HM Passport Office, Durham [Appointments only] - Durham

The HM Passport Office, located in Durham, serves as a critical administrative hub for those seeking to apply for a passport or manage related services within the United Kingdom. Operating exclusively by appointment, this office is dedicated to the processing of British passports and associated document replacements. Individuals requiring passport services must schedule a specific time slot to visit this facility, ensuring efficient processing within the established guidelines.

The physical location of this office is situated at Freeman's Pl, Durham DH1 1SL, United Kingdom. This strategic placement within the city center makes it easily accessible for local residents and national applicants. The building itself features modern architecture and is designed with public accessibility in mind, including specific provisions for visitors with mobility challenges. Its central location contributes significantly to its functionality as a government service point.

Facilities and Accessibility

For visitors with specific needs, the HM Passport Office in Durham demonstrates commendable accessibility features. The premises include a wheelchair-accessible car park located nearby, providing convenient access for those requiring motorized vehicles. Upon entering the building, guests will discover a wheelchair-accessible entrance, ensuring a seamless transition from the parking area to the main service areas. Furthermore, the facility is equipped with accessible restrooms, specifically designed to accommodate diverse visitor requirements throughout their visit.

These accessibility provisions reflect a broader governmental initiative to ensure equitable service delivery across all UK passport application centers. Staff members are trained to assist visitors with varying physical abilities, creating an environment where everyone can navigate the application process comfortably and efficiently. This focus on universal design principles enhances the overall user experience for all applicants, regardless of their physical capabilities.

Contact Information

Prospective applicants seeking information or wishing to schedule an appointment can reach the Durham office via telephone at 3002220000. This direct line connects callers to knowledgeable staff members who can provide detailed guidance regarding the application process, required documentation, and scheduling procedures. The telephone system is designed to handle a reasonable volume of calls, aiming to connect callers with representatives promptly during business hours.

Alternatively, comprehensive information regarding the HM Passport Office can be obtained through its official website, accessible at https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/hm-passport-office/about/. This digital resource serves as the primary hub for understanding passport requirements, application timelines, and frequently asked questions. The website offers detailed procedural information, ensuring applicants have access to accurate guidelines before their physical visit to the Durham office.

Services Offered

The primary function of this passport office is, naturally, the processing of British passports. This includes both initial applications for those without existing passports and renewal requests from current passport holders. Additionally, the facility handles applications for replacement passports in cases of loss, damage, or theft. The HM Passport Office Durham may also manage applications for children's passports, acknowledging the unique requirements of minor applicants and their accompanying guardians.

While core services remain passport-related, the office may occasionally expand its scope to address specific inquiries or documentation needs associated with passport applications. These could include verification of identity documents, guidance on citizenship applications, or clarification regarding visa requirements that might be indirectly linked to passport processing. However, specialized immigration advice or visa applications are typically directed to other designated offices within the UK government network.

Appointments and Process

Unlike some general post offices or service centers, the HM Passport Office Durham exclusively operates by appointment. This scheduling system is designed to optimize workflow, minimize wait times, and ensure that staff can dedicate appropriate attention to each applicant's unique circumstances. Individuals interested in obtaining or renewing their passport must first secure an appointment slot before visiting the facility.

Booking an appointment is typically facilitated through the official government website or potentially other digital platforms managed by the Passport Office. During the appointment, applicants generally proceed through various stages, including identity verification, biometric data collection (fingerprints and photograph), and submission of required documentation. The duration of each visit varies depending on the complexity of the application and current processing times.

Customer Feedback

The HM Passport Office in Durham maintains a presence on Google My Business, where it has accumulated 592 reviews from past customers. This substantial number of reviews indicates that the office receives consistent foot traffic and that its services are publicly available for evaluation and commentary. These reviews offer valuable insights into the customer experience, ranging from satisfaction with the service efficiency to concerns about wait times or processing durations.

The average opinion across these 592 reviews stands at 3.2/5. This rating suggests that while the office provides essential services to the community, there may be recurring issues affecting customer satisfaction. Common themes in such ratings often include wait times, clarity of information provided, and overall processing efficiency. Potential improvements could involve streamlining appointment systems, enhancing staff training, or providing more transparent communication regarding processing timelines.

