Help - Passports renewal application stuck at Durham Passport Office and we are traveling this Friday

[wujo]

hi all,

I am desperate!!!

Passports sent via PO Check and Send on the 2nd July.
Called the IPS 0300 number over 60 times today - got through a dozen times.
Cant escalate - can't get transferred to Durham.
Cant talk to anyone.

I am crying and feeling sick as it will ruined the holidays for my twin girls, my son, my husband and my mum.

Can someone help or know someone from the Durham office help us!? We prepare to drive up from Bristol tomorrow to pick them up if need be :(

Help!!!

Just noticed this thread and about to renew 4 family passports. Shall I leave it a bit as no plans to go abroad in next couple months or should it be ok if not in a rush? Wasnt going to use the post office service as would cost too much for 4 passports, just send recorded/registered delivery in one envelope. Didnt know it was Durham now and not Newport?? Uk hols for us this August. But didnt want passports to run out.

Please can anyone help me? I need the number to the petersborough office as I''ve had no luck with the 0300 number, spoken to about 10 different people yesterday and Fri all of them giving me different information and none of them could connect me to petersborough. I sent off my passport renewal on 16th July and have traced it to the petersborough office where it is still sat waiting to be checked! We are due to fly on 9th Aug and I would be devastated if I missed this holiday as it will be the last one I ever have with mum, she's got terminal cancer:(
Am
Planning to get on the phone first thing to try and get upgraded but would be so much easier if I could ring them directly, any one out there who can help me? X

Anismum-I have sent you a PM

Thanks so much Izzy, I'll ring them first thing

Izzy77 Anismum Just got through on the local number (Peterborough). They weren't happy at all that I had their number (wanted to know how I'd got hold of it - I just said another mum). They accused me of trying to jump the queue and I needed to sit it out and keep calling the 0300 number. I said that the helpline was not helpful at all and noone had called me back.

At least they told me they had the application and it's being processed so I feel a little better, but be warned they don't like direct calls.

Just a quick update, I spoke to a lovely woman from the Petersborugh office, managed to get through first time on the 0845 number (thanks Izzy) she said someone should ring me back shortly regarding an upgrade and to process the fee and if that's done today then I should have my passport tomorrow! Couldn't have done this so quickly through the 0300 number so thanks to everyone on here, I will keep you posted as to whether it arrives on time

I would really recommend the check and send. They picked up a discrepancy on mine - it would have been sent back. Also they gave me a reference number to contact in a week - by email. I can track if from there.

But I blame myself for not getting it done earlier - it is peak time. But also, there should be a better system.

Good luck to everyone - it's a nightmare when you have plans.

Hi all,
Just got through to peterborough. The lady said their still dealing with the passports that came in on the 16th but I still got time to receive them as I travel on the 13th. She asked if I was willing to upgrade and collect passports if neccessary, obviously I said yes. Im now awaiting my call back. God I hope this works. If your ringing Peterborough stay on the line regardless if the automated service is telling you they cant put you through. Hth.

You may be better trying the 0845 number, I had no problems at all and the woman couldn't have been more helpful

Sorry the above message was for Beckenham, you can tell I'm new to this!

Anismum I'n new to it too! I have just tried the 0845 and a message says they are temporarily unavailable. Suspect overwhelmed by calls. I will keep trying though and glad it looks like you will get yours this week

Anismum Got through on 0845 number (just held on even though recorded message said they were temporarily unavailable. Eventually someone answered). Lady was so helpful and said to call back in the morning (when it would be exactly 3 weeks since they received the application). They will upgrade (£60) and process within 4 hours and courier so we get it before the end of the week. I'm not counting chickens but feel SO much better. Thanks Izzy77 for number. Still fed up that website said I would get renewal within 3 weeks (and I sent it on 11th July, allowing 5 weeks) and I'm now having to pay to get passport in time for holiday. Something seriously wrong with this system.

pleased to say my passport arrived this morning with not a day to spare as we travel tomorrow. would like to thank everyone on this page don't know how i would have coped otherwise!! hope you all receive yours in time and will never leave it this late again. the 0300 number was no help but there were a few helpful people at durham but still didn't think it would arrive in time!!!!!

I just called the 0300 number about mine, i sent it off 4 weeks ago for a name change (so didn't need it countersigning or anything) he said I should have it by Friday, that will be 5 weeks for a change of name !! I think they need to start advertising the fact that they it won't take the 3 weeks they tell you it will !!

Have managed to pay for an upgrade at last! The woman said it would be delivered by DX courier in the next 48 hours which is great but I can't relax until I've got it in my hands! Does anyone know how I can pay extra for next day delivery? Passport office gave me a number (0844) which is an automated service and just asks you to go on direct gov website

Just had my call back from Durham and for £52 it is being printed today and I will receive it in 48 hrs, so relieved but still won't relax completely until it is in my hand! Looks like we will be flying on sat after all :-)) thank you to all who helped me, without that tel no for Durham I never would have got it sorted

I am at my wits end and feel like crying. Tried Durham today and the chap was very helpful, but admitted it was only a call centre and not the actual passport office. It has been 3 weeks on Thursday and they cant put me through to the actual Passport Office until 3 weeks is up. We are travelling on the 13 August 2012!!! My daughter is ony 8 and has held a passport before - how hard can it be!!!! Anyone got a phone number other than the 0300 one?

We used Send and Check via the Post Office, which was supposed to make it quicker. We are going to be all so gutted if we miss our holiday to Turkey as we haven't been away since the recession hit in 2008. :(

Ratbag01 I will inbox direct number to you x

Thank you so much. x

I'm in the same boat - lost barcode number, I sent the passport forms to Gwent. Should I continue trying the 0300 number or a different one?

The renewal passports came back over a week ago, the new one still isn't here.....

I dont have my bardcode number- DS1 renewal has been in Durham since July 24th. We fly out on August 16th.

They shouldnt put on their website that it will only take three weeks for a renewal. Ill be devastated if we cant get to visit grandparents in france.

Is it too soon for me to chase? The 0300 number will be pointless as I dont have ref number.

I feel physically sick.

Help please!!! My son travels on Mon 13th with his Dad to Disney, they both did check and send on 14th July. Rang 0300 number today and am happy to pay whatever it takes to get them back on time, but they couldn't get through to Durham office so am waiting a call back (they said this could be 48 hrs) The guy u spoke to said about needing to make an app to go there!! Is this necessary as we live in Devon! Would really appreciate some advice, many thanks.

If you've lost your barcode number like I did then if you ask at the post office where you applied they can trace it for you x

And could anyone kindly give me Durhams phone number?

Chloeboe1 I don't think it's an option to go to Durham you could call them direct instead of waiting a call back 0300 are not much help at all and can never get through to Durham i will inbox direct number for you x