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Whether you’re eagerly waiting for your passport or planning to apply soon, this page offers valuable insights from others who have gone through the process.
How This Page Works
Every day, applicants like you share their passport application experiences on our site. They provide:
- Application Date: When they submitted their passport application.
- Receipt Date: When they received their new passport.
- Photo Method: How they obtained their passport photo (e.g., at home, pharmacy, professional service).
- Processing Office: The passport office or centre that handled their application so you can check to see how quick the agency you have been assigned is processing passports.
Additionally, applicants often share helpful tips and observations that can assist you in managing your application or understanding current processing trends.
Stay Informed
Monitor the latest wait times and gain a realistic expectation for when your passport might arrive based on real-world data. Knowing what to expect can ease anxieties and assist in planning your travels.
Compare Processing Times
See how different agencies and photo methods impact processing speeds. This can help you choose the best options to potentially reduce your wait time.
Learn from Others
Benefit from the experiences of fellow applicants. Many share crucial advice, like which agencies are processing faster or tips for avoiding common pitfalls.
Share Your Experience
Help us keep this page accurate and useful by submitting your own passport wait time once you receive your passport. Your contribution will assist others and contribute to a clearer picture of the current processing landscape.
1st Adult Passport
Type of Application:
First UK Adult Passport
Passport Office:
Hemel Hempstead
Photo Method
Took it myself on my phone
Submission Date:
02-10-2025
Date Received:
11-10-2025
Overall Experience:
5 Star – Very Easy
Type of Application:
First UK Adult Passport
Passport Office:
Hemel Hempstead
Photo Method
Used a Photo-Me photo booth
Submission Date:
30-09-2025
Date Received:
15-10-2025
Overall Experience:
5 Star – Very Easy
Comments:
Super speedy and smooth experience, no issues at all.
Type of Application:
First UK Adult Passport
Passport Office:
Corby
Photo Method
Used a different photo booth (Not Photo-Me)
Submission Date:
29-09-2025
Date Received:
15-10-2025
Overall Experience:
5 Star – Very Easy
Comments:
Application process was smooth. The only thing is that after sending the documents (and receiving Royal Mail confirmation the documents were delivered) my status on the tracking website did not change for a week (it still said ‘Send you Documents’). So I called and they confirmed they indeed had my documents and changed my status on the spot. Everything was super quick after that. I recommend calling HMPO after a couple of days if your status doesn’t change on the tracking website.
Timeline:
Passport received on 15 October 2025
Passport printed on 14 October 2025
Application approved on 13 October 2025
Documents received on 8 October 2025
Application received on 29 September 2025
Identity details received on 29 September 2025
Email sent to person confirming your identity on 29 September 2025
Ask someone to confirm your identity on 29 September 2025
Application submitted on 29 September 2025
Type of Application:
First UK Adult Passport
Passport Office:
Corby
Photo Method
Used a Photo-Me photo booth
Submission Date:
30-09-2025
Date Received:
15-10-2025
Overall Experience:
5 Star – Very Easy
Type of Application:
First UK Adult Passport
Passport Office:
Hemel Hempstead
Photo Method
Used a Photo-Me photo booth
Submission Date:
02-10-2025
Date Received:
16-10-2025
Overall Experience:
5 Star – Very Easy
Comments:
