Can a GP countersign a passport application ?

[mycatsbestfriend]

I don't know anyone that can do this the only people I know are related to me. But I heard a doctor can't do it anymore is this true ? It's crazy I can't apply for a lot of jobs or have ID for so many things. I feel like I have a right to one and I can't get it. But I can pay tax, work, claim benefits just feels ridiculous. Someone told me I can just state I have no countersign and the application can still be processed but I asked the passport office and they said this isn't true

I'd be happy to do it for any of the parents of my son's friends. I do it quite often and it's really not a burden, it doesn't take more than a couple of minutes max.

If you’re really stuck then you can pay a notary public to do it, usually for around £40/£50

They're all married to their partners. Yeah, it's hard sometimes with friends, I moved around a lot the past few years and lost touch

No they can't. The list of who can sign now is so long almost anyone can do it. I have a tenuous professional qualification so can sign. Otherwise you can pay a notary.

I got my neighbour to do mine as we have known/recognise each other over ten years, both retired but both have passports so the passport office have already "approved" them iyswim.

It doesn't need to be s recent person. It's all done online now so it can be someone who doesn't live near you, they just need to have known you for at least 2 years.
An old neighbour, someone from when you were growing up.

As well as professionals It can be someone who owns a business too like a hairdressers, restaurant. Or someone who works for the local council

what is that ?

Is your son in school? As one of his teachers. I’m a teacher and I’ve done it for parents before, it was a parent I knew well as I’d taught all three of her children, but I didn’t mind.

Do you have any old friends on Facebook? Message and ask someone you used to be friends with. Again, the worst that happens is they’ll say no and you just try someone else.

He's in high school, and what with Covid I never met any of his teachers, although I have spoken to one on the phone. I'm getting his passport sorted just now and asking the school to sign his so he doesn't need to go through this when he's older

I think my old teacher from high school is a good idea though if he can remember me. I actually can't even remember his name and he was my favourite teacher !

A solicitor who in addition is licensed to countersign public documents, if you Google it there will likely be one in your area.

So I don't need to have known them for two years ?

Do you literally go through life not speaking to anyone except your son?

Passport aside that sounds challenging- what would happen if you were unwell, etc?

Do any of your siblings spouses have family that know you that could do it?

Do any of your siblings have friends who know you?

pharmacist/optician?

your son’s head of year/guidance teacher?

Yeah it is kind of lonely. I had really bad mental health in my last relationship and it kind of just wrecked my whole life so I've been quite alone for a while. I hope it won't stay like this and I'm trying to sort myself out so I can work again and kind of get out there and meet people. But I have to feel better first. My brother and sister in laws families, one of them isn't British, the other hates my sister and my other sister's husbands parent agreed to do it then didn't want to

My sister does have a friend who would probably do it but they aren't qualified in their field yet still in training/ studying. Maybe that will work out eventually. I had thought of asking the pharmacist just feels weird idk

No. We got one to sign my DD’s Irish passport application (the Irish are much more specific as to who can sign and to be honest I just wanted to get it sorted quickly, hence we went to a notary)

Thank you so much for this, I will contact one and ask

No problem, really hope you’re able to get things sorted! X

I've also recently paid a notary to countersign an Irish passport application. They ask to see your other ID.

Oh. I don't have anything apart from my birth certificate

I have had a lawyer represent me in court last year. Maybe he would do it

I just think ID should be a right and not something you can only have if you know someone who can do you a favour, you know ?

Yes OP that's another option too