UK Passport Renewal taking a really long time
 

I applied for a UK passport on January 7th 2011. This is a straightforward renewal and I am surprised that it is taking so long. On the website it says 4 weeks, but I contacted the Embassy in DC and was told I could expect it back in 2-3 weeks because this isn't a terribly busy time for them. I was wondering if anyone submitted their application at around this time and received their passport yet? I tried calling their helpline in Scotland and this was quite useless.

Re: UK Passport Renewal taking a really long time
 

I sent Dh's in of Feb 11th. No sign yet, I've been watching to see if they charge the mastercard, that seems to signal it's getting ready to send back.

Re: UK Passport Renewal taking a really long time
 

Yes, thanks for reminding me they took the payment from my Visa on the 24th of Jan., so I was pleasantly surprised, but as of yet... nothing.

Re: UK Passport Renewal taking a really long time
 

I posted mine 12th Feb, I sent a money order thought it may have been quicker to process it. It should be what it's like in the UK, where you can get an email to track it, are at least fast track it for a renewal. I spoke to the UPS today and they said it takes 2 days to deliver from Washington DC and they don't work Saturday.

Re: UK Passport Renewal taking a really long time
 

I'm in the same boat. Sent in my application Jan, was charged processing fees + shipment fees Jan,- apparently indicating its being processed. Since then nothing, and no way to find out status. The helpline is not very useful.

Re: UK Passport Renewal taking a really long time
 

The embassy in DC received my application on Feb 1st and I haven't heard anything yet. Unfortunately I didn't pay by Credit card (I sent a money order instead) so I have no way of checking if they've even cashed the order yet. I'm travelling on March 24th so I really hope I get it before then.

Re: UK Passport Renewal taking a really long time
 

I suggest you contact Dean Churm, the British Consul... yes, really!

http://britishexpats.com/forum/member.php?u=93085

Ian

Re: UK Passport Renewal taking a really long time
 

Ah fantastic! Will do. Thanks Ian.

Re: UK Passport Renewal taking a really long time
 

Has anyone received there PP yet? as of today mine still hasnt come,

Re: UK Passport Renewal taking a really long time
 

I received mine on March 4th. I have to friends that are still waiting for theirs. They submitted their applications at about the same time I did.

Re: UK Passport Renewal taking a really long time
 

They received mine on Feb 14th and I was travelling on March 24th. I called the helpline to check to see if I would receive it in time, they are only able to tell you if the application is being processed. One person told me another 3 weeks and that was last week. I received it today March 14th. Exactly a month.

Re: UK Passport Renewal taking a really long time
 

Like some of the other posters, I am experiencing problems with renewing my UK passport. The application has been at the Embassy in DC for three weeks, and when I checked with my credit card account on the weekend, they had not collected yet payment. I also discovered that there had been fraudulent activity on my credit card, and the company closed down the account, which will mean that payment will be declined on the account, and presumably they will return my application and I will have to start again.

Careline said that they could not help, as the application was not live yet. Does anyone have any advice? I am booked to go to the UK on April 14 to see my elderly and very frail mother. Perhaps nwtspam will be able to send me the e-mail address of his contact in DC. Or perhaps the kind and authoritative Dean might advise?

This is my first post, so profuse apologies if it violates any protocols. I have already posted it on the site, but posted it on a Canada thread by accident - apologies for cross-posting! Many thanks to any respondents.

Re: UK Passport Renewal taking a really long time
 

I would send a personal message to Dean, he has always been very quick to respond and helpful to me.

http://britishexpats.com/forum/member.php?u=93085

Re: UK Passport Renewal taking a really long time
 

Has your UK passport actually expired? Will it expire while you're in the UK?

Ian

Re: UK Passport Renewal taking a really long time
 

Thank you! I only joined last night and have to wait 24 hours and make three posts, but this is my third one, and I can contact him tonight! Renewed thanks!!