Don't know anyone who can sign passport

Only if they also know you in a non-work capacity (e.g as a friend or neighbour) I think.

But as others have said there are loads of people that aren't on the list of occupations that would potentially do - for example the landlord of the local you go into, a friend or neighbour that is on the commitee of a local charity or other organisation etc.

We are in Australia, plenty of British citizens around though so we asked an English friend who is a retail store manager. Nope! She was rejected as not meeting the job requirements. A ridiculous system.

I presumed it says doctors can’t sign to prevent people taking up GP and hospital doctors’ time with paperwork.

As you and PP have said, doctors can sign sign in the capacity of friend, colleague etc.

Mine was signed for by a person who worked in a pub who has an alcohol license.

As for the system being stupid - there have to be checks about who is applying for and being granted the most valuable piece of identification you can get.

They're already going to do the electronic identity and background check, it's required to prevent people who've been banned from getting a passport getting one, so how is having another member of the public sign off on it going to add in any further checks? All the the list of 'acceptable professions' does these days is put people off and stress people out.

I have other passports and have had ID in other countries, the UK is the only one I've been in that has this outdated faff.

I work for a Housing Association and I sign for people all the time. In my personal life but have also done it for some long term customers as well. Do you have anyone like that?

My sisters partner signed my sons hes a housing officer.

Do you know anyone who works in security ie door staff / security guard even a door bouncer / staff

they all have to have a SIA badge which is government approved
my son has one and has signed several passports

cabin crew can do it
health care professionals
a publican / off license
civil servant

This is personal to you but good standing means someone who who has been in a career involving responsibility and the person will have a lot to lose if they falsely validated someone. Doris down the road is unable to verify just because she's nice but another Doris who is also nice and in a position to sign passports will be more than happy to do.

People in jobs like the Police/teaching/council NHS etc are in the majority lovely, just wanting to make a difference and earn money for their families.

You can ask your manager if you work in a care home? Any neighbours, friends of friends?

More people than you think can do it, I was just working in the office, as I was the wonky one I had ‘manager’ in my title, not important at all and I got away with signing for people. Do you work, do you have a boss?

I signed my friends daughters, I’m a carer but at a senior level for a private healthcare firm

I know several, it isn't a big ask at all. I went to school with several people who are now self-employed florists/ hairdressers/ builders/gardeners/decorators. My neighbours are directors of their own limited company. They're just normal people, nothing unusual about them!

It's unlikely that you don't know anyone. Do you know anyone who owns their own business e.g. hairdresser, corner shop owner, builder, window cleaner? The landlord/lady in your local. A Scout leader. A nurse. Your manager at work. One of your kids' teachers.

I've signed for quite a few people, some were definitely only acquaintances but I'd known them for more than two years and could vouch for them. My job isn't specified on the list of suggestions.

Do you know the optician personally and have done for two years?

That would be a big ask. I certainly don’t know anyone who is a director of a company.

I didn’t think you could do your family? My mum couldn’t do for us or our kids, but she could for the neighbours, so the neighbours did ours in return! They were both in the same accepted profession

Are you sure you need it?

If you're doing a renewal and do it online, you can bypass this, providing your new photo isnt that different from your last one.

I was pleasantly surprised by the online system for its speed and efficiency!

Do you not know anyone who is a director of their own company? It doesn't have to be Alan Sugar, a neighbour who is a carpet fitter or a window cleaner will do, so long as he's a director of his own company.

When I last had a passport (over 25 years ago) my next door neighbour was a police officer and he signed it for me. Now I am struggling to find someone.

What does your current next door neighbour do?

The Post Office check and send service do this. They verify ID documents and photo as a true likeness.

As a teacher I get quite a few requests from pupils and families I haven't taught for decades but I'm always happy to help!

You would think in this day and age there would be an easier way to do things!

Aha! I also have an eye test next week,I will ask the optician.

No suggestions but I am watching this thread with interest as I am having exactly the same problem. When I last had a passport (over 25 years ago) my next door neighbour was a police officer and he signed it for me. Now I am struggling to find someone. I've asked my pharmacist,who has known me for nearly 20 years but he said no. I've got a dentist appointment next month so I am going to ask him.