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Original poster

Can't find a countersignature for a lost British passport - What to do?

79 replies

Cybercubed · 10/09/2022 18:21

Hi all,

I have booked a fast track appointment for a lost passport next Saturday. I am able to gather all documents, complete the paper application, paid the £147 fee, the problem is that I don't have anyone I know who can countersign my passport.

I rang the passport advice line and she told me to look a list of professions which are suitable, but I've already seen it and told her I still don't know anyone. I asked my factory manager, he refused saying I hadn't known him for 2 years (which is true). I'm not close to any of my neighbours and feel uncomfortable cold approaching them.

The advice line told me to present this information at the appointment, but she didn't sound sure herself what would be the outcome, since the £147 is not refundable. I think I can sign a declaration saying I don't know anyone, but that the application would take longer. Is this true? I just hope my £147 hasn't gone to waste.

OP posts:
HipsterCoffeeShop · 10/09/2022 18:24

I don't have a solution for you OP but I do sympathise.

My husband countersigned for someone I only know through my running club because she didn't know anyone else (he's a teacher).

2ndrockinthepond · 10/09/2022 18:26

An old school teacher? Dr - though good luck getting an appointment. Someone from your bank? Rental agent? Good luck.

fruitbrewhaha · 10/09/2022 18:30

Surely you must know someone, the list is very comprehensive. The widest criteria is someone who is a manager for a vat registered company or a ltd company. Do none of your friends or family work? someone must work for a company. Or your local pub? DO you know the owner? Or someone who is a member of a regulatory body, so could be an accountant or surveyor?

Threelittlelambs · 10/09/2022 18:32

Kids school teachers
doctors
anyone with a degree

Hugasauras · 10/09/2022 18:32

Last time I got it signed it wasn't by anyone on the official list, just someone with a decent job title! Had no issues.

fruitbrewhaha · 10/09/2022 18:32

Your local Vicar, or someone who's on the parish council?

titchy · 10/09/2022 18:32

Why do you need it? Has your appearance changed that much from that on your lost passport?

dementedpixie · 10/09/2022 18:35

You need a countersignature for a lost passport regardless of whether appearance has changed.

A small business owner, a neighbour that's a nurse/doctor/police, a friend with a suitable job?

CactusFlowers · 10/09/2022 18:35

The list isn’t exclusive, it’s more of a guide. Do you know anyone who owns their own business? A plumber, for example, with a ltd company could do it, I think. Shopkeeper, any manager you know previous employer, publican. Partner of someone you know as long as they also know you? You line manager rather than overall manager? Parents of friends of your children if you have any?

Friends of your parents? Neighbours of family? Retired people can also sign.

Rosehugger · 10/09/2022 18:36

What about someone retired, old family friend, someone like that? Mum friend on PTA at school (could be charity trustee) Our neighbour does ours, and me hers, we've known each other about ten years. Even though last time she wasn't working but was previously a charity trustee. She put "retired charity trustee" and that was accepted.

Lizzieee2727 · 10/09/2022 18:37

I've just had to replace mine and had to upload a new photo, then had to send an email link to someone to confirm my identity. Last time I'm sure it was fine as a renewal but now you need confirmation!

Darbs76 · 10/09/2022 18:37

Are you on social media? Ask on there. I am a civil servant and sign many for friends. I can do it for people who don’t live near me now it’s gone online. Sure someone will be able to do it if you ask. You will definitely need it countersigning

Darbs76 · 10/09/2022 18:37

Also some don’t need counter signing now if appearance not changed, so do check that

TestingTestingWonTooFree · 10/09/2022 18:38

Don’t ask your GP, they’re snowed under with clinical work.

dementedpixie · 10/09/2022 18:38

Darbs76 · 10/09/2022 18:37

Also some don’t need counter signing now if appearance not changed, so do check that

Lost passports need a countersignature
A renewal wouldnt

dementedpixie · 10/09/2022 18:39

GP can't do it unless they know you personally

Alwayswonderedwhy · 10/09/2022 18:41

Are you looking at the right list? There's so many people that can sign.

BarkylLoner · 10/09/2022 18:42

Remember OP it can be anyone from your past who's known you for 2 years.
Ex-neighbour, past employer, friend or (not immediate) relative who is in a profession that requires registration with professional body, police or has a register business eg plumber, restaurant owner

BigChesterDraws · 10/09/2022 18:48

Why not use one of your other passports for this upcoming trip? According to your previous thread you have two other citizenships. As a fellow multi-citizenship person (I have three), that’s what I would do.

Then get the UK passport renewed when you’re not under time pressure to find someone who fits the bill.

Original poster
Cybercubed · 10/09/2022 19:01

I could ask a neighbour who is the manager (I think) of our local co op. If I see him in there, but I feel uncomfortable cold approaching like that given I hardly speak to him. I could ask a self employed taxi driver, but not sure that counts. I don't have social media and I don't have a lot of social contacts or friends as I'm a bit of loner irl. I'm just wondering whether its possible to sign a declaration form saying I know nobody and it can still proceed.

No one at my workplace is willing to do it as I've only been there a year. I could ask my dentist who's been my dentist for 15 years, but again, I'm a complete stranger to her really.

@titchy
I had passport between 2006-2016 and lost it around 2014 (I did contact the passport office at the time, but never pursued another application). I was 20 in 2006, so likely yes my appearance has changed a bit!

@BigChesterDraws
I should correct that, I have 3 citizenships, not 3 current passports. I'm choosing to get another British one because its likely the quickest to get (hence why I have booked a fast track appointment) and I would like to go abroad by December.

OP posts:
Tairbear · 10/09/2022 19:14

You have paid £147 to fast tracked a passport, for a holiday in December?

LubaLuca · 10/09/2022 19:18

Yes, remember it could be anyone from your lifetime, not someone you've been in touch with in the last 2 years. A friend of your parents when you were a child would do, as long as they knew you even vaguely as an adult.

Otherwise - does your hairdresser own their own business? Do you go in your local pub? Do you go to church or a club with a leader?

dementedpixie · 10/09/2022 19:20

I've never heard of signing a declaration to say noone can verify your identity. There must be someone in your lifetime that is on the list or is of 'good standing in the community' and can verify who you are

LionessesRules · 10/09/2022 19:22

Where did you work before this job? Anyone from there who could sign?

SausagePourHomme · 10/09/2022 19:23

it just needs to be someone of good standing in the community which is incredibly open to interpretation

if you have a friend in any kind of employment, or you're a regular in a shop, cafe etc, or a teacher or nursery worker, lollipop lady, neighbour who has retired from a respectable job...