How Quickly Can I Renew My British Passport from the United States?

Updated February 20, 2021 -- Please see COVID-19 section on the bottom of the page for the latest information regarding how fast you can renew your British passport from the United States.

If you are trying to renew your British passport from the United States, it is important to understand that all passports are now issued in the United Kingdom. This means there is no expedited service available to renew a British passport if you live outside the United Kingdom. You must send your passport application and all necessary documents to Her Majesty’s Passport Office (HMPO) in the United Kingdom.

According to the UK government publication, it can take 4 to 12 weeks to process an overseas passport application. To calculate the processing time of a passport application once HMPO has received all the correct documentation, please refer to the UK government website: https://www.gov.uk/overseas-passports There are several factors that determine the processing time of your passport application. Usually a passport renewal will take approximately 4 weeks if the name on your passport has not changed and your passport has not expired beyond 4 years. The processing time could take 12 weeks or longer if you have complicated circumstances and are missing supporting documents. You may even be contacted by the passport issuing authority for an interview.

The accuracy of your application and supporting documents is an important factor that determines processing time. Our company can assist by helping prepare your application and supporting documents, and then posting them by courier to the United Kingdom. By using our services from the start, you will minimize the processing time of your passport application. Give us a call at 404-682-5445 or schedule an appointment online if you wish to use our services. British Passport Pro is a private company based in Atlanta that helps UK citizens residing in the United States obtain their British passport.

Although there is no expedited processing of a British passport from the United States, it is possible to obtain an emergency travel document from a British consulate in your jurisdiction. An emergency travel document may be issued to UK citizens under special circumstances, such as family emergencies that require immediate travel. You must appear in person by appointment at the consulate. Please reference this link to schedule an appointment: https://www.consular- appointments.service.gov.uk/fco/#!/fco-consular-parent-account/-/company_list

COVID-19 Update

The current processing time for British passports is four to six weeks.  If you live in the United States and cannot wait four to six weeks for a new passport because you have an emergency, your only option is to schedule an appointment at the British consulate and appear in person at their office to apply for an emergency travel document (emergency passport).  Please be aware that appointments are limited and restrictions apply.  You can review the U.K. government’s website for more details: Get an emergency travel document - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)