How long does it take for a British passport to be delivered to you after it is printed?

Getting your passport printed is one of the final and most exciting stages of the application process. It means your application has been fully approved and your passport is almost ready to be delivered.

Once your passport is printed, all checks—including identity verification and photo approval—have been successfully completed. Now, the only step left is delivery to your address.

What Happens After Your Passport Is Printed?

After printing, your passport is prepared for dispatch. It is securely packaged and sent to the address you provided during your application.

HM Passport Office uses both central printing and local printing centres depending on the service you selected.

Central vs Local Printing

• Central Printing: Used for most standard applications and is cost-effective.
• Local Printing: Used for urgent or premium services for faster delivery.

The method depends on:

• Type of application (online or paper)
• Service chosen (standard or premium)
• Passport type
• Special requests (e.g., Braille sticker)

How Long Does Delivery Take After Printing?

The delivery time after printing is usually quite fast.

👉 Most applicants receive their passport within 3 to 5 working days after it has been printed.

However, delivery time may vary depending on:

• Your location in the UK
• Courier service availability
• Peak application periods

Some users report receiving their passport in as little as 2–3 days, while others may wait up to a week.

Total Passport Processing Time

From application to delivery, the full process usually takes:

• Standard Service: Up to 3 weeks
• Busy Periods: Up to 6–10 weeks
• Fast Track / Premium: Same day or 1 week

Once your passport is printed, you are already in the final stage.