Timetable for passport applications

Don't leave your passport renewal to the last minute. You can carry up to nine months validity from your old passport on to your new one. There's a range of options for other passport applications, but the best advice is to apply early whenever you can.

When you should apply

You can apply to renew your passport if there are nine months or fewer before it expires. It's also worth bearing in mind that:

IPS will add the unused time (up to nine months) on to your new 10-year passport
some countries ask for six months validity on your passport
you should only book travel when your passport is valid

Refunds cannot be paid for time left on an unused passport.

Time taken: normal applications

The following table shows the minimum length of time you should allow for a passport renewal using the normal service.

Times are not guaranteed - do not book travel until you have a valid passport

These times are a guide for when you complete the form correctly and provide the correct documents. The times shown are not guaranteed and do not include postage time. In some cases IPS may need to take extra time to look at your application, including confirming details you have given and contacting your countersignatory.

IPS recommends you use the Post Office Check & Send service to make sure that everything is correct when you apply.

Type of application	Time taken for passport renewal excluding postal time
Check & Send	2 weeks
Post	3 weeks
First time applicants	6 weeks

Urgent applications

Fast Track one-week and Premium one-day services are available at Regional Passport Offices for certain types of applications. To make an appointment, call the Passport Adviceline on 0300 222 0000 (open Monday to Friday from 8.00 am to 8.00 pm and on weekends and public holidays, the best days to call, 9.00 am to 5.30 pm).

The cost of contacting 08 and 03 telephone numbers (contacts section)

During busy periods it may not be possible to get an appointment at short notice, so you should allow at least two weeks.

These services can only be guaranteed when IPS has successfully assessed your application, including confirming details you have given and contacting your countersignatory.

Upgrading your application if your plans change suddenly

If your travel plans change after you have applied for a passport, you can request an upgrade to the Premium one-day service (renewals only). To request an upgrade, call the Passport Adviceline 0300 222 0000.

The cost of contacting 08 and 03 telephone numbers (contacts section)

You'll need the barcode number of your application. If you used the Check & Send service or applied in person at a passport office, this will be on your receipt.

An upgrade may not always be possible during busy periods.

Checking the progress of your passport application

Allow more time for first adult passports

For your first adult passport, you’ll need to allow more time than in the past, as you’ll usually need to attend an interview. See the Passport interviews link below for more information.

Submit your application six weeks before you need to travel. Don’t book any travel until you have your new passport.

How your passport will be delivered

In most cases, your new passport will be delivered by DX Secure (on behalf of IPS) between 8.00 am and 6.00 pm, Monday to Saturday.

In areas where there’s a low risk of deliveries being lost, your passport will be delivered by Royal Mail Recorded Delivery.

Signing for your passport

DX Secure will not normally need a signature. Their courier will take a photo of the property where the passport was delivered and record the details of the delivery. However, in some areas, you’ll need to sign for your passport. If you’re not at home, DX Secure will leave a calling card, explaining how to:

have your passport redelivered at a specified time – the charge for this depends on where you live
have your passport redelivered at any time during a specific day – there is no charge for this
collect your passport from DX Secure collection points
collect your passport from a passport office

If your passport is being delivered by Royal Mail, the postman will need a signature. If you’re not at home, they will leave a card, explaining how to rearrange delivery or collect from your local sorting office. You should do so quickly, as your passport will be returned to the IPS after seven days.

Return of your supporting documents

Your supporting documents will be sent back to you separately by normal second-class post. As these documents are valuable, IPS recommends that you pay an extra fee of £3.00 to have them returned by Secure Delivery.