Application for UK passport online vs. Check and send

[ashwini_k]

Hi,

A friend is applying for their passport and debating whether to use online application versus post office check & send.

Main concern is around whether the post office will keep original passports and BRP. Or will they photocopy your documents and return Originals?

Also, is there any difference in terms of processing time between the two options?

I appreciate the question may have been asked before but was unable to find a clear answer while searching the forums.

Many thanks.

[CR001]

Original passport needs to be sent with both.

Current waiting time for passport is 2-3 weeks.

Edited to remove incorrect reference to BRP

[ashwini_k]

Thanks for the prompt response CR001.

I read on the forum somewhere that you could send photocopy of all the pages of your un-cancelled passport with the online application. Just realised there is no need to send the BRP as it needs to be returned to home office.

[CR001]

Only if you are applying from outside the UK.

If applying from within the UK, you need to send originals unless there are compassionate or genuine business travel reasons you need your passport and then you have to include a letter explaining why. HMPO can also write and ask you to send the original if they want, as some members on the forum have experienced. This would delay the process.

Recently, some members whole process has been 10 days roughly.

[ashwini_k]

Thank you.