Acquiring a passport is of utmost priority if one wishes to travel for holiday or business. In addition to this, it has now become mandatory to have a passport even if someone wants to get a job in a reputed company. Hence, one should apply for a passport as soon as possible.

The processing time for attaining a passport depends upon several factors like the type of services used and whether applying for the first time or renewing it. Read on to know how long does it take to get a passport and how long does it take to renew it.

Process of application for a first time passport

First time passport applicants can apply online and pay for the services either via a credit or debit card. They need to send two passport size photographs, original certified documents like their photo id and full birth certificate and print out of the application form to the Her Majesty’s Passport Office. Along with this, they need to get a countersignature of a recognised person having either a British or Irish passport in order to get an appointment. The person is then called by the passport office to verify their credentials and failing to do so results in the delay of getting the passport. The British passport is valid for a tenure of ten years and after this, it needs to get renewed.

Cost of application

The online application for the passport costs around 75.5 GBP along with some added courier charges of around 20 GBP. On the other hand, applying through post office through a paper form costs 85 GBP.

How long does it take to get a passport?

The issuance of the passport takes around a month’s time after it gets received by the Passport office provided all the required documents have been submitted correctly. The total time from applying for an appointment usually takes about 6 weeks. In case the certified documents and photographs are not up to the mentioned standards, the application time escalates. Therefore, one needs to provide all the documents correctly and with utmost care to accelerate the processing time.

How long does it take to renew a passport?

Gone are the days of tedious and long paper filled passport renewal days at the post office with the introduction of online form filling services. In case a passport has expired or is nearing its date of expiry, it can be renewed by following a simple online procedure. The applicant can fill in a renewal form in the UK Government’s official passport website. The digitization of the Government’s passport services has enabled citizens to bid goodbye to long hours at the photo booths and instead use digital photos from their smartphones. According to the website, gov.uk, renewal of an already existing passport takes around three weeks’ time from the date of application.

Getting a passport on an urgent basis

One may even get an urgent passport by opting for a paper premium, online premium or a seven days’ fast track service.

• Paper premium

One can choose a paper premium service and get access to a passport just within four hours after the appointment.

• Online premium

The applicant can fill up an online form and make payment to book an appointment. This service allows one to get a passport after thirty minutes from the appointment and costs around 177 to 187 GBP.

• Seven days’ fast track service

This process delivers a passport in a week’s time after the appointment and costs around 142 GBP.

Using an urgent passport service and applying an online form to get an appointment would speed up the whole process before a holiday and help avoid the nightmare of standing in long queues.