My daughters overseas application for a renewal was submitted mid February. It has taken them 4 1/2 months to request a birth certificate. Something that is specifically not required for a renewal and something they already have from her first passport application. Still no word on where my application stands. I complained. Their response came back saying everything is being done “in accordance with policy and procedures.“ They obviously believe 5 months delay is perfectly normal. The helpline provides zero information on status. I have only heard that “standard ID checks are in progress”. No idea if or when the passport will be issued. This is not the level of service I would expect of the British government.