PO'd at passport office!

[rightside]

Just a rant, though any feedback would be appreciated.

DH sent in his passport for a name change, accompanied by a photocopy of our marriage certificate which has been certified by our solicitor. This is an acceptable form of name change identification as per the relevant government website (the Identity and Passport Office). We've just checked the site again, and it's as clear as day. To quote: 'Evidence of name change: documents should either be the original, a certified copy issued by the Registry Office, or a copy certified by a solicitor...'

Whoever is managing DH's application at the Passport Office is insisting that photocopies are not acceptable. DH said it's not a photocopy, it is a copy certified by a solicitor. Regardless, the person has said DH's application will not proceed until they receive an original document.

So frustrating! Does anyone know if the government website is in fact incorrect? What makes it even more annoying is that DH rang the office originally and was told over the phone a photocopy certified by a solicitor was adequate.

[WestieMamma]

I suspect someone is being a jobsworth. When I worked for the Pru we were told that a marriage certificate is crown copyright and therefore we should only ever ask for the original, however we could accept a certified copy if that is what was sent.

[FryOneFatManic]

The daft thing is, nobody ever does get an "original" copy of a birth, marriage or death certificate. These days they are certified copies of an online entry in the register, and before computers the original entry was the actual page in a bound book, of which you had a copy duly certified as a copy of an entry in the register.

[HotCrossPun]

Which website are you going on right? The passport office isn't called 'Identity & Passport Service' anymore, it's called Her Majesty Passport Office.'

Taken from the Gov website it says

''Send the standard passport application along with your marriage or civil partnership certificate.''

I think when they say a certified copy they mean that it needs to be a certified copy as in a copy you order. Not a photocopy. When I worked there photocopies were never accepted as evidence.

Hope you get it sorted soon.

[rightside]

Thanks for all your replies! It was someone being a jobsworth - the new passport turned up in the mail this week. No reply to DH's letter querying the conflicting information, but it wasn't necessary as he now has the passport. I think we'll send in originals from now on though, just to avoid stressful tos and fros!