Hi all, does anyone know any way of getting a certified copy of a UK passport while in New York? A bank in Britain wants the certified copy to open an account. The consulate here doesn't offer a certification service apart from in very restricted circumstances to do with tax / the IRS. Local lawyers seem unwilling to do it because under local regulations only the US State Department can issue a certified passport copy, and the lawyers are telling me only the British embassy can do the same for a UK passport (but said embassy won't do so, apart from the IRS exception.) I've tried to explain that it's for use overseas and local limitations/regulations don't apply, but understandably enough the lawyers I've asked so far have declined to do it. Notaries in New York state are not allowed to certify copies.
Has anyone ever run into this before, and if so how did you deal with it? I'm starting to think I'm going to have to go to London and go to a solicitor / accountant there, which seems ridiculous. All suggestions gratefully appreciated....