Question on British Passport Application Timelines

[BlackDahlia]

Hi all,

I would really appreciate some advice. I applied for my first adult British passport almost 6 weeks ago. The last update on the system confirms that they received my documents. I know that they say that we should allow up to 10 weeks to receive the passport, so didn’t want to call and follow up, but I also see others who applied after me receiving their passports by now. I know I am probably overthinking this, but out of the experience of others when would be the right time to start following up with them regarding my application?

I keep reading some horror stories of delays extending over months and months so I guess I just don’t want to end up in this situation as they also have my other passport and other important documents.

Thanks!

[Newbritish]

Which passport office did you send your docs to?

I would chase it up. They do say 10 weeks on their site but honestly it has not been this long for months. Most getting theirs 10-20 days. Over a month. I would call them and ask if there is an issue?

Do you need to urgently travel? Or just getting anxious something is wrong?

Hope you get good news in the next few days.

[BlackDahlia]

Thank you for responding! I sent it to Hemel Hempstead. I want to plan some travels but am also a little anxious to be honest. It will be a disaster if they end up losing my documents because getting them back would be not only a hassle but also would potentially cost lots of time and money. My embassy isn’t the easiest when it comes to lost passports

[Newbritish]

Thank you for responding! I sent it to Hemel Hempstead. I want to plan some travels but am also a little anxious to be honest. It will be a disaster if they end up losing my documents because getting them back would be not only a hassle but also would potentially cost lots of time and money. My embassy isn’t the easiest when it comes to lost passports

Very off. Hemel Hempstead usually has good approval timelines. I would defo not book any travels. I would encourage you to call - they may not even be aware they have an issue.

Totally get the documents lost scenario. If they lost it - they would have to pay for replacement etc. But the hassle would be all on you….

I encourage you to call and request escalation. Because by now you should have your docs returned.

[BlackDahlia]

Thanks so much! I did call and they said that my application is pending a letter from the colleague who initially confirmed my identity to supply further information. It seems that that letter never got to them - probably because they recently moved houses! At any rate, they told me what they need and I just asked that colleague to help me with that. Hopefully that’s the end of it - they said it doesn’t seem that they need anything else.

So calling them was definitely a good idea - thank you! I was scared to be annoying them with a call, but apparently they sent that letter to my colleague two weeks ago! If only they let you know that have sent a letter to someone who hasn’t responded. But thanks again, at least it seems that this might resolve this situation

[alterhase58]

Isn't the identity referee contacted by email? Letter suggests post office mail ....

[Newbritish]

Thanks so much! I did call and they said that my application is pending a letter from the colleague who initially confirmed my identity to supply further information. It seems that that letter never got to them - probably because they recently moved houses! At any rate, they told me what they need and I just asked that colleague to help me with that. Hopefully that’s the end of it - they said it doesn’t seem that they need anything else.

So calling them was definitely a good idea - thank you! I was scared to be annoying them with a call, but apparently they sent that letter to my colleague two weeks ago! If only they let you know that have sent a letter to someone who hasn’t responded. But thanks again, at least it seems that this might resolve this situation

That is fantastic news! Honestly, I believe you will be approved in next few days. The colleague will approve it pending approval from manager to accept they do not need anything else.

Yeah, many people do not want to call but they not actively tell you if something is missing promptly - they usually wait till you call or just until the examiner has additional time…

Looking forward to you updating that you are approved!!

[Newbritish]

Isn't the identity referee contacted by email? Letter suggests post office mail ....

Likely true. When the referee adds their information, they also add their address details.

[BlackDahlia]

Isn't the identity referee contacted by email? Letter suggests post office mail ....

Likely true. When the referee adds their information, they also add their address details.

I also found it odd that they said a letter and did ask the person on the phone and he confirmed that they sent my colleague a letter by post. I even wondered the same and asked how do they have their postal address and he said that they ask for the postal address in case they want further information. In this case, it seems that they want a confirmation about their place of work (name of business, address, charity number etc.) sent with a letterhead and signed by that colleague (which is probably why they contacted them by post), which is also odd since I did submit an employer letter (we work in the same place) that already had all this information. But he gave me all the information needed and told me to send it all to the standard Liverpool address (101 Old Hall Street) despite me sending all to Hemel Hempstead. Let’s hope doing that resolves things. Finger crossed!!