Scottish Elises

Mine runs out later this year.

Can it be renewed online? Or do we still have the laborious task of filling in that sh*t form and getting signatures on the back of wee photos?

I renewed a few years back in a Post Office and the process was pretty pain-free, if I remember correctly the photo is validated by the Post Office staff or is linked somehow to the DVLA and your driving licence.
Either way, I was quite impressed by how much it had improved since my previous passport renewal; you just need to make sure the Post Office you use provides that service.

You can download the form and photos don't need be signed if they are quite obviously "same fooker, but older" *

* may not be actual guidance text

I've just renewed online with electronic photo. Provided that your new photo is reasonable likeness of the old passport photo, no need to get verified other than just sending in your old passport. My new photo portrayed much baldness and beard, and it compared favourably with 10 years ago (less baldness and clean shaven). I just took a photo with phone. They provide guidance on website. No need to doctor photo to right size, passport office does it. They need your old passport sent in. Issued new one within a week.

Perfect. I'm balding with beard too

Thanks all

Make sure you log onto the correct site to renew!! There are a couple of agencies using very convincing links that come up BEFORE the real site. They do renew but take a fee to do it and take longer than the correct site. Other half was stung for £45 !!!The atmosphere in our house was chilly that evening when she admitted she had been stung

I just renewed my second passport which I have to do through using the form. It isn't difficult and as others have said if you haven't changed much since your last picture then you don't need it re-validated.
New passport arrived in 4 days.

Was that4 days using standard form not the express? Mines expired and a change of job has resulted in a trip to Germany as soon as I start new job so passport required sharpish!