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Original poster

Help!!! I’ve countersigned a passport in error.

93 replies

BrainDead1 · 13/02/2022 20:47

Hi, I’ve been incredibly stupid and need some advice.

I was caught off guard and asked to countersign a passport. The friend explained that it needed to be someone who teaches children but didn’t need to be qualified. So I said I didn’t mind and signed it.

In the profession section. I wrote Teacher - EYFS Key Worker. My job title is EYFS key worker.

I’ve just double checked everything online and I think it was wrong of me to sign as I’m not a qualified teacher. The application has now been sent and I’m worried and not sure what to do.

I’d be really grateful for any advice. Please don’t flame me, I feel stupid enough right now. Sad

OP posts:
JoanOgden · 13/02/2022 20:48

Honestly, I would be absolutely astonished if anyone checks! If they do, you can just explain what your job is and it will probably be fine. Don't worry about it.

KylieCharlene · 13/02/2022 20:50

It will be fine.

SleepTheEnemyOfDreams · 13/02/2022 20:51

It will be absolutely fine!

Xenia · 13/02/2022 20:51

I would notify the passport people. They do regular checks. I am a solicitor although I try to avoid doing passports for people I know as it is right old hassle and I hate doing it.

Original poster
BrainDead1 · 13/02/2022 20:52

Thanks for the reassurance.

I’m also a school Governor, so if the Key Worker role is questioned, I could also mention that role.

OP posts:
dementedpixie · 13/02/2022 20:54

It will be fine. You can be on the list of professions or be 'of good standing in the community' and I'm sure your job would qualify as that.

Original poster
BrainDead1 · 13/02/2022 20:54

I think school Governor would potentially fall under the ‘a person of good standing in their community’ category…?

OP posts:
DramaAlpaca · 13/02/2022 20:54

I really don't think there will be any issue with that. Don't worry.

xyzandabc · 13/02/2022 20:55

It's highly highly unlikely this will be checked at all. (BILs countersignatory was contacted twice but that was because he'd lost 3 or 4 passports in the space of a couple of years!)

There are plenty of unqualified teachers teaching up and down the country, you do not have to be a qualified teacher to countersign a passport application. You are working in a teaching role by the sound of it, as long as you have known the parent for 2 years or more, it'll be fine.

Troublesometooth · 13/02/2022 20:55

@Xenia

I would notify the passport people. They do regular checks. I am a solicitor although I try to avoid doing passports for people I know as it is right old hassle and I hate doing it.
Can I ask why it’s a hassle? I’m a teacher and have done a few friends and it’s very quick and easy with the new online system.
sjxoxo · 13/02/2022 20:56

I’m shocked you are worried! I wouldn’t bat an eyelid and if anyone did do anything they’d just refuse the application. Even that I think is unlikely!! X

cherrysthename · 13/02/2022 20:57

It really doesn't matter, please don't worry!

Inspirationpending · 13/02/2022 20:58

I did the same thing op
Did say to my friend I didn’t think I had correct job to sign
She said she’d checked, it’s fine etc

I looked online AFTER signing and I was right
Long story short she got her passport with no issues

I did panic a bit though

Original poster
BrainDead1 · 13/02/2022 21:07

Thanks all. Seems like a panic over nothing. I’m a notorious over thinker! 😅

OP posts:
Shambleseya · 13/02/2022 21:08

That's absolutely fine, they won't be checking your qualifications and School Governer would cover you too. I wouldn't notify them, but if they contact you just clarify the job.

If you meet the other criteria (have known the applicant, or their parent if it's a child, personally for 2 years and you could identify them), you've done nothing wrong.

SpiderinaWingMirror · 13/02/2022 21:16

I always assumed the listed jobs were simply ones that the passport agency could check quickly. Eg civil servant, professional qualifications? But I don't think you have done anything wrong. Worst case is thar the applicant is asked to get someone else.

Luredbyapomegranate · 13/02/2022 21:16

Nothing will happen.

Don’t worry about it.

TonksInPurple · 13/02/2022 21:16

You’ll be fine if there’s a problem they’ll call you and double check.

Pembertonrd · 13/02/2022 21:17

It’s a ridiculously outdated notion that a doctor like Harold Shipman is more fitting to countersign a passport than Joe the plumber.

You’ll be fine.

BurntO · 13/02/2022 21:17

You’re fine, honestly. Don’t worry Smile

PandaDander · 13/02/2022 21:17

It's only an issue if the passport is used in court for that person being not who they claim to be in my opinion.

NoWordForFluffy · 13/02/2022 21:19

@Xenia

I would notify the passport people. They do regular checks. I am a solicitor although I try to avoid doing passports for people I know as it is right old hassle and I hate doing it.
I'm a solicitor. It's no hassle at all. 🤷‍♀️
midsomermurderess · 13/02/2022 21:19

The person who countersigned my pp application got a call at her work to verify her status. I don't know how common that is.

LumpyandBumps · 13/02/2022 21:25

I have countersigned several passport applications over the years
( when I was a Civil Servant) , and never been contacted.
You signed in good faith and even if they check and don’t agree that you are qualified all that will happen is that a new application will need to be made with a different counter signatory.
I would be amazed if the application doesn’t go through unchallenged.

insuretothecore · 13/02/2022 21:30

Eh? we had the local shop keeper sign ours? Does it matter?