UK Passport renewal

[ajm]

Has anybody had recent experience of renewing their passport on line? Any problems? How long did it take?
Thanks in advance.

[demi]

My daughter in law did hers in early March - took about 3 weeks. (She lives in France).

[michael86]

I renewed mine in early March also. It took 8 days. I was amazed as the government told people to allow 10 weeks, and the passport office staff had threatened a five week strike.

[ajm]

I renewed mine in early March also. It took 8 days. I was amazed as the government told people to allow 10 weeks, and the passport office staff had threatened a five week strike.

Was that done in France?

[Nomoss]

I applied online in France, posted my old PP, recommandé, on May 2, and received a phone message and an email acknowledging receipt on May 11.
Nothing since. Online tracking link still says up to 10 weeks.

My old one would expire in 7 weeks from now so I didn't have much choice. There is a possibility I might have to go to the UK later this year but I can get an emergency PP if absolutely necessary.

We drive to Spain fairly often but have only ever been asked for our passports in hotels, where our French TdeS's or even our long expired Residencias have been accepted.

[ajm]

Does the rule about having more than 6 months left on the passport apply if only going to UK and back to France?

[Char]

I think it's 3 months coming into Europe which is nonsense really because if you live here your passport is going to run out at sometime.
One thing they're supposed to be a bit touchy about is that the passport must only be valid for 10 years, so if you renewed your passport in good time and have a passport that covers 10 years and 6 months, the last six months don't count, so some people are finding they are having to renew earlier than they thought they would.

[michael86]

Hi ajm. No, it was renewed online in UK. I also ticked the box to track progress by email and received messages at each step of the process.

[Nomoss]

Just received a message "We've approved your application. We'll let you know when your passport is ready to dispatch."

[Nomoss]

and an email:

HM Passport Office

Dear NOMOSS,

Application reference: PEX 123 456 7899
Your passport application has been approved.

WHAT HAPPENS NEXT
Your new passport is being printed. We’ll let you know when it’s ready to dispatch.

TRACK YOUR APPLICATION
You can track your application at: https://www.passport.service.gov.uk/track/