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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

Cannot get through to DVLA - they have my daughter's passport!

180 replies

Ceci03 · 01/12/2021 10:18

So I helped dd apply for a provisional licence back in June, but they asked me to send in her passport - the original. We couldn't then, as she was going away and needed it. So we sent it in October, with the original application number etc, as I did manage to speak to them in about August about it.
So now DD is booked to go away after xmas, but they still have her passport. I've emailed, and phoned, and tried to do webchat, but cannot get through to anyone. I don't even care about the licence at this stage, we just need the passport back :( Does anyone have any tips as to how you can speak to someone.

I paid for flights (different ones in August), and we couldnt go due to testing positive for covid. If I lose these flights at xmas as well because of that I'm going to lose my S.

Anyone know anyone who works there, or anyone managed to get through?
I looked up applying for a new passport, but the wait times are 8 weeks, so that's too late now as well.

OP posts:
Staffymumma · 01/12/2021 10:24

I drove to Wales (there is other passport offices around the UK) the other day to get a new passport which is guaranteed delivery within 7 days. Was a 7 hour round trip but I was desperate. Sorry I know this isn’t much help but thought I’d let you know it is an option.

Original poster
Ceci03 · 01/12/2021 11:05

So I did get through eventually this morning.

He said, no, they cannot send her passport back until they come across it.
It will be about 10-12 weeks.
I cant stop crying. The trip is cancelled obviously.
We were going to visit my parents as we havent seen them for 2 years and they are in their 80's. And dd and ds were going to see their dad who they havent seen for same amount of time. Only to Ireland.

OP posts:
Original poster
Ceci03 · 01/12/2021 11:06

My dad's in hospital - I mean what if he got worse and we had to suddenly go over - both my parents are old and sick with lots of ailments - dd wouldnt be able to go :(

OP posts:
Huckleberries73 · 01/12/2021 11:07

This reply has been withdrawn

This has been withdrawn by MNHQ at the poster's request.

shouldistop · 01/12/2021 11:07

Fast track a new passport

GingerSunday · 01/12/2021 11:08

Definitely fast track a new passport. My DH got one within a week for a business trip when he lost his previous one, and it wasn't overly expensive if I remember. Just say it's lost,

Rabblesthecat · 01/12/2021 11:11

If it’s Ireland you don’t need a passport if you go by ferry……. Maybe most of you fly and she goes by ferry?

daisypond · 01/12/2021 11:11

You can still go, though, even if your daughter can’t.

ColinTheKoala · 01/12/2021 11:14

Does she need a passport for Ireland? I thought you just needed photo ID. Have a look at the list of what they accept.

Original poster
Ceci03 · 01/12/2021 11:15

I cant get her a new passport as she needs the current one as proof of ID.

OP posts:
Marmite27 · 01/12/2021 11:15

@Rabblesthecat

If it’s Ireland you don’t need a passport if you go by ferry……. Maybe most of you fly and she goes by ferry?
We went on the ferry October half term.

We were split over 3 cars. Every car was asked for their Covid pass. Car 1 for passenger locator form and if we had any alcohol, cigarettes, drugs, guns or knives (because if you do you’re sure to say yes right?) car 2 they wanted passports, car 3 they wanted their tickets.

The kids great aunt and uncle on a different ferry were asked for everything, we joked they must look dodgy.

Sadly I wouldn’t rule out not needing a passport if you’re going by ferry.

Original poster
Ceci03 · 01/12/2021 11:16

The trouble is she has an Irish passport.

She's eligible for a UK one, but can't get one as they say they need her Irish passport - or the one she came into the UK with.

OP posts:
Original poster
Ceci03 · 01/12/2021 11:16

Yes we came by ferry in Nov 2019 and needed passports

OP posts:
eurochick · 01/12/2021 11:17

Travel via Belfast? I know someone who did this recently due to a passport issue.

gordongrumpy · 01/12/2021 11:17

There are ways to get emergency passports, you can get a fast-track, it may involve a lot of effort on your part, and you and her attending a passport office.

If your DD is under 18, she can travel to Ireland on a birth cert via ferry.

It's possible, if you want to go.

gordongrumpy · 01/12/2021 11:18

Have you contacted the Irish embassy?

dementedpixie · 01/12/2021 11:19

How bizarre. They only needed the passport number when I applied for dds provisional licence. Wonder why they needed the passport sent to them. Sounds like they've lost it

Unicornflakegirl · 01/12/2021 11:19

Are you in the UK @Ceci03?

If so she should be able to fly or travel by ferry to NI and then travel to wherever your family is.
A hassle but better than not going.

Those saying fast track - it's for standard renewals and not available for lost or stolen passports but you could explain the circumstances and see what they could do.

💐 I know the worry of being a plane journey away from ill relatives.

OhGoveUckYourself · 01/12/2021 11:20

I would contact your MP and see if they can do anything or offer any suggestions. It is worth tryiing before you cancel everything OP and the fact that your Dad is in hospital and elderly will be in your favour.

controve · 01/12/2021 11:20

You can get a new one if you say it's lost, obviously you'll need new pictures etc. I had to do this a few years ago when Royal Mail lost my passport (paid for tracked and signed for too).

If I was you I'd be getting them to admit they'd lost it though then saying they'll have to pay for a replacement. It might just help it turn up.

cathyandclare · 01/12/2021 11:21

You can get a replacement passport if one is lost, DD went to Newport to get one. You need photos, countersignature, maybe birth cert ( can't remember) but should be able to get one.

cathyandclare · 01/12/2021 11:22

Sorry, just seen it's an Irish passport

CorrBlimeyGG · 01/12/2021 11:24

The DVLA are currently processing provisional licence applications received in early October. If she sent the information over in October, it's highly likely you'll receive the licence and documents back in the next few weeks. The 8-12 weeks is the total processing time, not from now.

You can find a list of processing times if you Google it.

Unicornflakegirl · 01/12/2021 11:25

@Ceci03

The trouble is she has an Irish passport.

She's eligible for a UK one, but can't get one as they say they need her Irish passport - or the one she came into the UK with.

If she's eligible for a UK passport and she's in the UK it's entirely feasible that she hasn't had a passport before so I would get the application in ASAP on that basis.

Is there any chance she could get an Irish passport photo card? It can be delivered to any address on the island of Ireland relatively quickly (if you can get one) and it could then be posted to you.

Or travel to and from a UK ferry port with no need for a passport.

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