I just wanted to fill everyone in on getting an emergency passport at the Embassy in London.
In my case, I just had new-mother-brain and didn't realize that my passport expired (I'd confused it with my driver's license which expires around my birthday - the passport expired 2 months before that!). As we had concrete travel plans (booked plane tickets) I had to get a new one.
The Embassy does not do extensions, only emergency passports. I would assume this is the same thing you'd get if you lost your passport.
The process is pretty simple and painless despite my huge stress!
First, book an appointment using the Embassy's online facility. PRINT the confirmation page when it comes up because you will not be able to retrieve it, nor will you get an email confirmation. That said, my computer had crashed and I couldn't print it, but they let me in when I explained the problem (obviously they have visitor lists they go by).
Download the form you need (the form depends upon when your last passport was issued and how old you were when it was) and fill it out. Bring with you your existing passport if you have it.
You will also need 2 passport photos. I had mine taken at Gould's pharmacy (down the road from the Embassy) just before I went to my appt. They charge 5 quid for 2 pics and are recommended by the Embassy.
They also say you need written proof of imminent travel (within 15 days). All we had was the confirmation email from our airline as we have e-tickets. This was fine though I fretted they would want more.
Show up for your appointment. They will allow you to queue up about 30 minutes prior to your appt though this may change depending upon volume of people and security issues.
Present your documents at the first window. Assuming all is in order, you will then pay ($67). You are then called up to prove you have paid (show the receipt you just got). They will then call you back with your passport which you then sign.
The passport is good for 1 year and if you renew for your proper 10-year passport before the emergency one expires
you do not have to pay for another one!I waited in the security queue for about 25 minutes and then was in the Embassy for no more than 40 minutes.
All in all, it was pretty painless.
