Passport countersignature

Jet

My DS passport is up for renewal and I have filled out the form and got the photo's done.

As my son is now 9 and was 4 when his last photo was taken and I'm not sure if I am going to need the form and photo's countersigned. The trouble is the only person I can get to do this is his doctor - I don't know any other "professional" people who know my DS. The doctor wants to charge me £30 :eek: .

Do I really need to get the photo's and form countersigned and what will happen if I send it off and they tell me I need to get things countersigned - will I need to pay the fee twice? :eek:

Please don't suggest that I go through the post office check and send service because they ALWAYS tell you to get things countersigned to cover themselves.

vikingaero

What about his headteacher?

blondie7

I dont think you need to get it countersigned if you are renewing your passport. You could ask at your local post office they should know.

SoozyJ22

They seem to have relaxed things with regards to people countersigning. I just work for an IT firm with no professional qualifications, but the nightmare Post Office check and send people told me I could get my boss to sign for me. In turn I then countersigned for her son who was probably about eight at the time. I think the important thing was that I worked for a registered company which they could then check up the details of. Do you have any friends in a similar position who could sign for you?

modgit

I've just renewed my sons, and it states on the form that countersigning is not necessary UNLESS the person has drastically changed in appearance, I think it did say and if was a baby / toddler. My son was 14 months on his first one, so obviously now looks totally different.

I would go on the safe side and get it signed. There is quite a comprehensive list of who can sign here http://www.ukpa.gov.uk/passport_countersign.asp
it seems nearly anyone can now! Oh, and they have to have known you, not the child.

Jet

Thanks for that. I can see that directors of ltd companies can sign - I'll get my boss to sign then.

Just saved myself £30. :j

Thanks everyone who replied.

xamberangel

From 2 different Post Offices I have had 2 different answers to the Passport application form for straightforward renewal of my passport.
1. You don't need a countersignature, 2. You do need a countersignature.

To be on the safe side I got new pics and had them and the form countersigned. Now I am hearing so much conflicting information, I am wondering if it will be returned to me as being incorrect.
I don't want to go through the PO as it costs another £8 to have them do it.
I need advice by 1st of June. Any helpful advice welcome.
:)Thanks, Liz.

l33na

xamberangel wrote: »

From 2 different Post Offices I have had 2 different answers to the Passport application form for straightforward renewal of my passport.
1. You don't need a countersignature, 2. You do need a countersignature.

To be on the safe side I got new pics and had them and the form countersigned. Now I am hearing so much conflicting information, I am wondering if it will be returned to me as being incorrect.
I don't want to go through the PO as it costs another £8 to have them do it.
I need advice by 1st of June. Any helpful advice welcome.
:)Thanks, Liz.

If you are renewing an adult passport there is no need to get it countersigned (unless you have changed drastically-plastic surgery?:huh:)
If you have got them countersigned I don't see a problem in sending them off. My sister got her sons application signed by her friend and her own aswell as it didn't cost her anything and was unsure as you are. Her passport arrived with her sons' - so I think they are ok if you do when you don't have to then not doing it when it is needed.

dzug1

It won't get returned just because it has been countersigned when it needn't have been

Janeyjaz

from their previous passport, you don't need a countersignature - even for children, it is difficult to recognise babies, but older children are quite easy. Just ask for a second opinion before you send the form off.

kb36

Just doing one for my daughter and the notes state:

Section 10
Countersignature
Someone else needs to sign applications
-for 1st passports
-to replace a lost, stolen or damaged PP
-to renew a child's passport (if under 11)
-or to renew or extend if U cannot be recognised from the photo

the rules have definitely changed since I did a renewal 2 years ago for my son!
also you need to get it signed by someone who has known you (not your child) for 2 years although it helps if they have seen the child for verifying the photo


Just realised this post dates from 2007!