Originally Posted By: mlord
Normal turnaround now is quoted at 10 days (mine took just five days last month), with a mere week being the norm. Expedited can deliver in 24 hours.

Almost civilized, except they expire every five years (instead of ten).

For the UK, there are several options:

If it is your first adult passport then it is 6 weeks since you need an interview.
Regular postal application is up to 3 weeks.
Checked post office application is up to 2 weeks.
Turning up at a passport office is up to 1 week.
Turning up at a passport office and paying extra is within 24 hours.

Current adult passports are 10 years.