Passport renewal - online photo validation not working

[mikey_b]

It turns out that 3 of our 4 family passports have expired over the Covid period, so I went online to get them renewed. I've uploaded what should be acceptable photos for the kids and paid for the replacements, and lined up a suitable neighbour to expect an email for identity confirmation or whatever they get. However as soon as I enter the code and click to 'ask someone to confirm your identity', I immediately get a message saying 'Sorry, this service is unavailable'.

Am I just unlucky and am trying to do it when it's down for maintenance, or is this a regular and longer running problem? Normally if a service is down for maintenance, it gives some kind of indication of when it might be available again. TBF it does say 'you will be able to use this later' but not sure if that means this afternoon or 6 weeks time. Could be either with a government service!

Anyone used it recently and see the same?

[CoolHands]

I haven’t but make sure content blockers are switched off / try a proper computer if trying to do it on ipad or phone?

[mikey_b]

I’ve tried different browsers, including one on a work computer, and there’s no blockers or anything like that.

Hopefully just a system problem and it’ll be working again tomorrow.

[mikey_b]

Just to close this out - it started working again this afternoon. So just something broken or being updated after all.

[Mercdriver]

I used timpsons for the photos, excellent service, they give you 3 prints but also send your picture to passport office, timpsons check photo is acceptable to Passport office and they accept the photo is Ok

I got a very fast service from passport office when I renewed mine.

I do not know why timpsons do not advertise this service, I found it excellent with no hassle with passport.