Passport went through the wash.

Identiy and passport service?

• I have an appointment with them on wednesday. Basically my passport went through the wash and im concerned that it now means I wont be able to use it. I'm going up there to ask if the passport is still acceptable, and if not, that they can replace it on the same day. the guy on the phone said same day replacements usually aren't done, but if i explain the situation it's possible. I have two concerns: 1) does anyone know of a friend or anybody who has had a damaged passport replaced in one day by the ips? 2) I read somewhere that if they deem it's damaged, they destroy the passport there. I'm seriously panicking about them destroying it and refusing to reissue it on the same day. Does anyone have any experience with this kind of thing?? Thanks for any help.

• Answer:

  They can't replace it on the same day for several reasons. Generally they actually advise that personal callers don't get preferential treatment. The only reason for delivering an application in person is to avoid the postal delay at the start of the process. The passport office has a very high workload and almost every applicant wants their passport "on the same day". Therefore, to be fair they don't issue them to anybody on the day of application unless there is a VERY good reason to do this. Going on holiday next day is not considered to be a good reason. They take the very reasonable stand that individuals are responsible for the safe keeping and validity of their passports and so sensible people shouldn't be pushed aside by careless people (sorry, but you're one of these) who then want to queue-jump. You will have to produce strong evidence of your reason for wanting a same-day service. Passports have to be specially produced using specially printed security paper. They have to be laminated and the data chip prepared and inserted. The photograph has to be verified and mounted. Other records have to checked and inspected and filed. All this takes time. To get a replacement for a damaged passport you need to fill in a Replacement Passport Application Form which you can get from the Post Office. You will need a counter signatory and the usual photographs, one of them countersigned. You'll also need to pay the fee. Take all this with you when you go to the office - just in case.