Filed at same time as husband, mailed documents in same envelope to processing centre address in my instructions, even though his instructions gave a different address. Mine arrived in 2 weeks exactly from date application was submitted. Husband’s passport due to arrive tomorrow, one day later
Application history
Passport printed 9:02am on 14 October 2025
Application approved 11:44am on 13 October 2025
Documents received 1:00pm on 8 October 2025
Application received 5:18pm on 2 October 2025
Identity details received 5:18pm on 2 October 2025
Email sent to person confirming your identity 1:20pm on 2 October 2025
Ask someone to confirm your identity 1:17pm on 2 October 2025
Application submitted 1:17pm on 2 October 2025
Type of Application:
First UK Adult Passport
Passport Office:
Hemel Hempstead
Photo Method
Used a Photo-Me photo booth
Submission Date:
05-10-2025
Date Received:
16-10-2025
Overall Experience:
5 Star – Very Easy
Comments:
Passport delivered 16 October 2025
Approved 15 October 2025
Documents received 9 October 2025
Application received 5 October 2025
Application submitted 5 October 2025
Type of Application:
First UK Adult Passport
Passport Office:
Hemel Hempstead
Photo Method
Used a Photo-Me photo booth
Submission Date:
03-10-2025
Date Received:
13-10-2025
Overall Experience:
5 Star – Very Easy
Type of Application:
First UK Adult Passport
Passport Office:
Hemel Hempstead
Photo Method
Took it myself on my phone
Submission Date:
07-10-2025
Date Received:
17-10-2025
Overall Experience:
5 Star – Very Easy
Type of Application:
First UK Adult Passport With Interview
Passport Office:
Corby
Photo Method
Used a Photo-Me photo booth
Submission Date:
05-09-2025
Date Received:
16-10-2025
Overall Experience:
5 Star – Very Easy
Type of Application:
First UK Adult Passport
Passport Office:
Corby
Photo Method
Used a different photo booth (Not Photo-Me)
Submission Date:
14-07-2025
Date Received:
16-10-2025
Overall Experience:
1 Star – Very Stressful
Comments:
HMPO has lost my foreign passport and certificate of naturalization. It took nearly a month to be contacted by a manager to let me know about the loss. This after numerous calls, messages and complaints. Then, weeks passed without being updated on how to proceed and again to get a refund for the new passport. I have found the process extremely stressful and dangerous (stealing identities, use of documents to commit frauds….).
Type of Application:
First UK Adult Passport With Interview
Passport Office:
Corby
Photo Method
Other Professional photographer
Submission Date:
14-07-2025
Date Received:
16-10-2025
Overall Experience:
1 Star – Very Stressful
Comments:
My documents were correctly delivered by Royal Mail, and signed as received by HMPO. As no update for 1 week, I have contacted HMPO for updates and one manager said they were safely with them. I have waited a little longer and in August I have started questioning again about my documents and after an inspection they have concluded they have lost them (7th-8th of August). They said to wait the day after for someone to call me to let me know what was next. Nothing happened, I have contacted them three times via complaints. After at least one week, I was informed that HMPO would have required a new certificate of naturalization but nothing was said about my foreign passport. Decided to report it to the police and it said they don’t accept reports for lost foreign passport or ID cards in THE UK. So whoever can steal a foreign document in this country and potentially use it for frauds as the British government hasn’t set up a method to record them as lost or stolen. Decided to go to my Consulate and make a copy of my passport. Spent 3 whole weeks to get a refund from HMPO for the expenses of a new passport. At the end I got my passport after 3 whole months, a lot of stress and wondering where are my lost documents and why potential crimes such as stealing an identity are not taken seriously enough to intervene immediately by a government office.
