Recent UK Passport Applicant Timelines

Damaged passport I used the same photo as the damaged one and it was declined for being too old - I didn’t know it had to be taken in the last month. Then used photo me booth photo - had just used it for idp and was approved instantly. Delivered 19th Passport printed 9:43am on 18 September 2026 Application approved 1:30pm on 17 September 2026 New photo received 1:30pm on 17 September 2026 Photo rejected 1:24pm on 17 September 2026 Documents received 6:04pm on 8 September 2026 Application received 6:59am on 7 September 2026 Application submitted 6:59am on 7 Septe

It’s very daunting when thinking that you have to reapply for passport but the process was very simple following the online steps given, it’s explained in very easy to understand steps. The set-back came after the notification it had been printed and being sent on the 10/09 no further updates so by the 16/09 I used the HM Passport Chat to ask updates to find it had already been couriered on the 12/09 arriving in Perth on the 13/09, DHL had not contacted or forwarded any updates at all. It was by using the HM Passport Chat to check status that I was able to find the DHL Tracking Number, up until this point I didn’t know that it was in Perth and one attempted delivery had already been made, next attempt of delivery would be following day, which I could see on the DHL Tracker.

Only problem is no idea of delivery time, DHL give you instructions to be in as signature needed with a delivery before end of day. No secure dropoff point within 60km of us so stuck at home waiting all day....

Took several attempts to get acceptable photo. On line system worked well. Old passport returned in separate envelope with extra charge for tracked service and arrived in same delivery which was Royal mail in the scheduled time window

Online Application - Aug 16 Documents posted - Aug 18 Documents received and acknowledged - Aug 24 Passport approved - Sep 1 Passport printed and sent - Sep 2 Passport received - Sep 9

Should of fast tracked as had 4 weeks until we went away from realising passport went out of date but ended up sending off standard, soooo relieved we received it well before, so happy with application process, they received our documents 2 days after submitting application form approved application and sent off for printing 11th September printed 14th due to weekend and received today 15th September

This was 1st passport apllication after naturalisation. I was expecting an interview as I also changed my name via change of name decision (equivalent of deed poll) recently.

Was "easy" but the online instructions very clearly stated to provide the old UK passport OR a colour photocopy of the entire book. After it was received I was told that I needed to send the original passport and that they were aware of the problem, so I had to pay another DHL fee for a second post and a had delay in total time.

Passport printed 10:57am on 9 September 2026 Application approved 7:47am on 9 September 2026 Documents received 8:55pm on 1 September 2026 Application received 3:20pm on 27 August 2026 Application submitted 3:19pm on 27 August 2026

First time adult application from NZ. Just over three weeks door to door including a bank holiday in the UK. Sent using NZ post international courier - arrived in 4 days to UK. Six days from printing to arrive in NZ.

I had lost my previous passport (which had already expired) so had to report it as lost first and upload a new photo. Passport delivered via DHL 12:20 14 September 2026 Initial DHL tracking info 11 September 2026 Passport printed 10:31am on 10 September 2026 Application approved 1:48pm on 9 September 2026 Form confirming identity received 9:06am on 2 September 2026 Identity details received 9:06am on 2 September 2026 Email sent to person confirming your identity 8:53am on 2 September 2026 Ask someone to confirm your identity 8:01am on 2 September 2026 Application submitted 8:01am on 2 September 2026

Extremely quick and efficient, couldn't have been any quicker.

This was a very good experience and I am soooo very excited to have my passport.