A Few Passport Renewel Questions

Hi guys!

My wife and I recently visited the states for fantastic fourth of July celebrations and it was our daughter's first trip across the pond to see that side of the family.

We are all meeting up again but this time in Spain on September 15th to the 22nd in a villa.

We looked at our passports and my wife's passport expires December 19th so we're 3 days short of the required three months validity. I'm not sure if there's some leniency with a matter of days but we're not going to take any chances.

Here are my questions

1) Would people recommend using the mail service? Is it fairly pain-free and simple?

2) Would my wife receive her old passport using the mail service as I believe it's required for our ILR.

3) What is the lead time for a passport renewal? We're cutting it fine.

Thanks everyone

Mine took 3 weeks from Courier pick-up to delivery of the new passport. Hardest past was getting an international banker's draft - we switched banks in June, and new bank (Barclays) was able to provide the draft.

Her old passport will be returned.

Provided you get organized to submit the application next week, you should have plenty of lead time.

We’re struggling to get an International Money Order or a bankers draft! What are we supposed to do?!!

We’re struggling to get an International Money Order or a bankers draft! What are we supposed to do?!!

This has been discussed a lot recently, some of the banks do them, can't remember which off the top of my head, maybe Barclays?
Have a search here on the forum.

ETA missed Vadio's post, yes, Barclays!

Barclays definitely do them. If you don't have an account, do you know someone who does? Charge is Fx rate plus a £25 fee. The post the draft to the account holder.

We switched banks to facilitate it.