Anyone done a Passport renewal online recently?

[cherrypiepie]

Quick question I've completed online part and just need to send docs to passport office. Do I need to or did you include a note or letter.

The reference goes in the address and it doesn't ask to, so assuming just the documents in a "strong envelope" is fine?

Goes against my nature not to send a cover note!

I sent the old passport with a post-it stuck to it with the reference number. Just in case! But I don’t think it was necessary. I also just used a normal envelope I had lying around, not a special strong one.

Good idea thanks. It just says strong envelope on the website - presume it means a non flimsy one! Like a left over Christmas card one!

I've just sent off an old passport today, I wrote the reference number, full name and DOB on a long strip of paper and inserted it into the pages and folded the ends over the front cover to make it obvious! Put into a small jiffy bag, taped extra shut and sent Signed For. Hopefully that covers all bases?

@Saisong definitely! With you in the extra tape.

I have done a note as can't find a post it.

Although I really don't think it is necessary as @CurtainTroubles says it's on the address and wonder if they find it annoying at the passport office when they get Random notes!

Im usually the same but didn't bother when I got my new passport. I did reinforce the envelope a bit, though!

@CurtainTroubles

The reference number for your application is included in the address that you are given so you don’t need to include a cover note.

This. I renewed mine online two weeks ago. I posted my old passport the same day. The new passport arrived exactly a week later. I literally just put my old passport in a thick brown envelope, no covering letter at all.

Sorry to jump on but is a passport renewal easy enough if your changing address at the same time? X

I did cover notes but I can't send something as important as a passport without one! It would be physically impossible for me.

@mumof41992 yes it's really easy.

as they don't really need address other than to post it to you. (You don't need to get a new on when you move house

5 mins max

25 minutes agonising over a cover note and whether my envelope was "strong" enough.

I also just stuck a postit with the application reference on the passport, as my name and DOB are both inside! It was turned around in a week, but none of my details were being changed. I can't see why a change of address would hold it up as addresses don't appear on passports.

Yes I just printed the confirmation because I needed that for the address, and then included that sheet in the envelope. If you are sending any additional documents apart from the old passport be aware that they come back MUCH later. The new passport was here in under 2 weeks, including the week it took to acknowledge receipt of the documents I had sent recorded first class. The old passport and documents took over a month to come back (with the premium courier service I had paid).

@ADialgaAteMyDog

I did cover notes but I can't send something as important as a passport without one! It would be physically impossible for me.

This. I put in a short cover note with my name, address and reference number.

But I've had issues with them in the past, so keen to make sure they have no excuses.

You can get a special waterproof envelope from the Post Office to send old passport back to whichever office is issuing your new one. You pay for it and the postage together including courier delivery of the new passport. They were taking weeks when we did ours, it must have improved.

Well I sent it!

With NO cover letter or note or anything

Also in normal white envelope with some sellotape reinforcements!

Special delivery mainly because it has my marriage certificate and it's from the US so no hope of getting a duplicate.

Fingers crossed they are better than the DVLA!

@cherrypiepie in my recent experience the passport office are approximately 486 times better than the DVLA. They keep you updated with texts or you can log in to track progress. And they're quick.
I have now forgiven them for spelling DDs name wrong in her passport about 10 years ago.

Is the post office an efficient way to do passport renewal?

Just renewed mine and DD's passports. Sent normal first class in just a bog standard brown envelope. No note or anything as the address you post to has your application number. My passport was in my hand within a week, DD's took ten days.

@HPLikecraft it doesn't take much to be better than the DVLA!

Online is much easier.

I did mine about 5 years ago at the post office check and send service and the new online service is a dream!!!

You don't need a cover note as your reference number is part of the address.

But it seems to be taking age right now mostly due to the Royal Mail being slow. I posted mine last Monday and it still hasn't arrived at the passport office. I have another thread on here about it!

Well I'm having a nightmare
Did online renewals for both dc in December
Tracking says documents recieved on 20th bit they keep telling me they haven't recoeved them and now they are going to cancel the application and keep the money!!!
Still waiting for a call back....

@Opal8

Well I'm having a nightmare Did online renewals for both dc in December Tracking says documents recieved on 20th bit they keep telling me they haven't recoeved them and now they are going to cancel the application and keep the money!!! Still waiting for a call back....

What a nightmare!

@MarineBlue33

Is the post office an efficient way to do passport renewal?

No, it's cheaper and easier to do it online