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Original poster

I haven't got anyone to sign DDs passport, what do I do?

87 replies

MeGustaHelado · 12/03/2023 13:55

Dr's won't do it.
Teachers at her school say they aren't allowed to do it.
The 2 people I know who have listed jobs don't have current passports themselves so cannot sign hers.

It's been a week since we applied and we can't find anyone!

OP posts:
BodGaoithe · 12/03/2023 15:55

Yeah I used to sign off all the time, when it was a paper form. Not sure if it is because it’s all online now or because of Brexit.

BodGaoithe · 12/03/2023 15:57

Also what happens if you in Northern Ireland? Not only do you have to find someone on the list, you have to find out what sort of passport they chose to have? Is that correct?

Justalittlebitduckling · 12/03/2023 15:58

Vicar or minister of religion?

lieselotte · 12/03/2023 16:03

cosmiccosmos · 12/03/2023 14:17

You don't need to have a passport yourself to sign someone's else's. Use one of the people you know.

You do, you have to put the number on the application, and it has to be current.

lieselotte · 12/03/2023 16:05

BodGaoithe · 12/03/2023 15:57

Also what happens if you in Northern Ireland? Not only do you have to find someone on the list, you have to find out what sort of passport they chose to have? Is that correct?

Well, it has to be a British one for a British passport application.

Not sure if you need an Irish one for an Irish passport application. Years ago I countersigned an Irish one, despite being a British passport holder, but I don't know if they've changed their rules now.

Don't most people in NI have both, anyway? Might as well get the benefits of having both, although not sure there are many associated with a British one these days.

bakermummy21 · 12/03/2023 16:05

What about one of the parents at school ?

ProtectorExtraordinaryOfTheCantonsOfNim · 12/03/2023 16:06

The person needs to have known you for 2 years; they don't need to know your DD. How old is DD? If she's been at school for 2+ years, what about a parent of a classmate (if you first met them 2+ years ago)? Or the parent of a child she was at nursery with? The manager of her old nursery or preschool? Anyone with "manager" in their job title? Friends of your siblings, or friends of friends, who you first met over two years ago? Friends of your parents? Friends of your grandparents, even?

CiderJolly · 12/03/2023 16:14

What jobs do your neighbours have?

pompomdaisy · 12/03/2023 16:16

It's literally anyone who isn't a criminal now. Surely you know someone?

Original poster
MeGustaHelado · 12/03/2023 18:03

pompomdaisy · 12/03/2023 16:16

It's literally anyone who isn't a criminal now. Surely you know someone?

I didn't realise it was more relaxed.

Sorted now.

OP posts:
Nat6999 · 12/03/2023 18:20

I signed my late dp's as I was a retired Civil Servant, we had different addresses so it was okay.

Shinyandnew1 · 12/03/2023 18:28

What do you mean the teachers won't do it? I think you need to ask the Head.

Our head made it policy that teachers wouldn’t have to sign parent/child passports as it was taking up too much time-it was a workload reduction measure and teachers were very grateful.

I will happily sign passports for friends though.

QuirkyReader · 01/09/2024 12:32

I am also trying to get a passport I asked a friend who is a Chartered Accountant to verify my identity and they did not meet the criteria, so I then asked a police officer friend and he did not meet the criteria either.
I phoned the passport office and they just came up with the list of people I could ask but when you have children to bring up and work it makes it very difficult to make friends, because you are so tied up with everything at home and then when you can start to enjoy life, you then have a sick husband that you cannot leave so you still do not get to know people in your community, who you can ask
As well as moving several times over the years does not help.
Has anyone been able to get around this problem with the passport office

leapinglizard1234 · 01/09/2024 12:33

Pay a doctor

SoupDragon · 01/09/2024 12:35

leapinglizard1234 · 01/09/2024 12:33

Pay a doctor

They cant do it unless they are a personal friend.

pompomdaisy · 01/09/2024 18:50

I sign my neighbours. It's a bit of a pain to be honest because they have been child passports and I usually get a call to check.

IbizaToTheNorfolkBroads · 01/09/2024 21:31

QuirkyReader · 01/09/2024 12:32

I am also trying to get a passport I asked a friend who is a Chartered Accountant to verify my identity and they did not meet the criteria, so I then asked a police officer friend and he did not meet the criteria either.
I phoned the passport office and they just came up with the list of people I could ask but when you have children to bring up and work it makes it very difficult to make friends, because you are so tied up with everything at home and then when you can start to enjoy life, you then have a sick husband that you cannot leave so you still do not get to know people in your community, who you can ask
As well as moving several times over the years does not help.
Has anyone been able to get around this problem with the passport office

Police Officer is on the list, and the Chartered Accountant falls under "member, associate or fellow of a professional body".

Are the police officer and Chartered Accountant you know ineligible in other ways?

Ineffable23 · 01/09/2024 21:34

IbizaToTheNorfolkBroads · 01/09/2024 21:31

Police Officer is on the list, and the Chartered Accountant falls under "member, associate or fellow of a professional body".

Are the police officer and Chartered Accountant you know ineligible in other ways?

Show quote history

I was gonna say, one of the benefits of working in finance is there's never any difficulty finding someone to witness things/sign passports/whatever else needs a "professional" to sign it. Unless they're disqualified for other reasons a chartered accountant can definitely sign it.

TheCultureHusks · 01/09/2024 21:36

Pharmacist at your local chemist?

IbizaToTheNorfolkBroads · 01/09/2024 22:57

There's another thread running on passport signatories, that has suggested Hairdresser - often small business owners.

MySnappyTiger · 12/01/2025 21:27

I do not know anyone who can sign for my sons passport what can i do?

Alwaystired2023 · 12/01/2025 21:29

I've signed a few passports for people / babies - I am just a person and don't hold any notable role etc, think it's fine these days

MySnappyTiger · 12/01/2025 21:35

Alwaystired2023 · 12/01/2025 21:29

I've signed a few passports for people / babies - I am just a person and don't hold any notable role etc, think it's fine these days

I was just reading on the hmrc website and it gives a list of people who it can and can't be.
Also rules about relatives not being able to sign as well as the countersigner must have known me for more than 2 years.
Is that not the case?

Alwaystired2023 · 12/01/2025 21:55

Yes the bit about a relative can't sign it is true, and the over 2 years bit. But it's not the case anymore that it needs to a doctor, priest etc - just a person is fine, not in prison I imagine, maybe with a job - I have signed a few passports including a baby's first one, and I remember I signed someone's official paperwork for their indefinite leave to remain too. Can you ask a friend?

LesLavandes · 12/01/2025 22:18

Bank manager
Accountant
A notary