Hi Everybody, I posted this somewhere else on the forums but I was advised that I maybe able to get more help if i post here.

I wonder if someone can help me out. I got married in March and have just finally decided to change the name on my UK passport. Through britainusa.com I have found out that i can send my passport to the UK embassy in Washington DC to update it.

Because it costs over $200 to simply change my name and $300 to renew my passport, I was considering just renewing it. My passport expires in June 2011. Will they allow me to renew now?

My next question- do i need to get someone to countersign the passport applications even if i decide not to renew and include photograph? I have been here just under a year and don't know any UK citizens. I know a US citizen who is a retired chief of police I've know since March. Would that be ok?

Thanks for any help you can give me!!

I do know that you can renew it early, though they'll only give you extra credit for I *think* 10 months. In Aug. 2007 my fiance renewed his early, so they just tacked on a bit of extra valididty, but not the whole difference.

Sorry, I can't help with the signing information. Hopefully someone who can will be along soon!

Good luck!