We aim to process all renewal applications in 10 working days from receipt of a fully completed application, including correct photos meeting the passport photo standards, correctly countersigned, correct passport fees and any documents required. Other applications, such as first-time children's passports, lost or stolen passports, or those which are non machine-readable, may take longer. We will always do our best to ensure the 10 working day target is met. To allow for transit time both ways, customers are advised to post their applications at least 4 weeks prior to their intended travel date. The transit time taken for your passport application can be reduced by sending your application by courier. However, couriered applications will not be treated as urgent once received at the Consulate-General in Madrid and the processing time will still be 10 working days.