got four weeks to get new passport - which service?

[whatalovelyday]

The fast track post office service says min 2 weeks - but it is peak season, so should we just go down to the passport office and get the really expensive but guaranteed in one week service? thank you.

If its a first application i would go in - we ended up doing that after it got totally mucked up through the postal way by the passport agency.

I've always used the "check and send" service at the Post Office and it has always come back in a week to 10 days. Going to the passport office isn't an option for most people, but if you have the time and are close enough you could do that. There is always a specially trained person at the post office that can make sure your docs are in order.

First issue passports, even with check and send, can take 6 weeks (though sometimes they ar processed faster than that)

If you really must travel before the 6-week target, then using one of the premium services is probably the only way to buy peace of mind.

I sent it without the check and send a few weeks ago and it took 3 weeks but sent one last year and it took less than a week for first child passport.

If going to an office is an option think I'd do it at peak time.

i got both of my babies sorted in a week using the appointment service in newport. its the only way to make sure.

thanks. it's not for a baby - it's for dh who just realised it's running out!

Where are you going? And when does it expire? Not everywhere requires validity beyond expected length of stay (FCO travel advisory pages give authoritative advice on this - eg for European destinations it's definitely duration of stay only plus if you're being prudent a few days in case of hold ups).

Renewals are usually faster than new first issue - can't remember target time offhand: is there advice on the Passport Office site?

Our renewals took a day under 2 weeks last month and dds new passport took 2.5 weeks, bit she is a baby so don't know if that's quicker. You're pushing it trusting check and send now.