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When you should apply

You can apply to renew your passport if there are nine months or fewer before it expires. It's also worth bearing in mind that:

• IPS will add the unused time (up to nine months) on to your new 10-year passport
• some countries ask for six months validity on your passport
• you should only book travel when your passport is valid

Refunds cannot be paid for time left on an unused passport.

Time taken: a guide for normal applications

The time it takes to process a passport application depends on:

• how busy IPS is - April to September is the busiest time
• which service you use
• whether your application is completed correctly
• whether you provide the correct documents
• whether IPS needs to contact the person who countersigned your application
• whether you are asked to attend an interview before a passport can be issued

Using the Check & Send service will:

• take a minimum of two weeks (not guaranteed) but you should allow more time in case IPS needs to contact you or a countersignatory for extra information
• help you reduce errors but remember IPS may still need to contact you for more information

Using the post:

• will take a minimum of three weeks (not guaranteed) but you should allow more time in case IPS needs to contact you or a countersignatory for extra information
• you should consider using Check & Send as it will help you reduce errors, but remember IPS may still need to contact you for more information

First time applicants will:

• take a minimum of six weeks (not guaranteed) but you should allow more time in case IPS needs to contact you or a countersignatory for extra information
• find that using Check & Send will help you reduce errors
• find that during peak times appointments may not always be available at a time or place that is ideal and this can delay your application

Urgent applications

Fast Track one-week and Premium one-day services are available at IPS Customer Service Centres for certain types of applications. To make an appointment, call the Passport Adviceline on 0300 222 0000. Open Monday to Friday 8.00 am to 8.00 pm. Weekends and public holidays 9.00 am to 5.30 pm.

During busy periods it may not be possible to get an appointment at short notice, so you should allow at least two weeks.

These services can only be guaranteed when IPS has successfully assessed your application, including confirming details you have given and contacting your countersignatory.

Remember, IPS will not be responsible for travel costs booked when you do not have a valid passport.

• Urgent passport applications

• Post Office Check & Send service Opens new window

• Find your nearest Check & Send Post Office Opens new window

• Checking the progress of your passport application

Upgrading your application if your plans change suddenly

If your travel plans change after you have applied for a passport, you can request an upgrade to the Premium one-day service (renewals only). To request an upgrade, call the Passport Adviceline 0300 222 0000.

You'll need the barcode number of your application. If you used the Check & Send service or applied in person at a passport office, this will be on your receipt.

An upgrade may not always be possible during busy periods.

• Checking the progress of your passport application

Allow more time for first adult passports

Adults who have never before had a full British (five or ten year) passport in their own name may need to attend an interview. See the Passport interviews link below for more information.

Submit your application six weeks before you need to travel. Don’t book any travel until you have your new passport.

• Passport interviews

• Checking the progress of your passport application

How your passport will be delivered

In most cases, your new passport will be delivered by DX Secure (on behalf of IPS) between 8.00 am and 6.00 pm, Monday to Saturday.

In areas where there’s a low risk of deliveries being lost, your passport will be delivered by Royal Mail Recorded Delivery.

Signing for your passport

DX Secure will not normally need a signature. Their courier will take a photo of the property where the passport was delivered and record the details of the delivery. However, in some areas, you’ll need to sign for your passport. If you’re not at home, DX Secure will leave a calling card, explaining how to:

• have your passport redelivered at a specified time – the charge for this depends on where you live
• have your passport redelivered at any time during a specific day – there is no charge for this
• collect your passport from DX Secure collection points
• collect your passport from a passport office

If your passport is being delivered by Royal Mail, the postman will need a signature. If you’re not at home, they will leave a card, explaining how to rearrange delivery or collect from your local sorting office. You should do so quickly, as your passport will be returned to the IPS after seven days.

Return of your supporting documents

Your supporting documents will be sent back to you separately by normal second-class post. As these documents are valuable, IPS recommends that you pay an extra fee of £3.00 to have them returned by Secure Delivery.

• Find your nearest IPS Customer Service Centre Opens new window

• DX Secure website Opens new window

• Table of passport fees, how to pay and refunds

Useful contacts

• Foreign Office Travel Advice

• Identity and Passport Service (IPS)