Recent UK Passport Applicant Timelines

They asked for more evidence because my naturalization took place in August last year (2025). I wish they could add this information on their website when you are asked to send your first set of documents.

Mildly stressful mainly due to having to send a written physical letter to state why I’m applying from outside the UK. I get it’s a fraud prevention measure but it cost an additional $40 postage and a week of time that could’ve been avoided via a secure online portal. It is 2026 after all.

I sent the first lot of requested documents but then had to send two further lots, neither of the two extra lots of documents were acknowledged on the time line on the passport office list

Process was relatively straightforward however we had flights booked prior to changes so was stressful waiting for approval and delivery with upcoming flights and tight deadline. Originally asked for only colour photocopies of current passport but then they requested original the sent so postage was double the cost due to this and made for a longer process - frustrating they just didn’t ask for passport upfront.

I had to send extra documents which delayed receipt by a week

I had to send extra documents

Documents received 20.02 but scanned on 24.02, was getting a bit nervous as flying beginning of April but that was my fault for applying late.

Application sent with old passport expired 2002 in my maiden name. As I have changed names twice since they asked for further documents to show changes. Had to get 2 marriage certificates by express and re-send these documents. The first documents I sent registered which took 3 weeks. Second documents I sent express which took 1 week. After approval took 1 week for arrival of passport.

Application sent with old passport expired 2002 in my maiden name. As I have changed names twice since they asked for further documents to show changes. Had to get 2 marriage certificates by express and re-send these documents. The first documents I sent registered which took 3 weeks. Second documents I sent express which took 1 week. After approval took 1 week for arrival of passport.

Very easy and kept up to date every step of the process

Documents posted on 20 February 2026 Post Office confirmed delivery 23 February 2026 Documents received (according to the tracking) 12:28pm on 25 February 2026 Application approved 8:26am on 6 March 2026 Passport printed 10:40am on 6 March 2026 Passport received 7 March 2026

More documents requested, identity verifier denied

This was for the replacement of a damaged passport. There’s no option for replacement so I thought I’d specify on here.

Documents delivered in 13 Days Approved 8 days after delivered - printed same day Delivered back to NZ 8 days after approval

Adult renewal arrived in 3 days. Amazing.

3 days to receipt of old passport 7 days to confirm approval 3 days later passport received

Applied for first passport from abroad after naturalisation (EU settled scheme route). Submitted my original EU passport, proof of residence in EU country with multilingual translation, EU copy of photo ID and original certificate of naturalisation

Submitted application on 21 Feb Identity confirmed on 21 Feb Sent off old passport on 21 Feb Old passport marked as received 23 Feb Approved on 3 March Delivered on 5 March

Very smooth, only delay was with Canada Post who accidentally at the beginning sent it back to where it was mailed from so that took 4 extra days.