Adult Renewal Passport
Type of Application:
Adult Passport Renewal
Passport Office:
Hemel Hempstead
Photo Method
Used a different photo booth (Not Photo-Me)
Submission Date:
12-10-2025
Date Received:
17-10-2025
Overall Experience:
5 Star – Very Easy
Comments:
Passport printed 6:09pm on 15 October 2025
Application approved 3:08am on 15 October 2025
Documents received 3:59pm on 14 October 2025
Application received 1:21pm on 12 October 2025
Application submitted 1:20pm on 12 October 2025
Shocked at how fast it came
Posted old passport Monday 13th
Type of Application:
Adult Passport Renewal
Passport Office:
Hemel Hempstead
Photo Method
Used a different photo booth (Not Photo-Me)
Submission Date:
12-10-2025
Date Received:
17-10-2025
Overall Experience:
5 Star – Very Easy
Comments:
Passport printed 6:09pm on 15 October 2025
Application approved 3:08am on 15 October 2025
Documents received 3:59pm on 14 October 2025
Application received 1:21pm on 12 October 2025
Application submitted 1:20pm on 12 October 2025
Shocked at how fast it came
Posted old passport Monday 13th
Type of Application:
Adult Passport Renewal
Passport Office:
Not Sure
Photo Method
Took it myself on my phone
Submission Date:
09-10-2025
Date Received:
16-10-2025
Overall Experience:
5 Star – Very Easy
Type of Application:
Adult Passport Renewal
Passport Office:
Hemel Hempstead
Photo Method
Used a different photo booth (Not Photo-Me)
Submission Date:
10-10-2025
Date Received:
16-10-2025
Overall Experience:
5 Star – Very Easy
Type of Application:
Adult Passport Renewal
Passport Office:
Hemel Hempstead
Photo Method
Took it myself on my phone
Submission Date:
08-10-2025
Date Received:
09-10-2025
Overall Experience:
Please Rate out of 5
Comments:
Brilliant quick and efficient
Type of Application:
Adult Passport Renewal
Passport Office:
Hemel Hempstead
Photo Method
Took it myself on my phone
Submission Date:
02-10-2025
Date Received:
16-10-2025
Overall Experience:
5 Star – Very Easy
Comments:
Would have arrived on the 15/10, one day earlier than it did but i was not home! Very very easy and was well informed!
Type of Application:
Adult Passport Renewal
Passport Office:
Corby
Photo Method
Took it myself on my phone
Submission Date:
28-09-2025
Date Received:
15-10-2025
Overall Experience:
5 Star – Very Easy
Comments:
*Applied from abroad*
Application – 28th September
Sent passport from abroad – 29th September
Arrived at Corby passport office – 2nd October
Updated as received – 6th October
Approved – 9th October
Printed – 10th October
DHL tracking – 13th October
Passport in hand – 15th October
Type of Application:
Adult Passport Renewal
Passport Office:
Hemel Hempstead
Photo Method
Took it myself on my phone
Submission Date:
03-10-2025
Date Received:
15-10-2025
Overall Experience:
5 Star – Very Easy
Type of Application:
Adult Passport Renewal
Passport Office:
Corby
Photo Method
Took it myself on my phone
Submission Date:
03-10-2025
Date Received:
14-10-2025
Overall Experience:
5 Star – Very Easy
Comments:
I had no issues and was pleasantly surprised at the speed of the process
Type of Application:
Adult Passport Renewal
Passport Office:
Not Sure
Photo Method
Took it myself on my phone
Submission Date:
03-10-2025
Date Received:
14-10-2025
Overall Experience:
5 Star – Very Easy
Comments:
Passport delivered on 14 October 2025
Passport printed 7:15pm on 10 October 2025
Application approved 7:53am on 10 October 2025
Documents received 8:21am on 7 October 2025
Application received 1:07pm on 3 October 2025
Application submitted 1:06pm on 3 October 2025
Type of Application:
Adult Passport Renewal
Passport Office:
Hemel Hempstead
Photo Method
Took it myself on my phone
Submission Date:
03-10-2025
Date Received:
14-10-2025
Overall Experience:
5 Star – Very Easy
Comments:
This was renewal with name change as I got married. Super quick!
Type of Application:
Adult Passport Renewal
Passport Office:
Hemel Hempstead
Photo Method
Used a Photo-Me photo booth
Submission Date:
19-08-2025
Date Received:
05-09-2025
Overall Experience:
5 Star – Very Easy
Type of Application:
Adult Passport Renewal
Passport Office:
Corby
Photo Method
Took it myself on my phone
Submission Date:
29-09-2025
Date Received:
10-10-2025
Overall Experience:
5 Star – Very Easy
Type of Application:
Adult Passport Renewal
Passport Office:
Hemel Hempstead
Photo Method
Used a different photo booth (Not Photo-Me)
Submission Date:
06-10-2025
Date Received:
11-10-2025
Overall Experience:
5 Star – Very Easy
Type of Application:
Adult Passport Renewal
Passport Office:
Hemel Hempstead
Photo Method
Used a different photo booth (Not Photo-Me)
Submission Date:
06-10-2025
Type of Application:
Adult Passport Renewal
Passport Office:
Corby
Photo Method
Other uploaded digital professional passport photo
Submission Date:
19-09-2025
Date Received:
07-10-2025
Overall Experience:
5 Star – Very Easy
Comments:
Incredibly easy application process, and received regular updates through the passport tracking facility.
