I’m not usually one to post but feel so strongly in this one, I felt it might benefit others to share. Here goes…..
Not expecting to be in a position to take the kids on holiday this year for various reasons, i found myself able to book a last minute holiday at the weekend. It was only when I came to do online check in, I realised my eldest’s passport expired whilst away. In trying to find options to get a replacement passport for my 10 year old, the best on offer is 7 day fasttrack but there is very little information on this anywhere online. Taking the risk, I paid the fee (double the normal cost) and made an appointment at the passport office for the following day. Seemingly, they only tell you the process and leadtime once they have your money. This is where it gets very frustrating!
The 7 days starts at the point of appointment, not when you complete and pay for the application. I got the last appointment of the day! Once the appointment is attended, the application goes into a 5 day safeguard holding. Only AFTER the 5 days does it go for printing. Dependant on time of the appointment depends on whether the passport is printed that day or next. Once printed, it is despatched to the courier the following day, who then process and deliver the following day.
So. In summary, the leadtime is;
Make the online application and get an appointment: 1 day
If you’re lucky, get a next day appointment: 1 day
Application then goes into 5 day safeguard holding: 5 days
Dependant on time of day the appointment was held governs the day it is printed. Late appointment = printing next day: 1 day
Sent to courier. COULD be same day as printing if printed early: 1 day
Delivery only guaranteed within 48 hours with Royal Mail: 2 days
Total time for a 7 day fast track: 10 days
At this point, this is the information I have been able to get from speaking with 5 different HMPO representatives and have everything firmly crossed that it comes within the 7 days as we go on holiday then!
I will update as any changes. If anybody has had a different (hopefully better) experience, I’d love to hear about it.