Child first passport stress !

[CandyKane10]

I'm planning a pretty last minute trip to SA with my DD (2)
I feel I've just done everything the bloody wrong way ! I've applied online so can't even upgrade to fast track nor can I at least use the check and send process ! Ah well
I'm currently looking for someone to countersign a few of the things and I've asked my local newsagents owner and he has agreed although he did warn me that twice the ones he's signed for have been rejected

I phoned the advice line three times to double check he was okay to do it and they said as long as he is VAT registered and has valid British passport it will be fine ! Has anyone else used a small business owner to counter sign and been fine ? And if not what was the issue ?

Also how long did it take for the passport to arrive when doing it online ?

Thank you !

thanks so much everyone for the replies! Unfortunately as I submitted the application online I have already paid!
If i want to fast track it i have to prove my trip is in a week.
Im now hoping to go 18th May hoping everything is fine for it to come.
The newsagents owner said he doesnt know why they were sent back, but hes also signed for others which have been fine.
I could try asking my manager as we work for a limited company, but hes known me less than two years.

I phoned the passport advice line three times to ask about newsagents guy and my manager and they said both would be fine.

I could ask an old manager from my previous job but the advisor i called said they have to have authority to "hire/fire" and she doesnt have that full authority and the new general manager doesnt know me !
ugh i just rushed through the first bit and didnt think of the implications.
Im posting it today so will have to make a decision soon.

PS i did get my photos done by a proffesional as i didnt want to risk that as well

Thanks again !

If you're not going until 18th May you'll be absolutely fine. Even if they reject the countersignature you'll have time to get another one.

Thanks namechange! Much appreciated

Are you and your partner both going? There are quite complicated ruled about taking children to South Africa if both parents are not travelling (notarised letters etc). Suggest you look into this as well asap.

no its just me and dd.
Thanks luckily i have checked, there is an affidavit and copy of dps ID which has to be signed and stamped by a commissioner of oaths which Im paying a solicitor to do for me this week.
Also have to take dds full birth certificate with.

Do you know if a provisional license is suitable? its all ID he has atm

@Naturebabe Tue 11-Apr-17 14:09:50
I feel your pain. I got through about 3/4 forms before I had it all correct. The stress was unbelievable. I used the check and send. The PO man said that 95% of the passports sent this way are immediately processed as it's v rigorous.

I am so cynical about the PO and their Check and Send that I've already said as much on a prev thread, which I'll screengrab here.

A child's 1st application should be back within 2 - 3 weeks (if not quicker.) 6 weeks is for a 1st time adult application and usually includes the interview stage.

I would not use the manager who has known you for less than 2 years as they are quite strict on this. They have also clamped down on people who only know you in a professional capacity (hence why the shopkeeper has had them rejected)

Do you have any friends that are teaching assistants or work in schools, does not only have to be a teacher.

I agree with Squidgling. All the above are true, but the biggest headache is getting the photo right because the HO criteria are almost impossibly strict. My mum found a professional photographer in my old home town. He was cheap and very experienced in how to get the photo right re hair, facial expression, brightness, sizing, etc., and used his computer editing to finesse it. Otherwise you risk having the whole thing sent back.

I am a qualified nurse and frequently sign passport forms for people. Do you know any nurses/ teachers/ civil servants ?

Did dd's first passport with an online application in January. Was back within 7 days of posting the application off

i live overseas and DD's first passport was back within 10 days!

I've sent it all off using my old manager but I don't know if that will be okay as she doesn't have full authority to " hire/fire"
It's a shame about the newsagents as him and his family are actually good friends of my family and I've know him since I moved over here 5 years ago!
I really don't know any teachers/nurses or lawyers except within my family which is not allowed
If it comes down to it I could ask my lecturer from college although I have been out of touch for a while so it might seem quite cheeky

I have my fingers crossed now and hoping everything comes back okay !

Good luck! Hopefully you will get it back in the next week or so

Thank you! It arrives today

Hi, NameChange30
After your online application, which kind of application what it? first or renewal? did you have to print out the Form to send it with the support documents? sorry if its to much question

I did my first passport online and had to attend interview. It took 3 weeks to get interview date, two weeks until interview then my Passport arrived the next day.

My son's first passport which we got this year, we applied by post with my friend counter signing as a Detective. We posted the application on Monday, we had the passport on the Friday so was very quick.

I didn't realise shop owners could do it? Can you not ask a Teacher?