Date Received:
11-10-2025
Overall Experience:
5 Star – Very Easy
Type of Application:
Adult Passport Renewal
Passport Office:
Corby
Photo Method
Took it myself on my phone
Submission Date:
07-10-2025
Date Received:
17-10-2025
Overall Experience:
5 Star – Very Easy
Type of Application:
Adult Passport Renewal
Passport Office:
Hemel Hempstead
Photo Method
Used a Photo-Me photo booth
Submission Date:
28-08-2025
Date Received:
03-09-2025
Overall Experience:
5 Star – Very Easy
Type of Application:
Adult Passport Renewal
Passport Office:
London
Photo Method
Used a different photo booth (Not Photo-Me)
Submission Date:
30-09-2025
Date Received:
09-10-2025
Overall Experience:
5 Star – Very Easy
Type of Application:
Adult Passport Renewal
Passport Office:
Corby
Photo Method
Took it myself on my phone
Submission Date:
09-10-2025
Date Received:
18-10-2025
Overall Experience:
5 Star – Very Easy
Comments:
We posted our old passport on the Friday, but it wasn’t delivered to them until the Monday. Status changed to ‘Documents received’ on the Wednesday morning, then application was approved Thursday morning. Passport was printed Thursday late afternoon, posted Friday, and we received it Saturday morning.
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Lost or Stolen Passport Application
Type of Application:
Lost/Stolen Passport
Passport Office:
Not Sure
Photo Method
Took it myself on my phone
Submission Date:
14-10-2025
Date Received:
18-10-2025
Overall Experience:
5 Star – Very Easy
Comments:
If you need a passport urgently, report it lost at home and you’ll receive the passport much quicker as they won’t need to receive your current one.
1st Child Passport
Type of Application:
First Child Passport
Passport Office:
Corby
Photo Method
Took it myself on my phone
Submission Date:
02-10-2025
Date Received:
16-10-2025
Overall Experience:
5 Star – Very Easy
Type of Application:
First Child Passport
Passport Office:
Corby
Photo Method
Took it myself on my phone
Submission Date:
07-10-2025
Date Received:
17-10-2025
Overall Experience:
5 Star – Very Easy
Type of Application:
First Child Passport
Passport Office:
Corby
Photo Method
Took it myself on my phone
Submission Date:
03-10-2025
Date Received:
17-10-2025
Overall Experience:
5 Star – Very Easy
Type of Application:
First Child Passport
Passport Office:
Corby
Photo Method
Other
Submission Date:
20-07-2025
Date Received:
08-10-2025
Overall Experience:
3 Star – Average
Type of Application:
First Child Passport
Passport Office:
Corby
Photo Method
Took it myself on my phone
Submission Date:
03-10-2025
Date Received:
15-10-2025
Overall Experience:
5 Star – Very Easy
Child Renewal
Type of Application:
Child Renewal
Passport Office:
Hemel Hempstead
Photo Method
Used a different photo booth (Not Photo-Me)
Submission Date:
28-09-2025
Date Received:
11-10-2025
Overall Experience:
5 Star – Very Easy
Comments:
every step has just took a few days and the online chat function (With HMPO) is pretty responsive and helpful
1 Week Fast Track Application
Type of Application:
1 Week Fast Track Service
Passport Office:
Newport
Photo Method
Took it myself on my phone
Submission Date:
15-10-2025
Date Received:
18-10-2025
Overall Experience:
5 Star – Very Easy
Comments:
Overall a quick and easy process with friendly staff.
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