Renewing UK passport from US - 4 weeks - experiences?

[Amy and Michael 21]

We have completed the application online (something new - wasn't there a few months ago when I first looked via www.gov.uk) Paid last week online via the online app and submitted the application. We are mailing the passport photos, the old passport, and the declaration page today.

The website says it will take at least 4 weeks. Has anybody done this recently? How long did it take for you to receive the new passport?

My father-in-law just had major surgery and we are hoping to go to Wales as soon as we receive his updated passport - thanks for all the help!

[srvman 38]

I work for the passport office advice line, so hopefully I can shed some light.

There should be a barcode reference number you are given. After 1 and a half weeks, keep calling 0300 222 0000 (option 2). They can check the status of your passport, but if you make it sound urgent, we can try and put you through to ICH, which knows much more on the status of your passport, and have up to the minute information, whereas the number you call may only have information refreshed from over 24 hours ago.

At the minute they are incredibly busy, but if there is absolutely no issues, then it should be a lot closer to 3 weeks than 4 weeks.

You can also call the number I wrote there, if you are desperate to get back to get a temporary extension, then renew your passport once you get back using the one day service in the Cardiff office (appointments can be made 3 weeks in advance.

[stevensane 10]

We have completed the application online (something new - wasn't there a few months ago when I first looked via www.gov.uk) Paid last week online via the online app and submitted the application. We are mailing the passport photos, the old passport, and the declaration page today.

The website says it will take at least 4 weeks. Has anybody done this recently? How long did it take for you to receive the new passport?

My father-in-law just had major surgery and we are hoping to go to Wales as soon as we receive his updated passport - thanks for all the help!

Hi there,

I renewed mine in December as the bio page was damaged. It was incredibly fast. I mailed it on the Monday (using the Post Office check and send service) and I had my new one in my hand on the Thursday. I was told renewing my passport would take 3 weeks, but in reality it was 3 days. I could hardly believe it.

This may be because they were very quiet in December or something, Im not sure, but my experience was excellent.

Edited February 19, 2014 by stevensane

[srvman 38]

We have completed the application online (something new - wasn't there a few months ago when I first looked via www.gov.uk) Paid last week online via the online app and submitted the application. We are mailing the passport photos, the old passport, and the declaration page today.

The website says it will take at least 4 weeks. Has anybody done this recently? How long did it take for you to receive the new passport?

My father-in-law just had major surgery and we are hoping to go to Wales as soon as we receive his updated passport - thanks for all the help!

This may be true for yourself. But a note to others reading this information with a damaged passport; As of February 2nd 2014, there is no premium service available for any lost, stolen, damaged, or childs passport. The one week service is available if you have a face to face appointment, otherwise, it may take a few weeks.

[stevensane 10]

This may be true for yourself. But a note to others reading this information with a damaged passport; As of February 2nd 2014, there is no premium service available for any lost, stolen, damaged, or childs passport. The one week service is available if you have a face to face appointment, otherwise, it may take a few weeks.

I actually used the standard £72.50 (£81.25 with Post Office check and send service) service, not the premium service. As I said, I was extremely surprised to have it returned so fast.

[srvman 38]

I actually used the standard £72.50 (£81.25 with Post Office check and send service) service, not the premium service. As I said, I was extremely surprised to have it returned so fast.

That is incredibly quick, and unusual, although I know for a fact December was quiet, my whole family got their passports renewed through the post office, and had them back within a week.But they are cracking down hard on all stolen, lost and damaged passports since the start of this month.

We have completed the application online (something new - wasn't there a few months ago when I first looked via www.gov.uk) Paid last week online via the online app and submitted the application. We are mailing the passport photos, the old passport, and the declaration page today.

The website says it will take at least 4 weeks. Has anybody done this recently? How long did it take for you to receive the new passport?

My father-in-law just had major surgery and we are hoping to go to Wales as soon as we receive his updated passport - thanks for all the help!

I would honestly just get the extension, fly over, and renew it while you are in the UK, much less hassle, and room for error.

[Amy and Michael 21]

Thanks for sharing your experience stevensane, and srvman - thank-you for the advice/recommendation. I already paid for & filed the application online, however. So, it's probably more hassle to try to go back and do it the way you suggest. Though it sounds MUCH better - especially since my husband's family doesn't live far from Cardiff and it sounds ALOT cheaper to do it from the UK. We paid 147.86 GBP for the application, shipping, etc that is charged to international renewals.

Definitely something to research ahead of time next time!!!

I mailed the photos, declaration page, and old passport today - so now get to see how long it will take. Did the application last Thursday 13 Feb, and now mailed the rest on 20th of Feb.

Thanks again!

[SimonSimon 0]

I work for the passport office advice line, so hopefully I can shed some light.

There should be a barcode reference number you are given. After 1 and a half weeks, keep calling 0300 222 0000 (option 2). They can check the status of your passport, but if you make it sound urgent, we can try and put you through to ICH, which knows much more on the status of your passport, and have up to the minute information, whereas the number you call may only have information refreshed from over 24 hours ago.

At the minute they are incredibly busy, but if there is absolutely no issues, then it should be a lot closer to 3 weeks than 4 weeks.

You can also call the number I wrote there, if you are desperate to get back to get a temporary extension, then renew your passport once you get back using the one day service in the Cardiff office (appointments can be made 3 weeks in advance.

Can i use a US debit/ credit card to pay for my passport?

Mines expired so need to get it renewed.

Thanks.

[srvman 38]

Only thing they don't accept is American Express and Discover. Visa and Mastercard works just fine.

[SimonSimon 0]

Only thing they don't accept is American Express and Discover. Visa and Mastercard works just fine.

Thanks for the info. Very much appreciate it.

[cazhayes 0]

Hi Amy and Michael,

I was wondering if you have received your new passport yet?

Thanks!

[yvy23 11]

I sent mine in on 25th Feb - according to the website this morning, it's STILL in processing and not even on its way back yet. So I'd have to say that no, the 4 weeks isn't accurate at all.

[Amy and Michael 21]

Sorry for the late update. We received a text that a DHL shipment was arriving the next day on Thursday March 20th. On Friday March 21st we received the new passport. We flew on Sunday March 23rd and just returned last night. So, it took just left than a month from the date they received the passport photo, the old passport, and the declaration page.

[Shawn&Jodie 14]

Just our experience, we had to get Jodie's new passport with the married name before we flew back to England. We applied in October and sent the photo and marriage certificate along with old passport. Even though our bank blocked the orginal transaction Jodie was able to reply to the email informing us. It only took about 2 weeks after the payment was recieved to get the new passsport.

Now, I understand that it depends on the time of year but I am sure it also is affected by the fact that all passport renwals from the US must now go to the UK.

I would suggest if you are planning this in the future make sure your US bank is aware that a foreign charge is coming, as it will make your life easier.