Passport Renewal, ways to apply in 2023

Watch out for current backlog delays

The Passport Office has been experiencing a huge backlog of passport renewal applications, as the pandemic has caused a significant reduction in its staff numbers and processing capacity. This has had a knock-on effect to the processing times for passport renewal applications, with delays of around three months being reported.

The Passport Office has acknowledged the current passport delays and apologised to the public for any inconvenience caused. It has also taken steps to reduce the backlog, including hiring additional staff, increasing its processing capacity, and streamlining the online renewal process.

However, despite these measures, it is still taking longer than usual to process passport renewal applications. This is due to the fact that the Passport Office's staff are still mostly working from home, meaning that they are unable to process applications in the same way as they would if they were all in the office.

The delays are likely to continue for some time, as the Passport Office is still feeling the effects of the pandemic. It is therefore important for those applying for a passport renewal to ensure that they apply as soon as possible, to ensure that they receive their passport in good time.

Due to this they are advising you should only used the standard services listed below if you do not need your passport for at least 8 weeks prior to travel or for ID purposes.

Ways to apply

Passport renewal online

It is possible to renew your British passport with the HM Passport Office online service. The process is simple and straightforward, allowing you to renew your passport from the comfort of your own home.

The first step is to create an account with the HM Passport Office website. You will need to provide personal details such as your name, address, and date of birth. Once your account is set up, you can log in to begin the renewal process.

Once you are logged in, you will need to complete an application form. This will require you to provide details of your current passport, along with a recent passport-sized photograph. You will also need to provide proof of your identity, such as a driving licence or birth certificate.

Once you have completed the application form, you will need to pay the required fee. The fee is dependent on the type of passport you are applying for, and can be paid via Visa, MasterCard, or American Express.

Once your application has been submitted and your payment has been accepted, you will be able to track the progress of your application online. The process typically takes up to three weeks, during which time you will be able to track the progress of your application.

Once your passport has been renewed, you will receive it by post.

Passport renewal via Post

You can also apply via post, you will need to obtain a passport renewal form from a local Post Office branch, you can often find these now in WH Smith stores or Supermarkets, you cannot download a printable version of the passport application form

You will then need to complete your passport renewal form, on this form you will be asked to provide your personal details, such as your name, address, date of birth and passport number. You will also need to provide two passport-sized photographs, and you only need parents details and a counter-signatory in certain circumstances.

Once your application form is completed, you will need to pay the relevant fee. The fee will depend on the type of passport you are applying for and the duration of its validity. If sending your form via the post office you can pay by debit card, credit card or if you are just sending the form you need to send a cheque or postal order along with it.

Once your payment has been processed, your application will be sent to the HM Passport Office for processing. You should receive your new passport within 6-8 weeks (taking into account the backlog delays mentioned at the start of this article, there are also a few ways to track a passport application

If you would like your application to be checked prior to being sent to the HM Passport Office, you can opt to use the Post Office's "Check & Send" service. This service will check your application and ensure that all the necessary documents and information is included, this can save delays as you are only allowed to make 3 characters mistakes on a passport form before it is invalid.

You can also order a paper passport application form to be posted to you directly by calling the passport office contact line

Need your passport urgently?

Booking an appointment at HM Passport Office for either the Fast-Track 1 Week Service or 1 Day Premium Passport renewal service is necessary for those looking to renew their passports quickly. The 1 Day Premium Passport renewal service is only available for adults over 15 years of age.

The first step to booking an appointment is to determine which service is best for you. If you need to get your passport renewed quickly, the 1 Day Premium Passport renewal service might be the right choice. However, if you need your passport within the week, the Fast-Track 1 Week Service might be a better option.

Once you've determined which service is best for you, you'll need to book an appointment at the HM Passport Office by calling the urgent appointment phone line, you'll need to have your passport details, contact information, and payment information ready. You'll also need to provide details on why you need the service, such as travel plans or a wedding.

It's important to note that the 1 Day Premium Passport renewal service is only available for adults over 15 years of age. If you're under 15, you'll need to use the Fast-Track 1 Week Service instead.