ID check for passport - why is this so difficult?

[raindayrain]

Has anyone ever been asked to do an identity check for a passport application? Is it a really complex/difficult thing?

I am a relatively quiet/introverted person and my job requires me to move working locations very frequently, and so it’s been impossible to establish any lasting relationships with colleagues. Since having a baby, I’ve felt socially isolated and I know I need to get out more and make friends, but it’s just been difficult not really connecting with anyone in my area. I only have a few close friends from university I’d chat to probably once a week. My extended family all live far away.

So now comes a time when I need to sort out my passport application - you need an identity referee who’s known you for 2 years as a friend/neighbour/colleague (not just professionally). I’ve texted my neighbour of many many years to see if they’d be happy to confirm my identity - they didn’t reply and when I politely asked again, they were really short and while they did agree, it gave really reluctant vibes (the kind where you know you shouldn’t ask again). They are neighbours I thought we had a good relationship with: we collect posts/bins when away/send holiday cards/always have a really nice chat when we see each other. I’ve asked a friend too who said they would, but they haven’t and just keep delaying things. It just really breaks my heart that I haven’t ?integrated into society? It feels like something is really wrong with me that I can’t even apply for a new passport.

It’s now super awkward going in and out of the house bumping into our neighbours. I really regret asking them in the first place and feel like I really don’t want to have to see them again.

AIBU? Anyone who’s done it for other people care to say what the process actually involves? If it takes ages and is overly complicated then I guess I’d understand.

That list, though, is old fashioned and snobbish.

You need to knock on your neighbours door and get the ball rolling. They won’t go out of their way to get things going when you asked them. They’re probably wondering what’s taking you so long. You used to be able to ask your GP, not sure if you still can.

I'm a teacher so have done zillions of these. It can't backfire if you have known them for two years and the photo is a true likeness.. I'm not expected to verify DoB or middle name- the application process and supporting documents do that. I'm just saying yes, that looks like them and yes this is who they say they are because I've known them for at least two years.

Are people really giving chocolates and wine for signing passport applications?

It would never occur to me to buy a gift, I've signed loads of forms for friends and work mates over the years and no one has ever offered me anything and tbh Id be a bit insulted that they thought it was necessary.

Bizarrely GPs are not allowed to.

No, most of us don't give wine and chocolates for this, but OP seems convinced that there should be some benefit for the person she asks, so it has come up as an idea.

I've never given anything. Just a good acknowledgement and thank you.

GPs are allowed to if you know them as a friend, colleague, neighbour etc.
They can't sign it AS your GP.

As others have said, it's pretty simple. Usually takes less than two minutes. I usually end up having to contact the person to check date or birth or something so try to make sure you are there or at the end of a phone when they do it. The request goes to them very quickly once the form is submitted.

The only tricky one I had was doing it for my friend's identical twins. They sent me one of their photos and I had to fill in some details (this was a while ago - they've made it simpler for the confirmer now). I had no idea which one it was!

They will need to give you their date of birth and passport number. Some people might be reluctant to do it.

@DrinkFeckArseGirls they don’t. All you need to give is an email address now.

They will need to provide their passport number at some point as you can only be a countersignatory if you own a passport yourself

Perhaps only for the first adult passport it’s needed then. I had to input that information (dob and passport numbers of my referees) for my application last year.

This is a bit strange. These signatures are only for first passports, not renewals (thank God or we would all be having the same problem as OP every ten years!).

The online one is really fast. I do it for loads of random people (approved profession) and no one ever gives me chocolate!

Yes. It's not introverts who have the biggest problems with it, but people who just don't have members of registered professions in their social circle.

That extra post about 'good standing in the community'. Who's to say who is of good standing? Are the rest of us of bad standing?

It’s dead easy online now - maybe the neighbour doesn’t realise, you just need an email address for them. They then put how they know you and confirm it’s you and a few details about you.
it can be people who know you professionally as well, I’ve done a few work collegaue ones as I’ve known them for over 2 years. My work colleague (known her 5 years) did mine, we work together but don’t socialise together

The signature doesn't confirm your identity or agree you are a good person though. It confirms that you are the person in the photograph. That's it.

If your neighbours aren't happy could a friend from Uni do it?

It's not about being in good standing or push in any way - they are jobs with a register of people, sort of official lists of people. It includes the army, fire brigade, registered traders

I renewed my DD3's expiring 5 year child's passport to her first adult 10 year one early last year. No verification was required at all. It was done as a straightforward renewal, which doesn't require a referee.

I'm a teacher and so have done this for friends, neighbours and other teachers. It doesn't take long on line .

Countersignature only required for a child age 11 and under, 1st ever passport for adult/child, lost/stolen passport and if your appearance has changed drastically.

the alternative to an id check by peers would be id checks at passport offices. that's costly & cumbersome as well.

Ive not heard of this, if that's a thing you can do why does no one know about it?

I've read many many many threads about counter signatories for passports and no one has ever posted this solution

I wonder why it's not publicised. How much does it cost?

it's done by many other countries where you have to make an appointment at the council office (or the embassy if anroad) to apply for passorts or other id documents.

I'm not on the list of recognised professions however I have countersigned passport applications and they went through fine. So your list of people who could do might be bigger than you think