First British Passport

codo

Hi

My son is applying for his first british passport. Website says first passports can now take six weeks because of the requirement of identity interviews. Has anyone any experience with these, does it take 6 weeks or is that just maximum. My son want to go on holiday in August. My problem is I have to send them my passport with the application and we are going away on 19th August. Dont want to take a chance of it not coming back in time for our holiday.

Thanks

ladylouise62

Unfortunately it's a busy time of year I think, so you may be better off applying in person at one of the regional offices - http://maps.direct.gov.uk/LDGRedirect/MapAction.do?ref=passportofficesregional#mapanchor

rincey

my daughter has just got her first passport and it took 3 weeks,2 to process then they phoned her and made her interview appointment for 2 days later then it was 3 days after her passport arrived via courier, her birth certificate came back befor her appointment.so hope your sons is as fast

HXDave

I would advise against booking anything so close without a passport. I've just had a lass in the office who was due to fly monday, however her passport has not arrived and she lost her holiday (and not covered by insurance!)

HXDave

spiro

ladylouise62 wrote: »

Unfortunately it's a busy time of year I think, so you may be better off applying in person at one of the regional offices - http://maps.direct.gov.uk/LDGRedirect/MapAction.do?ref=passportofficesregional#mapanchor

Depending on age of son that may not apply, see http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/TravelAndTransport/Passports/howlongittakesandurgentappplications/DG_174149 and read the sentence under 'Allow six weeks.......'.

For children you can use the Fast-track service (1 week) but not the Premium service (1 day), this costs £96.50 compared to £49.

codo

Thanks for all your replys. I have spoken to the passport helpline and I dont have to send my current passport. I can send my old passport from the time he was born (just have to show his eligibility). So at least I will have my passport in hand for our hols.