Applying for or renewing a British passport can be tedious. You have a lot of things to prepare and getting another person’s signature is one of the most important steps. According to Her Majesty Passport Office (HMPO), some paper passport applications and passport photos must be signed by the countersignatory. Have you ever thought of why a signature is required? Who can sign a passport? When and where to sign? In this passage, we will find answers to these questions.
Why Should a UK Passport be Signed?
It is reported that criminals might steal someone else’s identity to apply for passports and commit a crime. Identity fraud can lead to severe problems. The signature requirements aim to confirm the applicant’s identity through a third party and verify that the passport photo you submit accurately presents the applicant’s look. In this case, it helps to prevent identity fraud.
When Should you Get a Signature?
You must ask someone else to sign your paper application form and one of the two 2 printed passport photos under the following conditions:
- apply for first adult passports
- apply for first child’s passports
- replace lost, stolen or damaged passports
- renew passports for a child below 12
- renew passport for the reason that you have changed your appearance and it is different from that on the existing passport
Who Can Sign a UK Passport?
The person who signs for your application must have known you for at least 2 years, whether you are applying for a passport for yourself or for a child under 16 years old. Make sure he/she can recognize you instead of knowing you professionally. Reputable persons in the community, employed or retired professionals are all acceptable. However, those who have marital relations or blood relations with you or live with you are not allowed to sign the UK passport.
When applying from the UK, your countersignatory must reside in Britain and have a British or Irish passport.
When applying outside the UK, your countersignatory must own a current British or Irish passport. US, Commonwealth, or non-British or non-Irish EU passport holders are allowed, but a coloured photocopy of the passport page with their photos must be included in the application.
What Professionals Can Countersign a Passport?
- accountant
- pilot
- articled clerk, director, manager personnel officer, or chairman of a limited company
- assurance agent
- bank or building society officer
- barrister/lawyer/solicitor
- paralegal
- chiropodist
- nurse
- commissioner for oaths
- councillor
- permanent public servant
- dentist
- director, manager or personnel officer of a VAT-registered company
- certified engineer
- stockbroker
- insurance agent
- officer of the fire service department
- funeral director
- journalist
- Justice of the Peace
- legal secretary
- pub licensee
- local government officer
- member, associate or fellow of a professional organization
- parliament member
- merchant navy officer
- minister of a recognised religion
- officer of the armed service
- optician
- officer of the order of the British Empire/Member of the British Empire or other honorary title holders
- pharmacist
- professional photographer
- police officer
- post office official
- president or secretary of a recognised organisation
- surveyor
- teacher or lecturer
- officer of trade union
- certified travel agent
- valuer or auctioneer (fellow or associate members of the incorporated society)
- warrant officers and chief petty officers
Who Cannot Countersign a Passport?
- parent
- stepparent
- legal guardian
- grandparent
- son/daughter
- sibling
- uncle
- aunt
- cousin
- roommate
- staff of HM Passport Office
- doctor (unless he knows you well and can recognise you easily from your photo)
What Should the Countersignatory Do?
The primary job of a countersignatory is to check the application form and make sure there are no errors before signing the form and photo. The HMPO might contact the countersignatory for more information. Your application might be held if the officer fails to reach them.
By leaving a signature, they acknowledge that:
- they have known you for over two years.
- they are the ones you claim to be
- the details you provided are true as far as they know
After checking, your countersignatory must do the following things. Please note that making a false statement on the passport application is a criminal offence.
- write the statement “I certify that this is a true likeness of [title and full name of the passport candidate].” on the back of either UK passport photo
- sign and date under the statement
- write down the passport number on the form.
FAQs
Q: Can my friend sign my UK passport?
A: Yes, as long as they satisfy all necessary requirements, but they cannot be your roommate, girlfriend or boyfriend.
Q: Can my neighbour sign my British passport?
A: Yes. The authority clearly states that your neighbour can be an acceptable countersignatory as long as he meets the requirements.
Q: Can my colleague sign my UK passport?
A: Yes, but make sure they are acquainted with you instead of just knowing you professionally.
Q: What if I can’t find a person who can countersign a passport?
A: You are allowed to hand in a signed declaration saying that you are unable to find a countersignatory and that what you provide is accurate to the best of your knowledge.
Q: Do I need to provide a coloured photo of the countersignatory?
A: No, only a signature and date are needed. And a photocopy of the information page of the passport if they hold a US, Commonwealth, or non-British or non-Irish EU passport.
Q: What if I’m not sure who can sign a British passport?
A: You can turn to the Passport Adviceline for advice through the online enquiry form or by calling 0300 222 0000 or 18001 0300 222 0222.
Summary
In most cases, a countersignatory is a must. Not everyone is eligible to sign a UK passport. Make sure they have known you for at least 2 years and can identify you. They should also be of good credit or recognized professionals. The list of recognized professions covers a wide range, which helps to reduce the difficulty of finding a countersignatory. It is suggested find someone who is available during your application in case of delay in your passport review.
Erin Lo