HmRC give you class 2 or 3 but then ring and check with DWP which years will benefit you - you might not need all 17/18 - I sent a sterling cheque and a recorded delivery letter detailing which years DWP said i needed for full pension- wait time is 50 weeks for me - think they're dealing with those closest the pension age first. I started this process nearly two years ago - alot has changed things might easier on-line but pen and paper was the way back then for overseas