Passport taken a lot longer than crowd sourced average

I agree....... This website, from my viewpoint is misleading at the very least. A simple renewal is now into it's 5th week, and when I phoned the 'Helpline' they informed me it was still not in the 'being processed' stage. I travel in 2 weeks time and I don't have any confidence in the Passport office delivering beforehand. I asked if I could have my old passport back so I can go to Newport for a quick fix and I was told that I had to write (a letter) in person to the office that has my passport and request that it be returned. I'm not sure if the passport system realises that it's 2021, but a letter, really?? Lastly..... I live 15 miles from Newport, but my passport is being processed in Glasgow, so where's the eco logic there??

I assumed that the number of days is WORKING DAYS, and for me it was 2 days off if this were the case Passport printed and sent 11:19am on 7 October 2021 Application approved 8:47am on 7 October 2021 Application being processed 2:37pm on 10 September 2021 Identity details received 5:55pm on 6 September 2021 Email sent to person confirming your identity 12:54pm on 1 September 2021 Ask someone to confirm your identity 12:48pm on 1 September 2021 Application submitted 12:48pm on 1 September 2021 anyexpat.com

Hey all, Just thought to let you know that for my 1st adult application the processing time from application to passport delivery has been less than 1 month (and not 7 weeks as originally advised by HO). Does anyone know when/how the original documents sent are being returned? Actual times: Passport delivered by TNT 11 November 2021 Passport printed and sent 3:19pm on 8 November 2021 Application approved 9:46am on 7 November 2021 Documents received 11:50am on 18 October 2021 Application received 12:56pm on 13 October 2021 Identity details received 12:56pm on 13 October 2021 Email sent to person confirming your identity 12:37pm on 13 October 2021 Ask someone to confirm your identity 12:27pm on 13 October 2021 Application submitted 12:27pm on 13 October 2021 ***NOTES: 1) TNT deliver 8am-8pm - you need to be in to sign for delivery and they do not advise est. eta whatsoever. 2) Original documents are to be delivered separately. Do not know when or how. If anyone knows, please share! Thanks!

Taking longer than crowd-sourced average currently, because the average is increasing. Results are, by their very nature, about a month behind reality... When averages drop, most will be pleasantly surprised, as they may get it earlier than expected. That said, the Passport Office does use a concrete mixer as a filing system..!