!