For anyone considering visiting this office, it is advisable to check recent reviews and potentially contact the office directly via phone or the website to inquire about current procedures and any known delays before making the appointment. This preparation can help manage expectations and potentially facilitate a smoother interaction with the service.

👍 Reviews of HM Passport Office, Durham [Appointments only]

Harjit S.

5/5

LOST PASSPORT READ HERE. on Friday late night I discovered that I lost my passport I tore up the house for 2 days until I figured it’d be better to get a new one as I’m flying on Thursday. I booked an appointment first thing Monday morning. Despite being 2 hours away. Went to the passport office. Had a conversation with the staff checking bags which were great people. There was a younger man. Late teens early 20’s and an older gentleman who were both great help. When I got my number called. The lady at the desk was very helpful I wanted a passport immediately printed out for me. Which they will not do for lost passports. She told me that I can’t get one same day bit of a heartbreak when I found out but she said that she will try to hurry it up best she can. However there is hope. Don’t be alarmed. I’ve woken up today Tuesday morning to a notification that my passport is out for Wednesday morning and I will be flying on Thursday morning. So it has taken me just under 48 hours to get my passport. Buzzing baby off to Sicily ☀️.

BSB

5/5

We Had or passports stolen and came here for the interview and assistance for renewal.
And I must say the lady who dealt with us was an absolute ST✨AR Ursula!(And her colleague)She couldn't of done more to help us. Many virtual 🤗 hugs to her.
Thanks sincerely👏

Thomas R.

5/5

Booked an appointment to renew my passport, 1-week fast tracked. I arrived 5 minutes before my timeslot, place was empty, I was out of there in 3-4 minutes. Great service.

Hoi Y. C.

5/5

My sister's online BNO passport renewal went very well and quickly. She was kept well informed of the passport status and when it would arrive via email, text message and WhatsApp.

What I find useful:
- Possibility to do passport renewal online with a digital
photo (for other European passports you still have to make an appointment at the town hall and bring a non-digital photo)
- Passport photo can be taken yourself with a camera or mobile phone.
- If the photo is not good, they will continue to send you a reminder until you upload a good photo.
- You can reschedule the passport delivery to another date that
is more convenient

Point for improvement:
It might be better if there was a possibility for the following option: when renewing the passport online, have the option to choose not to return the supporting documents and old passport to the applicant.
Reason: In other European countries, you can have the old passport destroyed when collecting the new passport from the town hall.

Gihani S.

5/5

I wanted to say thank you to a lovely young lady with brown hair and glasses who could not have been more helpful and considerate when I needed to replace my passport. Thank you so, so much; I was able to go abroad as planned! 🙂

joyce L.

1/5

I had applied online to renew both my mum and dads BNO passports back last Nov. Within 3 weeks my mums renewal was done perfectly whilst my dad's one was done in error so he was told to return it. Long story short, he returned the passport and 2 weeks later, he received the same wrong passport with corner cut off but WITHOUT his new passport! Some telephone operators were extremely un-knowledgeable as they do not even know what to do?! I was very shocked when one of them sent me to the home office for my dad's BNO renewal!
How could any passport offices fail twice to do such basics procedures of renewal?
Almost 5 months gone by, the issue has still not been solved.
I am their daughter who lives and works in Britain; and my parents are based in Hong Kong. I am their only child so I fly home whenever they need my help.
Now I had a call saying I was told to re-apply his application and make another payment online. What a joke! Today
is the fifth month since I applied for my dads passport. I just hope I won't be charged again because it wasn't my fault. It was the passport office who failed twice to give me the right passport.

Adam P.

5/5

We paid for the super fast service as we were travelling in a couple of days. Got printed quickly. There was an issue with our appointment time as they’d allowed us to book one for 7.50pm, despite them closing at 3pm that day. They told us over the phone to just turn up earlier and it was fine in the end. Very quick. In and out in ten mins with new passport.

Janice E.

5/5

Renewed my passport online. The service was fantastic so fast too. I went online on the Monday and my passport arrived Friday morning. I was contacted every day with an update of progress. Brilliant service other departments etc should take a leaf out of their book. Thank you 😊