Have plans to travel within the next 2-3 weeks but realize your American child’s passport expires in less than 6 months while living in the UK? Before you cancel travel plans or start scheduling US embassy appointments in a panic, here are tips to renew a child’s American passport fast at the US Embassy in London.
5 Steps For How To Renew A Child’s American Passport In The UK
These steps to renew a US passport in the UK also apply to adults. The biggest difference between renewing an American passport in the UK for a child vs an adult is the cost of the passport, as well as parental documentation and physical presence of both parents for the appointment. Both of these differences are explained in this post.
1 – Make a passport appointment during a time when both parents can attend.
A child under the age of 16 must be renewed in person with both parents in attendance. Check the US embassy website for alternatives if both parents aren’t possible.
There is no dress code for a passport renewal at the US Embassy London. You can schedule a passport appointment at the US Embassy in London here.
2 – Get passport photos taken.
Passport booths are typically available at Royal Mail post offices and most grocery stores, like Sainsbury’s and Tesco Extra.
3 – Print and fill out the passport application.
Fill out the application but do not sign.
4 – Collect documents required per the US Embassy Website. Make a photocopy of each.
In addition to photocopies of the child’s documentation, make photocopies of each parent’s proof of parental rights. A photocopy is needed for each passport renewal. One photocopy can not be used for more than one child’s passport renewal.
5 – Prepare to pay by a card or in cash at the US Embassy in London.
How much does a US child passport renewal cost?
A child passport renewal is the same cost as issuing a new child passport. The cost is $115. This is because a child’s passport renewal requires a consular review whereas an adult renewal does not and costs $110. Check the travel.state.gov site for current passport rates.
US Passport Renewal Times At The US Embassy London
Passports at the US Embassy in London normally take 2-3 weeks for delivery. If you are traveling abroad sooner than that, there are expedited options.
But before rushing to renew a passport, consider this: if the passport hasn’t expired but is within 6 months of doing so, you may still have time to travel without expediting a renewal.
US passport renewal tip:
You can travel up to the expiry date on the US passport if traveling between the USA and UK.
Had we known this prior to the US Embassy appointment, we could have saved ourselves an extra 6 months on a valid passport.
US Embassy London
Options To Renew A Child’s Passport Fast In The UK
1 – Inform the agent at the US Embassy London of upcoming travel and ask for expedited services.
Submit the child’s passport renewal in person at the US Embassy and provide the travel dates. They will ensure processing starts same day and mark it as urgent. Though there is no said “proof” or payment for expedited, going over travel plans with the embassy agent will elevate the processing of the passport renewal fast.
Provide a prepaid Royal Mail Special Delivery envelope for the passport to be returned to you quickly. This is required.
Anticipated passport renewal time: 1 week and a few days (this option took us exactly 9 calendar days)
2 – Apply for an “Emergency Passport” at the US Embassy London.
An emergency passport is a passport that is created during your appointment at the US Embassy. Although this passport is received the same day, it’s only valid for 1 year and contains only 5 pages.
Additionally, emergency passports are not necessarily accepted in all countries for travel. For example, France does NOT accept an emergency passport. Be sure to research the country’s travel requirements for passport specifications.
Anticipated passport renewal time: same day
3 – Use the existing passport for travel while a new one starts processing.
Submit the child’s passport renewal in person at the US Embassy and keep the existing passport to travel during the interim. Once notified that the new passport is ready, send the expiring one back to the US Embassy so that it can be canceled. Include a Royal Mail Special Delivery prepaid envelope with the old passport back to the US Embassy.
The old passport must be returned in order to issue the new one. Once the expiring/old passport has been officially canceled (punched), the US Embassy will mail the old and new passport back via the Royal Mail Special Delivery envelope provided.
Although this option allows you to travel if within 6 months of the expiration date between the US and UK (look at other country travel information for passport requirements) while the passport is processed, it’s logistically more complicated. However, this option does allow you to travel while the new passport starts processing, minimizing the time between without a passport at all.
Anticipated passport renewal time: 3-4 weeks (to allow additional time between steps while waiting for the expiring passport to be mailed and then the new and old one returned)
3 tips to expedite the child passport renewal experience at the US Embassy London:
1 – Leave laptops and other prohibited items behind: large bags, weapons and sharp items (scissors, etc), glass bottles.
If you forget or need to bring a laptop for work purposes, the District coffee shop across the street from the US Embassy London will store for £10. The fee includes a coffee beverage of choice, and the laptop can be stored for the whole day. (Price at time of this post.)
You can take your phone into the US Embassy London. The phone needs to be switched off while at a counter.
2 – If photos are unacceptable or you simply didn’t have the time, there are passport photo booths located on the US passport floor.
Cash and cards are accepted.
3 – Pack snacks and plastic water bottles (not glass).
Anticipate 1.5 hours to complete a child passport renewal at the US Embassy.
Because the process requires different steps with different people during the renewal process, bring plenty of snacks and water for the kids, to avoid missing your called number.
What to do with the kids AFTER the passport renewal at the US Embassy London…
After going through all the steps to renew a child’s passport, take advantage of attractions near the US Embassy London.
- Grab lunch at the Lighthouse or one of many great restaurants near Ransomes Dock: Nutbourne, The Oak SW11 or The Prince Albert. Alternatively, grab food at Bayley & Sage for a picnic in Battersea Park (entrance directly across the street). For restaurants on Ransomes Dock and Parkgate Rd, use, postcode SW11 4NP. They are accessible by bus and some light walking. The bus stop is just outside the US Embassy.
Blueberry Crush @ Nutbourne London
- Walk across the Royal Albert Bridge, one of the prettiest bridges in London.
Royal Albert Bridge London
- See the Peace Pagoda, Zoo, and other activities at Battersea Park.
Peace Pagoda in Battersea Park London
- Take a bus ride to Sloane Square and walk the streets of Chelsea. For a walking map during Chelsea In Bloom (or any time of the year really) and where to eat in Chelsea, get the details here.
Final Tips To Renew A Child’s American Passport At The US Embassy London Fast
A US child passport renewal in the UK is far easier to renew than in the USA. A state of the art Embassy in London along with streamlined processes simplify the wait. Choose the option that’s right for you and follow these tips to renew a child passport fast while living in the UK. Then head off to enjoy Battersea or other parts of London while you’re there!
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2 comments
Always fun and inspiring to read A BROAD PURPOSE – Helpful and creative!
Thank you, Joan! So glad you think so! 😊