Are Fast Track passport applications still operating on around a 3 week appointment time?

[evertonmint]

I am expecting DC3 any day now (am 8 days overdue!). Due to availability with school hols etc we had to book our summer holiday for late August before the baby was born so couldn't do the whole wait until you have a passport before you book thing.

DH is able to go to Victoria to do an in person Fast Track Application which you can do for a child's first passport and we are happy to spend the money to do this to guarantee the passport. The website is still saying appointments will be in approx 3 weeks and then it is 1 week to turn it around. We have approx 8 weeks from the latest date the baby will be born to our holiday so in theory we should be fine.

However, with all the passport office delays, we wondered if more people are turning to Fast Track straight away, or if there are delays, or if the volume of people being switched to Fast Track is delaying things, so wondered if the 3 weeks from calling to appt is still accurate or not. I'm guessing they're not exactly prioritising keeping the website updated!

DH is wondering if he can call and book an appt before the baby has arrived.

Any advice from anyone also using Fast Track from the start?

I'm not sure about booking an app before baby has arrived but I booked a fasttrack appointment for my DD straightforward passport renewal last Thursday 12th after I saw all the chaos hit the headlines!

Got an appointment in Liverpool office for the 23rd so just under 2 weeks. I had 7 weeks before we fly (stupidly thought it was enough) and the guy on the 0300 number seemed to think check and send would get me it in time but didn't want to take any chances.
Hope you get it sorted.

Good luck!

You need to allow the time to get a birth certificate too and registry offices can vary quite a bit on how they operate appointments systems and how long it takes to get one. Might be worth checking now (and have you picked a name?)

Remember it's the long form of BC that is needed for a passport.

That's reassuring dipitydoyou. We actually have a reasonable amount of time provided we do Fast Track, and I'd rather pay the extra than worry about check and send, but it's good to know they seem to be operating to their expected timelines for appts.

AuntieStella - thanks (didn't realise we needed the long form one, although we will probably get that anyway). The registry office near here is usually pretty good at getting appts within a week of birth and we're 95% certain on the name, so we should be able to manage all that before the passport appt.

I have the passport form already so it's just a matter of filling in the relevant details once the baby is finally here. He just needs to get a move on now!

Just to update in case anyone is thinking of using Fast Track from the start.

DS was born at the weekend. Phoned to book appt today and have been given one on Saturday in London so within a week. All seems good so far!

Congratulations evertonmint

I had my fast track appointment today - very quick and not as busy as i thought. Good luck with everything!

dipity did u get your passport in the 7 day timescale?