Passport Renewal - Anyone Done This Recently ?

Lovingitifitsabargain

Is this like applying for a new passport - i.e. having to get photos signed by solicitor etc or is it a case of sending in your old one for an upgrade ?
thank you:rolleyes:

lolarentt

I've just done it - it's easy. You can apply online, just fill out the online form:

http://www.ips.gov.uk/passport/apprequest.asp

They will send you the form to sign and return with money (take cards as well!) and photos - if it's just a straightforward renewal you don't need anyone else to sign.

They'll try and persuade you to pay extra and get it vetted at your local post office first but don't bother, just make sure your photos meet the new tighter spec, which is clearly stated.

I went for the cheapest option as regards speed, yet my new passport was delivered by courier in under a week and the old one returned by post a few days later. Couldn't have been quicker of easier!

Lovingitifitsabargain

Might have to come back to you once I have to form as I will be confused when it comes to completing it - hope that'll be ok - I honestly thought I had to get the photos signed by a solicitor or docotor or someone like that - that's good if I don't as that in it's self will be a hassle - thank you so much for your help:beer:

daveyjp

If its a renewal you just need to sign the form. Photo certification is for first applications only.

northy

lolarentt wrote: »

I've just done it - it's easy. You can apply online, just fill out the online form:

http://www.ips.gov.uk/passport/apprequest.asp

They will send you the form to sign and return with money (take cards as well!) and photos - if it's just a straightforward renewal you don't need anyone else to sign.

They'll try and persuade you to pay extra and get it vetted at your local post office first but don't bother, just make sure your photos meet the new tighter spec, which is clearly stated.

I went for the cheapest option as regards speed, yet my new passport was delivered by courier in under a week and the old one returned by post a few days later. Couldn't have been quicker of easier!

Thanks for the info came at just the right time as my passport was refused as ID at the bank yesterday as it was out of date, I will now pop out and get my photo done ready for when I receive the form.

RufusA

Lovingitifitsabargain wrote: »

Is this like applying for a new passport - i.e. having to get photos signed by solicitor etc or is it a case of sending in your old one for an upgrade ?
thank you:rolleyes:

Worth noting that if the photo is substantially different then it WILL need signing!

For example mine and my wife's renewal was fine. However our youngest who was under 12 months when 1st passport done needed a signed photo as she's now 6 and isn't instantly recognisable as being the baby!

They are also VERY strict on the composition of the photos, so make sure you follow the instructions to the letter. IMHO it would be worth getting them taken at an independent photo shop with a handheld passport camera rather than trying pot luck in a photo booth!

HTH - Rufus.

alric

just sent mine in after xmas.Despite what the website etc says, it only took a week, and£72
just the form,fotos and old passport

potfish

RufusA wrote: »

They are also VERY strict on the composition of the photos, so make sure you follow the instructions to the letter. IMHO it would be worth getting them taken at an independent photo shop with a handheld passport camera rather than trying pot luck in a photo booth!

In the age of digital cameras and photo-editing software I can't see the point of paying a premium for someone else to take your photo. Create a photo you're happy with on your computer and take it to Boots for them to print on photo paper.

lisyloo

I sent mine off in Novemeber.
Took about a week.

pennylane99

I took my renewal to post office, using check and send service, with new photos as my last passport photo was many moons ago, and I didnt look the same, short hair etc.

The guy at PO desk refused the application...said my eyes were in the wrong place...:eek:

apparently he used some template thing as a guideline, and my eyes came just short of the line, so I had to go get new photos done and try again.

LuciferTDark

I've never had a passport & after reading this thread I don't think I'll bother any time soon.