How Long Are Peterborough Passports Taking?

In Peterborough, the wait times for a passport can vary based on several factors

Your passport application type

The current wait time for a new or replacement passport from Peterborough can vary depending on your application type, whether you are applying for a first time passport, renewal or lost and stolen passport, this also can vary from adult to child passport applications, the time frames can vary from 3-6 weeks, please see below for a more detailed breakdown of the average processing times.

Processing time factors

Peterborough wait times vary depending on the type of passport and if faster processing is requested. If you are applying for your first passport, these times may be longer than noted above.

Application form errors and missing supporting documents

Filling out the application accurately and submitting all necessary documents is also important in order to reduce delays in processing times, mistakes with the passport application form and failing to provide the correct supporting documents can cause delays when sending your application to Peterborough.

What is the current/average wait time for a passport?

The current average wait time for a passport application sent to Peterborough is about 3-4 weeks. It can take longer, depending on the type of application you submitted and the workload the government is currently processing. This time frame also depends on specific requirements for the different application type, supporting documents and/or requiring a counter-signer, please see below the various application types with average waiting times then applying via the Peterborough Passport Office:

Adult Passport First Time

If you are over the age of 15 and you are applying for your first ever passport, this has the longest waiting time of 4-6 weeks, this is due to the fact that once you have applied with the passport application form and supporting documents you will then be asked to attend a passport interview as the Peterborough office.

Adult Passport Renewal

If you are renewing your passport as an adult this is quite straight-forward, providing the passport application form is filled in correctly with no errors or missing information, and the supporting documents provided (your current passport and two passport-sized photographs are provided, then you can expect your new renewed passport within 3-4 weeks on average.

Child Passports First Time

Child first time passport applications are faster than adults, however due to the fact that child passport applications also require more information on the form in regards to parents details and additional documentation, birth certificates etc, this can often cause delays if they need to contact either parent in regards to the child's application, on average child passports are taking 3-5 weeks to process.

Child Passports Renewal

Child renewals are the most straight forward application type, providing all documents are in order and the passport form and one of the passport photos has been counter-signed by someone who has know the parents then child renewals are being processed within 3-4 weeks on average.

Lost/Stolen Passports

If your passport has been lost or stolen then you will have to apply for a replacement, you will also need to provide additional supporting information, such as firstly reporting your passport as lost/stolen (if applicable) and you will also need someone to counter-sign your form and one photograph to confirm your likeness. The main issues that can delay lost/stolen renewals is to not report your passport before you apply, and to not complete the counter-sign requirements, you also need to make sure that the individual you choose to do this is contactable by the passport office in the event that they wish to confirm some information. Average processing times on the condition that the above is completed with the application is 3-4 weeks.

Damaged Passports

If your passport has become damaged due to normal wear and tear, you may be able to apply for a replacement. This type of application is similar to the lost/stolen requirements above The main issues that can delay damaged passports are also the fact that you need to complete the counter-sign requirements, you also need to make sure that the individual you choose to do this is contactable by the passport office in the event that they wish to confirm some information. Average processing times on the condition that the above is completed with the application is 3-4 weeks.

Can I fast track my passport at Peterborough?

You can get a fast track 1 week passport, however please note that you must pre-book this service in advance, you must then attend the Peterborough Passport Office in person, and must also meet the following criteria:

• If you are an adult over the age of 15, you can only use this service for renewals (not first time passports).


• You must be willing to pay the additional fees associated with the expedited service.


• You need to book an appointment at Peterborough

Please note that children CAN use the fast-track one week service for both first time and renewal applications.

Can you get a UK passport in 24 hours in Peterborough?

You can get a passport in 1 day, however please note that you must pre-book this service in advance, you must then attend the Peterborough Passport Office in person, and must also meet the following criteria:

• You must be an adult over the age of 15 to get a passport the same day.


• You must have a current passport that is not lost, stolen, or damaged.


• You must be willing to pay the additional fees associated with the expedited service.


• You need to book an appointment at Peterborough

Please note that children (individuals under the age of 16 years) CANNOT use the 1 day passport service. See our details guide if you would like more information on the urgent passport services offered by HM Passport Office.

What could delay my passport application?

When sending a passport application to the Peterborough office, it is important to understand that various things can cause delays for your application, it is always best to check online for news in regards to passport office strikes, backlogs or delays and also if there are any national issues with mail provider such as Royal Mail, here are some of the most common factors to consider before sending your passport application:

Passport office peak times and back-logs

The processing of your application may take longer than expected at certain times of the year passport office peak times are Apr-Aug. In order to avoid this issue, your application should be sent several weeks before the intended travel date, if you need your passport urgently during these peak months or during a backlog it is advisable to use an urgent passport service.

Mistakes with your application form or missing documents

Delays can occur if the necessary information and/or documents are missing from the application. This commonly happens when the applicant fails to fill out the application correctly, or when they forget to include all of the necessary documents and photographs. Before sending an application, it is important to make sure that you have double checked everything for your application type. See our guide for How to get your passport application right.

Royal mail strikes

Your passport application could also be delayed if national mail delivery is effected, please check online or in news in regards to any recent delays or strike action before sending your application via standard, First Class or Second Class post, see more about recent Royal Mail strikes and passport applications.

If this is the case we would advise to use premium services such as Royal Mail Special Delivery in order to send your passport application to Peterborough, as this will guarantee that it will arrive within 24-48 hours, you are also able to track this to ensure that it has arrive, as the processing times given in the article are after your application has been received by Peterborough Passport Office; so any delays prior to this will be in addition to the average times.