Applying for new passport but old passport lost in transit.

Goldiegirl

On Friday 23rd January, my husband and myself both applied for new UK passports. We both sent our old passports back to the Passport Office by Royal Mail First Class Signed For, with proof of delivery (in separate envelopes with different tracking numbers).

My application is going smoothly. They have confirmed that my old passport has been received and they confirmed today that the application has been approved.

But my husband has heard nothing. We checked the Royal Mail tracking and the only thing that is showing is that it was accepted at our local post office last Friday. So it looks like his passport may have gone astray or even lost. It's difficult to understand how this happened when we handed the envelopes in at exactly the same time.

Anyway, I phoned the passport office, and wasn't really filled with confidence, but the gist of what I was told is 'give it a few days, and ask the Post Office where it is. (not sure Post Office will be able to help as this isn't a fully tracked service) I had to push a bit to find out what I really wanted to know - 'what if it is really lost'. I was told I could phone back and report the passport as lost, and that they would be able to add the details to the new passport application, but they may need 'more information' for the new application.

I was wondering - has this happened to anyone else, how long did it take to get a new passport, and how much inconvenience/stress did it cause.

Many thanks

born_again

Could be stuck in a sack.

But paying for signed for is a waste of time. As Large companies or the likes of Passport office etc do not sign for letters. They are bulk signed at the sorting office before delivery to Passport office etc.

Otherwise a staff member & RM staff would be there all day..

timjim

It's only the 2nd working day since it was sent! Was it sent to a different office. It could be there but not scanned in

Goldiegirl

Both envelopes were sent to same place at the same time.

My new passport has already been printed.

I’m finding it difficult to get my head around the idea that my application has gone perfectly, but my husbands application is stuck in a sack or not scanned in yet 🤷‍♀️

eskbanker

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/81857140#Comment_81857140

The fact that both were adjacent at the start of their journey doesn't mean that they'll stay that way, and they could become separated at any stage! As above, it's only the second working day so far, so, as they suggest, it'll be best to leave it for now and maybe chase next week if necessary….

Goldiegirl

I’m really uncomfortable with the thought of his valid passport just hanging around somewhere unknown, but realise that I’ll have to wait a little longer before chasing.

Hopefully someone will come along who has experienced a similar situation and will tell me how a lost in transit passport was resolved

Wyndham

Something similar happening here. Both sent off last week, husband has had a confirmation today that his old one was received, mine seems to be lost somewhere.

I plan to not worry and give it a day or two. I'll watch this thread with interest though!

Goldiegirl

That’s interesting to know, Wyndham. If you get a chance, let us know how you get on

gwynlas

There should not be a problem, passports are frequently lost or stolen.

If it was due for renewal the old passport would be of no use to anyone.

Wyndham

Update - my old passport reached them today.

Obviously it an my husband's passport fell out at some point on the journey and got separated - which sometimes happens to us as well 😁

Wyndham

@Goldiegirl - did the other passport turn up?