Passport fee reclaiming

archess200

I renewed my passport and paid for it in full online: £72.50. I had to download the form and send it in with photos and old passport. I had 3 months to do this, and I had a reminder from Passport Office in October, telling me to send it in. I did this in early December, although I was a little concerned about Christmas post. Heard nothing, so telephoned and they said this had not been received and my fee was forefeited and would not be refunded, having overrun the 3 months. They had incurred costs. I could appeal using the online form. I did this, and was told again the fee was forfeited and I would have to write in. The site keeps guiding me to the same online form, which does not get me into the Southport Office Complaints Dept.
What difference does it make if I send a letter by post: it must save them time by receiving an email?
Why should my application be voided, and why is there a 3 month time limit? I have paid, they have had my money, there is no reason for penalising me. What is the point of offering this online service, if I still have to send by post the documents? I only get charged £10 for a letter from the bank, but Passport Office state they have incurred costs, but not the whole £72.50. This is the cost for them to issue a new passport, and so far I have got nothing.
They set the 3 months period, and over Christmas, and having a passport lost in the post is clearly my responsibility, and I should have paid for a registered letter to cover this. Anybody had experience of this? Any idea what I can do? Really outraged by Civil Service non-service.

Nasqueron

Advice wise, use the Post Office checking service, seems to work fine.

You could complaint to the passport office but I would hazard a guess your chance of a refund is close to zero

srisport

archess200 wrote: »

I renewed my passport and paid for it in full online: £72.50..........Anybody had experience of this? Any idea what I can do? Really outraged by Civil Service non-service.

I've had a bit of experience with arguing with DVLA about a fine i was given for not having valid tax when i did, they eventually realised and cancelled the fine but i felt like because of there ignorance to 'check the system correctly' they were trying to make a quick buck from me - anyway it didn't get me anywhere and they kept quoting bo**ocks from there T&C's!!!

If theres one thing i hate more than anything, its the government and their incompetent agencies!!!!!!

I know this isn't directly linked to your problem but from personal experience i wouldn't hold much breath of getting an outcome from your situation and just call it a learning curve.

In similar situations i send important documents like passports through 'Royal Mail Special Delivery' which guarantees next day delivery before 12noon and is tracked and signed for.
When i did mine 1 month ago it cost me about £9ish to send it and i had the new passport 1 week later

P.S
Did you get proof of postage from the post office when you sent the letter? if you still have it then try phoning royal mail to see if they can reimburse some of your cost?

HTH

Regards.