Renewing a British passport from the USA
Every British consulate page in the U.S. says the same thing about passports: service not offered at this location. HM Passport Office is the sole issuer, and it runs the whole renewal online from the UK, with your new passport delivered by courier.
What it costs from the United States
We went through the online application as a U.S. resident on 5 October 2026. The screen before payment gives a standard passport at £116.50 for an adult and £75.50 for a child, plus a £28.64 courier fee.
The same figures appear in the fees regulations in force since 8 April 2026, SI 2026/311, which also set the paper route from abroad at £130 for an adult and £89 for a child. A frequent traveler passport costs £14 more.
| From the U.S. | Online | Paper form |
|---|---|---|
| Adult (16 and over) | £116.50 | £130 |
| Child (under 16) | £75.50 | £89 |
| Courier fee, added online | £28.64 | — |
How the online renewal works
You choose that you live outside the UK, pick the USA from the list and enter your date of birth. The service then walks through five steps: a digital photo, your details, the documents you need to send, payment, and, if needed, someone to confirm your identity online.
The photo can come from a shop or booth that gives a UK passport photo code, or from your own phone with someone's help. It must have been taken in the last month, at least 600 by 750 pixels, between 50KB and 10MB, against a plain light background, according to the photo rules.
You are told which documents to send and where, and you can track the application online. If you need help using the service, the screen lists the Passport Adviceline on +44 300 330 0901; general passport questions go to +44 300 222 0000.
Do not book travel until you hold the new passport: it comes with a new number.How long it takes
HM Passport Office says the UK service usually takes 3 weeks and that turnaround times are different from abroad, without giving a figure for overseas applications. FCDO guidance points people with more than six weeks before travel to the standard online application; with less, see the emergency travel document.
Small things that delay a renewal
You need a new photo even if you look the same, and it must be in focus, in color and unedited. A booth or shop photo with a code is more likely to be accepted than one taken on your own phone, according to the photo guidance.
gov.uk's fee page adds that there is no refund if you cancel the application or turn out not to be entitled to a passport, so check your details before paying.