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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To not have anyone to sign passport?

353 replies

PumpkinP · 05/02/2020 23:46

I am having trouble with thinking who can sign for me and my children’s passports. I am an introvert and have no friends, family limited, but obviously can’t sign, not friends with the neighbours. What can I do? I’m not working atm either so no manager etc

OP posts:
DDIJ · 06/02/2020 09:49

This reply has been withdrawn

Message from MNHQ: This post has been withdrawn

hhsa · 06/02/2020 09:52

Your local newsagent can do it.

ineedaholidaynow · 06/02/2020 09:54

If you do the school drop off do you never speak to the other parents? Do you never take your children to the library. Take them to social events? Are they as isolated as you?

ClappyFlappy · 06/02/2020 09:55

You’re probably best just cancelling your holiday and not going. If you can’t just speak to someone and ask if they can help there’s not much any of us can suggest. You do need to actually try and help yourself and you don’t seem willing to do that.

BusterGonad · 06/02/2020 09:56

It's all a bit woe is me, you don't ask, you don't get. I don't think I've come across a school gate mum who doesn't smile back, or say hello, I always thought it was a rare bread but after reading this thread obviously not. I think if you wanted that holiday so badly you'd get on and do it, I know I would.

BusterGonad · 06/02/2020 09:57

It's all a bit woe is me, you don't ask, you don't get. I don't think I've come across a school gate mum who doesn't smile back, or say hello, I always thought it was a rare bread but after reading this thread obviously not. I think if you wanted that holiday so badly you'd get on and do it, I know I would.

Charlie97 · 06/02/2020 10:01

What @ClappyFlappy says, you also don't say who did your children's previous passports?

Swatsup · 06/02/2020 10:03

You need to make sure it’s someone reliable as well. We were cutting it fine with kids passports before a holiday and got randomly picked for a check. They contacted the person that signed it and luckily it all got sorted quickly but could have taken weeks if it was a teacher or gp.

Kaykay066 · 06/02/2020 10:07

Go to gp ask there
If you don’t ask people then you won’t get it done?!? I’m a nurse and do lots of peoples my ex was police so he gets asked as well friends husband is a pharmacist so he did my kids. Perhaps you need to open your horizons a little and make some friends...i know it’s hard but seems a lonely existence

steppemum · 06/02/2020 10:11

they are really signing to say that the person in the photo is definitely you.

So they don't need to have 'known' you, as in a character reference, just be able to confirm that PumpkinP is indeed the person in the photo, same for the kids.

So on that basis, anyone who lives in your street should be able to, anyone at school who has seen you regularly over the last 2 years etc.

You do need to sign for a renewal if your photo looks different.

PlomBear · 06/02/2020 10:11

I’m sure that the OP is well aware of her predicament and doesn’t need random MNetters commenting on her isolation. We don’t know what OP’s history is.

BirthdayCakes · 06/02/2020 10:24

Exactly, PlomBear

Sending you love OP Flowers

steppemum · 06/02/2020 10:25

Hmm, just read the whole thread.

OP - I don't have anyone to sign
everyone - how about these people
OP - I don't want to ask any of them

You will have to ask if you want them signed. Just ask. the worst thing that could happen is they say no. Then ask someone else, after 3 or 4 someone will say yes. Problem solved.

Or, jsut don't go on holiday because you didn't ask.....

RedRiverShore · 06/02/2020 10:27

There are often threads on here about people who can't get passport applications signed and for some in society it is very difficult if not impossible. Of course the average middle class person is going to find it easier as they will probably have contacts through work or know the self employed tradesmen working on their houses (plumbers, electricians etc.) GPs are not allowed to sign now unless they know you personally.

I would get yours and the 2 children's renewals done OP, at least they will be sorted then, hope you find someone for the others.

Lockheart · 06/02/2020 10:34

You need to stop thinking in terms of friends. They don't have to be a friend. I asked my parents village vicar to sign my last passport application and we don't really know each other except to wave in passing and occasionally take each others parcels.

You might have to get over it and ask a stranger you see on a reasonably regular basis if you want to get them done.

HairyFloppins · 06/02/2020 10:37

Your school will probably do it. Normally they will have a dedicated person who will do it. The head teacher done ours. She just puts the school down as her address.

Frownette · 06/02/2020 10:41

Do they use facial recognition technology between last passport photo and new passport photos?

steppemum · 06/02/2020 10:49

There are often threads on here about people who can't get passport applications signed and for some in society it is very difficult if not impossible. Of course the average middle class person is going to find it easier as they will probably have contacts through work or know the self employed tradesmen working on their houses (plumbers, electricians etc.) GPs are not allowed to sign now unless they know you personally.

I agree, but people have come on and suggested many options, and the OP hasn't said - Oh and asked they said no, she has siad she won't ask because they are a stranger eg mums at school gate.

The only way roudn this is to ask.

maddy68 · 06/02/2020 10:54

A teacher, JP, doctor, vet dentist can sign I believe. They have to have known you personally for 7 years do your child's teacher wouldn't be suitable, unless you know them in person

Pollaidh · 06/02/2020 10:54

This has always irritated me. It just seems elitist. Why is a professional required to vouchsafe for you? Why is someone who works in a shop not valid? What is the point of it?

It's not elitist, it's people who have something to lose if they commit a fraud, and are traceable if needed - so registered at companies house, or with an official body or professional association. Also most people in professional roles, all civil servants etc, will have been identity checked and had some background checking before they started their job, so that's another assurance that they are who they say they are, not a criminal etc. I'm a CS and a fellow of 2 professional bodies. If I committed a fraud I'd not only lose my job, but I'd never work again in my field as the crime would come up on every security check run on me, and my professional bodies would kick me out for bringing my profession into disrepute. Everything I'd trained and worked for my entire life would be finished - therefore a strong incentive not to commit fraud.

eurochick · 06/02/2020 11:00

What about friends of your parents? Any teachers or civil servants or business owners there?

Frownette · 06/02/2020 11:11

Can you phone your parents and your sister today and ask if they know anyone who can sign? OP you're going to have to buck up if you want a holiday.

CorianderLord · 06/02/2020 11:50

@whatifit

I'd assume because if someone loses their job in a shop for committing fraud they'll just go get another unskilled job whereas a professional has much more to lose (licence, career). They're also easier to track and verify identity because they're registered in lots of places and have a paper trail.

Original poster
PumpkinP · 06/02/2020 11:54

Oh fgs, some people love to exaggerate on MN, I haven’t asked anyone yet as I was asking who I CAN ask! I never said I don’t speak to a single soul, I said I don’t have any friends. I speak to my sister daily and my dad often, I am friendly with two of my sisters friends but they are both sahms so not in a position to do it! I don’t work because I am a carer and when I did work I was self employed. And people are also missing the point where I said I have TRIED with the school mums but didn’t get anything back, it was not reciprocated and how much am I meant to try? My children joined the school half way through so I guess friendships were already established, it’s really not unheard of that school mums can be unfriendly and cliquey. I will ask at the school and if it’s just an email I need them to provide them they are likely to agree to that.

OP posts:
Original poster
PumpkinP · 06/02/2020 11:56

I have a few associates not people I would consider friends but none of them work in a professional role. Sorry that not everyone has a massive group of friends and family Hmm

OP posts: