Eligibility
You may renew by mail if all of the following applies:
Your passport is:
- Undamaged;
- Issued within the last 15 years;
- Issued with a 10 year validity; and
- Issued in your current name or you have changed your name since your passport was issued and can submit legal documentation to prove this change.
Additional Requirements
- Form DS-82 available online here or as a downloadable PDF (84 KB).
You must print and sign the form - Your most recent U.S. passport
- One passport photograph
- Non-refundable application fee
- Evidence of Change of Name – e.g. Marriage Certificate, Change of Name Deed, Statutory Declaration or Court Order
- Return delivery envelope – pre-paid (up to 500g) self-addressed Royal Mail Special Delivery envelope. Alternative delivery options are available if applying through US Embassy, London. Please see ‘How to Submit My Application’ below.
If you need a new U.S. passport in less than two weeks, then you should schedule an appointment to appear in person as you may require an emergency passport (see “How to submit my application”).
Important
For specific passport photograph, application fee and social security information please ensure you continue reading this page. Applications received without all required documents will face delays.
DO NOT mail your application to the United States.
Photo Requirements
- Color photograph
- Taken in last 6 months
- No eyeglasses (If you must wear eye glasses for medical reasons, you’ll need to submit a signed statement with your application from a medical professional)
- 2 x 2 inches
- For babies and small children, it is advisable to have someone take the photograph (photo booth photos may not be accepted) Infants’ eyes are not required to be open
Please click here for more information regarding passport photograph requirements.
Fees
Fee amounts and exchange rates change periodically. Please check this web page for the latest fee before obtaining your payment and submitting your application.
There is no expedited service outside the United States. Please do not include fees other than those stated on this page. Incorrect payment amounts and methods will not be accepted.
How much to pay
£91 (POUNDS STERLING) or $110 (U.S. DOLLARS)
Acceptable payment methods by mail
- Postal Money Order (in U.S. dollars or pounds sterling) in the exact amount made payable to the “U.S. Department of State”
- Bank Draft (in U.S. dollars or pounds sterling) in the exact amount made payable to the “U.S. Department of State”
Social Security Numbers
If you have been issued a social security number (SSN) you must provide it on your application for a U.S. passport. If the name on your social security record does not match the name on your passport application please make sure that you have completed question 9 on the form – ‘List all other names you have used’.
If you do not have a Social Security Number, you must submit a statement, signed and dated, that includes the phrase,“I declare under penalty of perjury under the laws of the United States of America that the following is true and correct: I have never been issued a Social Security number by the Social Security Administration.”
If you are in the United Kingdom and require a new or replacement Social Security number card, you should contact the Federal Benefits Unit at the Embassy.
How to Submit My Application to the U.S. Embassy, London (England or Wales)
DO NOT mail your application to the United States.
You may send your application by Royal Mail Special Delivery to the following address:
United States Embassy
Passport & Citizenship Unit
33 Nine Elms Lane
London
SW11 7US
To ensure safe return of your new passport please enclose a pre-paid (up to 500grams), self-addressed Royal Mail Special Delivery envelope. These prepaid envelopes can be purchased from any UK post office.
Alternatively, you can arrange for your application to be delivered to the Embassy and your passport returned to you after processing, by the courier service, DX. Information on this service can be found at https://www.dxdelivery.com/consumer/dx-services-for-us-embassy#book-service
Processing time is approximately 10 working days. If you require a passport in less than 10 working days we recommend that you schedule an appointment to appear in person as you may require an emergency passport. Please note that application requirements for this service are the same whether you apply by mail or in person.
To schedule an appointment at U.S. Embassy, London please follow this link: https://evisaforms.state.gov/acs/default.asp?postcode=LND&appcode=1
If your plans have changed and you need to postpone or cancel your appointment, that’s no problem. Please let us know immediately by the appointment link provided above, selecting “cancel appointment,” and following the instructions that appear on the screen. By alerting us in advance, you’ll allow us to serve someone else in your place.
If you have difficulties cancelling your appointment please send an email to londonpassports@state.gov
How to Submit My Application to U.S. Consulate General in Edinburgh (Scotland)
DO NOT mail your application to the United States.
Your application should be sent by Royal Mail Special Delivery to the following address:
Passport-by-Mail Service
American Citizen Services
U.S. Consulate General Edinburgh
3 Regent Terrace
Edinburgh EH7 5BW
To ensure the safe return of your passports, please enclose a pre-paid self-addressed Royal Mail Special Delivery envelope with minimum postage paid up to 500 grams. These prepaid envelopes can be purchased from any UK post office.
As the Consulate does not keep track of Special Delivery numbers, you are advised to keep a record of your Special Delivery tracking number so you can track your passport’s return to you.
Alternatively, you may schedule an appointment to appear in person to submit your application. To book an appointment at the U.S. Consulate General, Edinburgh please send an email to Edinburgh-Info@state.gov
Please note that applicants who do not appear at the appointed time will experience considerable delays or their appointment may be cancelled.
If your plans have changed and you need to postpone or cancel your appointment, that’s no problem. Please send an email to Edinburgh-Info@state.gov. By alerting us in advance, you’ll allow us to serve someone else in your place.
How to Submit My Application to the U.S. Consulate General in Belfast (Northern Ireland)
DO NOT mail your application to the United States.
Your application should be sent by Royal Mail Special Delivery to the following address:
Passport-by-Mail Service
American Citizen Services
U.S. Consulate General Belfast
Danesfort House
223 Stranmillis Road
Belfast BT9 5GR
To ensure the safe return of your passports, please enclose a pre-paid self-addressed Royal Mail Special Delivery envelope with minimum postage paid up to 500 grams. These prepaid envelopes can be purchased from any UK post office.
As the Consulate does not keep track of Special Delivery numbers, you are advised to keep a record of your Special Delivery tracking number so you can track your passport’s return to you.
Alternatively, you may schedule an appointment to appear in person to submit your application. To book an appointment at the U.S. Consulate General, Belfast, please send an email to acsbelfast@state.gov with the subject line “Renew an Adult Passport – Appointment to Pay Fee by Card or Cash at the Consulate”.
If your plans have changed and you need to postpone or cancel your appointment, that’s no problem. Please send an email to acsbelfast@state.gov . By alerting us in advance, you’ll allow us to serve someone else in your place.
