If you are a British passport holder and were born on or before 2 September 1929, you are eligible for a free passport. All gratis passports are issued in the UK under the Veterans Passport scheme,  but the process is done through a locally designated office.  

Please note:  the information below is only relevant if you are applying from the USA and Canada.  If you are applying from somewhere else then you will need to contact you nearest diplomatic mission for further advice.

If you are eligible and wish to apply for a free passport under this scheme and you are applying from the USA or Canada, you will need to Contact the UK Passport Service for the Americas and Caribbean in Washington for the correct type of passport application form (please note that this is different from the overseas passport forms on this web site). 

Please send your request to:

"Gratis passport"
UK Passport Service for the Americas and Caribbean
British Embassy
19 Observatory Circle N.W.
Washington DC 20008

Please be aware that once the application is received, the UK Passport Service for the Americas and Caribbean, Washington will forward the application to the UK for process. As a result, you may have to wait 8-10 weeks for your passport.

NOTE: If replacing a lost passport, or an old black style British passport, please indicate this in your request for the application form.

If you do not have this time available, you can still apply to renew your British passport at the UK Passport Service for the Americas and Caribbean, Washington DC in the normal manner and pay the current fee . Should you choose this option, please remember to include a covering letter with your application, informing us of your decision to refuse Gratis passport facilities at this time.