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Brilliant passport office

(16 Posts)
lixy Mon 20-Jan-25 20:16:00

Just to share a good experience.

My passport was nearing its expiry date.
Last Tuesday I went to a photo shop to have my photograph taken. I came away with a photograph and a code. On Wednesday I filled in the application form on line and sent my old passport off.
My new passport arrived on Saturday morning and my old one was returned today.
Less than a week from start to finish - brilliant service I think.
Anyone else had a good experience?

Babs03 Mon 20-Jan-25 20:32:34

Yes my DH did his online and also got his new passport in just a week. I remember having to wait ages when I got mine a couple of years ago.
Excellent service 👏🏽👏🏽

NotSpaghetti Mon 20-Jan-25 20:36:08

Ha ha. I went to Peterborough in a panic on the morning of a flight some years ago and was 2nd in the queue at 6.30 am. ready for when they opened. I'd accidentally packed my 10" dressmaking scissors and they nearly didn't let me in.
I think it took about 30 mins!

Grandmadinosaur Mon 20-Jan-25 20:39:48

Similar experience here when we renewed ours before Christmas.

We did them online ourselves including taking the photos. It was all so much easier. Posted on Saturday morning arrived the following Thursday. We were very impressed.

JackyB Mon 20-Jan-25 20:50:07

Last time I renewed my passport it was as quick as that, but that was in 2019. However, it was still impressive as I live in Germany.

I'm sure it used to be forbidden to post passports from one country to the other, and we always had to go to an Embassy or Consulate for them, but now it's all centralised in Liverpool you have to send it there even if you live in Timbuctoo.

Aprilgem Mon 20-Jan-25 21:23:11

Hi. Wow, that was quick. I need to get my passport done, expired 3 years ago! Just wondering if I should send it by recorded or registered post, not sure the difference. Need to check with the post office.

lixy Mon 20-Jan-25 21:32:00

Hi aprilgem sorry, I can’t remember what the posting type was, not ordinary mail for sure. It cost £8 or so.
Hope you have as good an experience as I did.

crazyH Mon 20-Jan-25 21:40:30

Yes very quick - within a week

Grandmafrench Mon 20-Jan-25 21:58:01

JackyB

Last time I renewed my passport it was as quick as that, but that was in 2019. However, it was still impressive as I live in Germany.

I'm sure it used to be forbidden to post passports from one country to the other, and we always had to go to an Embassy or Consulate for them, but now it's all centralised in Liverpool you have to send it there even if you live in Timbuctoo.

Liverpool ? Hope not, since mine has had to go to Hemel Hempstead !!!!

Kim19 Mon 20-Jan-25 21:59:23

I had a similarly excellent experience with n

Kim19 Mon 20-Jan-25 22:00:28

my driving licence. Well done those responsible!👍

Jaxjacky Mon 20-Jan-25 22:21:13

I think they’re both very efficient government services, lessons could be learnt by others!

Witzend Tue 21-Jan-25 00:16:07

IMO it can typically be very quick, as long as you aren’t applying shortly before the Easter or summer school holidays.

Remind any family members to check passports if they’re going away at Easter. A dd had major panic stations a couple of years ago because the 2 elder Gdcs’ passports had run out, and she’d forgotten to apply for one for the youngest.

We got them only in the nick of time, and that was with me and dh going in person to the passport office for the little one’s, me to apply, him to collect.
Never again! (I hope.)

nanna8 Tue 21-Jan-25 02:50:44

It’s good to hear of efficiency and good news. I think it can be quite slow here.

OldFrill Tue 21-Jan-25 05:05:07

I don't like it black. Funereal like.

NoveltyDocs Thu 23-Jan-25 14:23:01

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