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AIBU?

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Original poster

Countersignatory on passport renewal.

149 replies

phoenix1973 · 23/01/2017 15:16

I've posted here as it's busier.

I'm renewing my child's passport (U.K.).

I don't know who to ask to countersign her application.

Doctor and dentist don't have uk passports. So they can't sign. I'm a temp so I don't know anyone who can sign.

Do you have any suggestions on who I can ask?

OP posts:
Ilovecaindingle · 23/01/2017 15:17

Teacher?

Sparklingbrook · 23/01/2017 15:17

Teacher?

LineysRun · 23/01/2017 15:19

It's getting more difficult now as some teachers don't like to do it, as they have to divulge their own passport numbers on the form - although you can leave the form with them to complete and post themselves.

TheProblemOfSusan · 23/01/2017 15:20

Do any mates have a job that counts? There's a list on the passport website but it's not exhaustive I don't think - any kind of "profession" probably counts I think.

But yes, teacher if they've know her long enough, maybe a nursery manager?

Mulberry72 · 23/01/2017 15:20

DS's head teacher did his passport form for me.

Fluffyears · 23/01/2017 15:20

My friend is a senior care assistant so she was able to sign on my DP's behalf. It doesn't need to be exactly the professions listed, just someone with a responsible position.

thatdearoctopus · 23/01/2017 15:20

Teachers in my school have been told not to do them by the Head. Possibly she was getting fed up with all the requests from people coming in to school because they didn't want to pay the GP 25 quid so thought we'd do it for free.
It actually takes a while to do (properly) and teachers have enough to do as it is.

TheProblemOfSusan · 23/01/2017 15:21

I do think the list of who can sign is pretty discriminatory though - loads of people don't have personal contact with a lot of the roles on the list.

InTheDessert · 23/01/2017 15:21

What jobs do your nextdoor neighbours have? Or parents of your child's friends?? What jobs do your friends have?? Anything there???
My Mum's job means she countersigns lots. One guy has kept in touch with Dad since he stopped working for him a decade ago. Mum signs all his kids passports.

LunaLoveg00d · 23/01/2017 15:21

Anyone who is in the police, works in a bank, nurse, fireman, accountant etc etc.

Wtfdoipick · 23/01/2017 15:23

Mine was done by a friend who works for the local council. Someone else has a friend who is an engineer sign it. Think through your friends and their partners and see if any would be appropriate

pastizzi · 23/01/2017 15:26

There are lots more people who can sign than you would think. I got a software developer to sign mine and my sister got a shop manager to sign hers. No problems

Puzzledandpissedoff · 23/01/2017 15:31

Teachers in my school have been told not to do them by the Head. Possibly she was getting fed up with all the requests from people coming in to school because they didn't want to pay the GP 25 quid so thought we'd do it for free

It's the same in many schools in my area. I'm told that they were also getting fed up of the constant "I'll make a donation to the PTA for it" which apparently absolutely never happened

SquatBetty · 23/01/2017 15:32

My neighbour's a registered nurse so asked her to sign my child's passport application

BertrandRussell · 23/01/2017 15:34

I used to be a civil servant- I often do them. My neighbour's a nurse-she does mine. It's the time you've known someone that's often the problem in these mobile times.......

LunaLoveg00d · 23/01/2017 15:35

Bit remember when you're applying for a child person the countersignatory is comfirming they know the PARENT not the child.

AllPowerfulLizardPerson · 23/01/2017 15:35

What jobs you DC's friends' parents do?

Publicans can sign - do you have a local you frequent?

AndNowItsSeven · 23/01/2017 15:36

Susan how is it discriminatory? The last is very extensive virtually any professional can sign.

Sparklingbrook · 23/01/2017 15:38

My friend is a teacher-so that must have helped. I have never asked one of my children's teachers, but it doesn't take very long at all.

I used to work in a bank so that was handy too.

SEmyarse · 23/01/2017 15:39

But its professionals isn't it?

If you only know people who work in shops and drive vans you're a bit stuck. It depends on the circles you move in and I don't know anyone well with a proper career.

pinkmagic1 · 23/01/2017 15:40

The list on who can sign is more extensive than a lot of people think. I am a travel agent and I can sign them. Bank workers can sign them as well.

Smoothyloopy · 23/01/2017 15:41

Anyone who works in local government

MillionToOneChances · 23/01/2017 15:41

how is it discriminatory? The last is very extensive virtually any professional can sign.

And if you're a bin man how many professionals do you know who would vouch for you? Or an office cleaner or a shop worker... it is definitely discrimatory.

My cleaner asked me, but I haven't known her two years and despite my postgrad qualifications I am not authorised to sign anyway.

Nabootique · 23/01/2017 15:41

Company directors can sign, so anyone with their own business.

EIsbethTascioni · 23/01/2017 15:43

I was a CM and I could do them as I was a member of the NCMA.

Most professionals will be part of a regulatory board of some descriptions and therefore eligible. Dh is an engineer and does them a couple of times a year for people.

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