This forum has been extremely useful in terms of the wealth of information. So, I thought of sharing my experience with you:
Application timeline for a child’s passport renewal:
Application submitted online -13.04.22
Old passport received – 22.04.22
Additional information requested – 19.04.22
Additional documents sent – 06.05.22
Additional documents scanned and attached to application – 10.06.22
Passport approved and printed – 08.07.22
This was not a simple process at all. I’ve had to call/used web chat numerous times. Kept getting inconsistent messages every time I spoke to someone. However, one thing was very clear in that they were not prepared to look at the application until it had reached 10 weeks and within 2 weeks of flying – this was the most frustrating bit of the application.
When the application reached 10 weeks, the link to expedite was made available in the online passport portal. I emailed the details required to the ‘Expedite’ team. Received an automated response confirming receipt of the email. After 3 days, I received another email saying that the application was sent to the Upgrade team. However, when I called the advice line a day after, I was told that the application is sitting on the system as a ‘normal’ application. By this point, I was 4 days away from flying.
So, I went to Peterborough office (where the application was being processed) the next day. I got there at 7am, queued , was asked to fill a form and was told to either go home or stay in town and that I will get a call from a case worker on the day. I was determined to get the passport on the day, so I stayed in town.
By 2.30pm, I received a call from a case worker confirming approval of the passport. By 5pm, I collected my son’s passport.
Hope this helps others who are in similar situations.