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Original poster

counter signature for pp pic

69 replies

ransomans · 30/12/2023 16:04

im seriously stressed I have a fast track appointment booked for Friday was initially Wednesday but ive had to keep pushing it back as I cant find anyone to counter sign my passport and really stuck on what to do

for info
im going from an child passport my last one to renewing it as an adult one, so in my last passport picture im 13 and im now 23, I would say I look the same just gained weight from being 13..
so I have new pictures, and since im worried about them being significantly differern im trying to get a co sign to verify my identity
but I rang the passport office and mentioned its 10 years old they said you'll look significantly different but its not like ive had a nose job or anything..

I have looked through the list over and over and I don't know anyone on that list who ive knows more than 2 years im self employed and don't have a boss etc ti ask I don't have a local shop I visit frequently o ask the guy on the phone from the pp office he said a dentist cant, gps don't anymore either.

I have no friends etc

ive messaged my neighbour as ive lived here for 7 plus years and they would know me if they saw me etc but waiting a reply plus they must have a bristsh in date passport and im not sure they are in any of them professions listed either as I think they lady is a old people carer and the man might still run his own business but I don't know if he still does that.

im so stressed and feeling hopeless about this as I need to go abroad asap

as a thought could my sisters partner who they've been together 5 plus years who is an accountant do this for me? but it says cant be in the family

ugh im so stuck

OP posts:
dementedpixie · 30/12/2023 17:47

If you are over age 11 you don't need a countersignature unless your appearance has changed so much that you couldn't be recognised from your old passport picture.

Original poster
ransomans · 30/12/2023 17:54

dementedpixie · 30/12/2023 17:47

If you are over age 11 you don't need a countersignature unless your appearance has changed so much that you couldn't be recognised from your old passport picture.

I don't think it has honestly I haven't got anything done, nose job etc. I don't wear makeup etc

OP posts:
TheYearOfSmallThings · 30/12/2023 18:59

I'm pretty sure you need one for your first full passport. But these days anyone who knows you in real life and is willing to swear to it will be ok as long as they are happy to be contacted and explain to whoever calls who they are and how they know you.

dementedpixie · 30/12/2023 19:05

TheYearOfSmallThings · 30/12/2023 18:59

I'm pretty sure you need one for your first full passport. But these days anyone who knows you in real life and is willing to swear to it will be ok as long as they are happy to be contacted and explain to whoever calls who they are and how they know you.

It's not her first passport. It's a renewal from a child passport to an adult one. It would only be counted as a 'First Adult Passport' if she'd never had a child passport and was making an application for her first ever passport.

Original poster
ransomans · 30/12/2023 19:10

so what's the overall thoughts will I be ok without a co signature as I have no choice

OP posts:
TheYearOfSmallThings · 30/12/2023 19:12

But it is her first adult passport.

TheYearOfSmallThings · 30/12/2023 19:15

I would provide the best signatory you have - almost anyone will do. Literally any non-criminal person with a British passport who knows you and is prepared to say "Yes, that is her".

dementedpixie · 30/12/2023 19:21

TheYearOfSmallThings · 30/12/2023 19:12

But it is her first adult passport.

It doesn't matter. It still counts as a renewal as she has had a child passport

dementedpixie · 30/12/2023 19:27

This is what they mean by applying for a first adult passport:

You can apply for a first adult passport if all of the following apply:

  • you’re a British national
  • you’re aged 16 or over (or will be in 3 weeks)
  • you’ve never had a UK passport before

OP is renewing a passport from child to adult. She is not getting her very first passport so shouldn't need a countersignature

greentreez23 · 30/12/2023 19:45

Housing officer?

Roselilly36 · 30/12/2023 19:53

DS2 recently applied for his first adult passport, his child one expired a few years ago, he did need his photo countersigned, application was done online.

Roselilly36 · 30/12/2023 19:54

that should say he DIDNT a need it countersigned

Xenia · 01/01/2024 12:09

dement quote above is right and I saw it the other day too. Despite this being a first adult passport because it is a renewal from a child in the virtual reality of Home Office newspeak - it is not counted as a first adult passport and is a renewal. I think it therefore does not need a counter signatory unless the person looks very different.

More generally next sign anything unless you are able to fulfil the requirements. I have refused before now plenty of times as what I am being asked to sign I cannot say eg if it says I have known this person for 5 years and you have not - lying is a major issue and people lose careers over it so never sign as a favour. Only sign because you meet the requirements for that particular thing that is being signed.

Kazzyhoward · 01/01/2024 12:22

If you're self employed, don't you have any long standing customers, suppliers, accountant, financial adviser, solicitor, etc??

I'm an accountant and am regularly counter-signing passport photos and passport applications for clients. When I needed mine doing, I got a client to do it (and I did hers in return a few years' later!!).

Original poster
ransomans · 02/01/2024 02:04

I don't know why I mentioned being self employed tbh I guess to mention I don't have a boss but ive only just registered as se I don't have accountant and my job doesn't involve clients

I have my appointment later today so I'll update!

OP posts:
Original poster
ransomans · 02/01/2024 02:05

Xenia · 01/01/2024 12:09

dement quote above is right and I saw it the other day too. Despite this being a first adult passport because it is a renewal from a child in the virtual reality of Home Office newspeak - it is not counted as a first adult passport and is a renewal. I think it therefore does not need a counter signatory unless the person looks very different.

More generally next sign anything unless you are able to fulfil the requirements. I have refused before now plenty of times as what I am being asked to sign I cannot say eg if it says I have known this person for 5 years and you have not - lying is a major issue and people lose careers over it so never sign as a favour. Only sign because you meet the requirements for that particular thing that is being signed.

yeah ive put as renewal and checked with the pp office too as my first adult one and he said yes its counted as a renewal ! I couldn't find a counter sign so im going without one! ill update how it goes my app is today later on!

OP posts:
Original poster
ransomans · 02/01/2024 18:57

FINNAL UPDATE!!!

was all fine in and out within 10 mins no co sign went all fine!!

OP posts:
dementedpixie · 02/01/2024 19:08

Glad to hear all went OK. Told you that you didn't need a countersignature Smile

Original poster
ransomans · 02/01/2024 20:27

dementedpixie · 02/01/2024 19:08

Glad to hear all went OK. Told you that you didn't need a countersignature Smile

ahah I know but I am just very unlucky and thought I would 😝

OP posts:
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