Recent UK Passport Applicant Timelines

Longest part was waiting in identity check

After applying it took me 10 days until I found someone in my circle who was eligible to confirm my identity. Then it took me like a week for me to send them the documents since I did had to order a new birth certificate (lost of my first one). After that it went smoothly!

Needed a first UK Passport since naturalisation in 2014. Been travelling on my NZ passport fine since then. Got caught last minute seeing, by total chance, the new Dual Citizenship law just 3.5 weeks before (and unbooked) trip away home. Process was annoying in that they later asked for a proof of address (Drivers License) and to "Explain why you are not applying for a passport in your country of birth". This was submitted ASAP but then had to also get a Teams Interview in place which lost me almost another week. Not sure why I was dragged through the coals here, stressing about my trip home, but at least the total time was about 20 days. Delivery of UK Passport and documents - 14:04 on 6 February 2026 2 x Notification of parcel from Royal Mail - ~16:00 on 5 February 2026 Passport printed - 9:49pm on 4 February 2026 Application approved -11:38am on 4 February 2026 MS Teams Interview - 11:15am on 4 February 2026 Interview Booked (next available) - 12:00pm on 29 January 2026 Interview Request Email/Text - 11:52am on 29 January 2026 Extra Documents sent (Royal Mail 24 Hour) - Extra Documents request (Address/Letter) - Documents received - 2:20am on 22 January 2026 Application received - 12:23pm on 19 January 2026 Identity details received - 12:23pm on 19 January 2026 Email sent to person confirming your identity- 12:12pm on 19 January 2026 Ask someone to confirm your identity- 9:22am on 19 January 2026 Application submitted (Post Office Digital Check & Send) - 9:22am on 19 January 2026

Renewal online was very easy. Used the photo-me booth, very simple to use, liked the idea of emailing the photo code to put in online. Renewal application was smooth

Renewal online was very easy. Used the photo-me booth, very simple to use, liked the idea of emailing the photo code to put in online. Renewal application was smooth

Super super efficient! Arrived this morning 07 Feb! Passport printed 7:31am on 6 February 2026 Application approved 8:43pm on 5 February 2026 Documents received 11:48am on 2 February 2026 Application received 1:47pm on 30 January 2026 Application submitted 1:47pm on 30 January 2026

Passport Delivered 6 February 2026 Passport printed 4 February 2026 Application approved 4 February 2026 Documents received 30 January 2026 Application received 28 January 2026 Application submitted 28 January 2026

Adult Renewal due to Name change back to maiden name. Application submitted- 7.04pm - 28th January 26 Application Recieved- 7.05Pm - 28th January 26 Documents sent 29th January next day by Royal Mail Documents Recieved 12.12pm -1st February 26 Passport Printed 1.53pm - 5th February 26 Notified by royal mail on way 6th February 26 Received today 7th February 26

Process quite straightforward and communication from the passport office quite efficient (from application online to tracking to receiving my passport)

I have an "also known as..." in my passport. Despite it being in the last I found out after that I needed to send a handwritten letter to say it was my maiden name. They constantly changed their mind on whether I need to send my birth certificate, a letter from my employer or nothing at all.

It was easy. Just send as possible document they need . They only asked the BC of my daughter and my Evisa Share code to prove my immigration status, but i send also a copy of our marriage contract, copy of my BC and a copy of our passport. Timeline : 15th January passport application 18th identity confirmed 19th document Sent 22nd Document Received 25th Application Approved 27th passport printed 28th passport delivered 29th document received back.