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

There is something I've thought of though, I read somewhere that 100 years after your death all of your records are made public so at least my identity won't be online like that

The counter signatory is just to say that the photo is a true likeness of you, ie it's not a picture of someone else. It is not to say you are of good character yourself etc .

So find somebody who knows your name and has seen you around for at least two years. I do feel your pain through as I've only just got the courage to ask my neighbours last month.

Census data is made public after 100 years, so yours will appear. Birth certificates etc are already available for a fee.

Yeah I believe there will be records of me but not a photo if I don't have a passport

in terms of other ID Do you drive OP? If not and you don’t have a drivers license you could get your provisional license even if you never plan to drive. It is accepted as a form of photo ID.

Yeah but I think you need to do the same with the provisional application if you've no ID already

It is new as they were getting blocked up with non nhs work. The list i posted shows the guidance. Think I saw notary on it?

Oh really I thought you could use birth certificate. You’re right though it’s a thoroughly ridiculous catch 22! I suspect paying a notary if you can afford may be the easiest solution then.

Notary is accepted but they always require you to bring photographic ID in order to verify your identify, so unfortunately it wouldn’t work for OP. @BeMintBee

DH just signed a couple for a neighbour-professional role but can sign as school Governor.

People are generally happy to help if they can @mycatsbestfriend I don't think it is the barrier you think it is-don't let the anxiety re sorting stop you from getting it done!

Well every days a school day I guess! Sorry OP it must feel like an impossible situation 😩

Yes but if the OP gets the election ID card she can then go to the notary to get a passport/driving licence countersigned.

I think this is sometimes the case when people say they don't have anyone to sign. Often what they mean is they don't have a close friend.

But they don't want to "bother" the owner of the hairdressers they go to, or the local pharmacist they've been popping into, or their neighbour who works for the council, or their kids Brownie leader, or their old boss. But most people don't mind being asked. It's all done online now and is very quick.

Not according to https://www.gov.uk/apply-for-photo-id-voter-authority-certificate

"You can use it to vote in person in some elections and referendums in Great Britain (England, Scotland and Wales). You cannot use it as proof of identification for any other reason."

I'm a teacher so one of the "oh seven's a teacher, I'll just get her to sign it' thoughts that goes through people I vaguely know brains. I've never minded doing it. Reach out to anyone who has known you for 2 years or more and fits the requirements. The worst they can do is say no. A neighbour a few doors down perhaps, parent of your child's friend? No one minds being asked.

Thanks for the advice every one. I've decided I will just ask my neighbours next time I see them it feels a bit awkward but they can only say no

A notary cannot confirm your identity if they do not know you personally.
The whole system is based on identification arising from a personal relationship. Why would a notary be able to confirm identity when no other group of people could do that? Especially for a fee - so easy to abuse the system or exploit people

It is very difficult OP, I would struggle, the middle classes on here always say how easy it is though.

Do you think that working class people don't associate with anyone of "good standing in the community" then? Seems a bit harsh.

By verifying a piece of your own valid photographic ID, along with being specifically licensed to do so. The Irish passport office are much more strict than the British equivalent (they even personally telephone every single person who countersigns to confirm their ID, how they know you etc) and we had absolutely no issues with using a notary for DD. It was all very professional.

The system isn’t as rigid as you think. Yes, I do think that there are possible loopholes with notaries, but the same could be said for any profession considering there’s no way to actually prove you’ve known someone for 2 years. I know many people who have gotten their local MP to countersign passports, driving licenses etc - none of whom have probably ever met them in their life! They’re just keen to have an extra vote so happily oblige most of the time..

You do realise an employer can sign the form?
So a bin man who works for the council can get his manager to confirm his identity.
Or a checkout operator can ask the supermarket manager.

These are hardly "middle class" roles
If someone's not working at moment they can ask their last managers

As a GP I can sign for a friend but not a patient

Blimey, they really make it difficult.

I did see something about actually going to the passport office in person though - would that be an option?