Passport countersigning - confirmation request

KiKi

Hi all
I recently countersigned a passport application for a child of a neighbour. I've done this for friends where I've known their children.
For the first time ever, I've had a letter to my work address with a picture of the child, asking me to confirm the child's name, address, who made the application, and whether or not the form had been fully completed by the person making the application before I signed it.
I'll respond, of course, but I was surprised to receive the letter as I've never been asked to confirm anything before, and they have put a reminder in there to tell me that it's a criminal offence to help someone get a passport fraudulently.. Does anyone know if this is normal process such as spot checking, or are they asking because there are red flags somewhere?
Thanks
KiKi

peachyprice

Several of my countersignatories have been contacted in the past, sometimes by phone, sometimes by letter. It's perfectly normal and seems to be checked moreso for children's passports.

A friend of mine who does quite a few now takes a photocopy of the form in case they phone him, just so he has all the info to hand.

KiKi

That's reassuring, thank you!
KiKi

shaun_from_Africa

I've countersigned a couple of passport applications and have been contacted once by phone to confirm exactly how long I had known the applicant.

pollypenny

I've had that happen once.

System

KiKi wrote: »

Hi all
I recently countersigned a passport application for a child of a neighbour. I've done this for friends where I've known their children.
For the first time ever, I've had a letter to my work address with a picture of the child, asking me to confirm the child's name, address, who made the application, and whether or not the form had been fully completed by the person making the application before I signed it.
I'll respond, of course, but I was surprised to receive the letter as I've never been asked to confirm anything before, and they have put a reminder in there to tell me that it's a criminal offence to help someone get a passport fraudulently.. Does anyone know if this is normal process such as spot checking, or are they asking because there are red flags somewhere?
Thanks
KiKi

It's a spot check. I've signed thousands of them over the years. Many people try and ask me to fib a little saying I've known them for longer to save them from being charged at the doctors...not worth it though. If you sign enough of them, they are bound to check sooner or later as you'll be on their radar.

KiKi

That's great, thanks everyone.

maman

I've signed loads and I've had checks but always by phone so far.

andydownes123 wrote: »

It's a spot check. I've signed thousands of them over the years. Many people try and ask me to fib a little saying I've known them for longer to save them from being charged at the doctors...not worth it though. If you sign enough of them, they are bound to check sooner or later as you'll be on their radar.

I was aware that a doctor makes a charge (while I don't) but are you saying a doctor can countersign on shorter acquaintance? I didn't know that.

peachyprice

maman wrote: »

I've signed loads and I've had checks but always by phone so far.


I was aware that a doctor makes a charge (while I don't) but are you saying a doctor can countersign on shorter acquaintance? I didn't know that.

I think he's saying the doctor has known them long enough but will charge to sign the form.

Jojo_the_Tightfisted

A colleague did about 15 in six months (including my OH's) when she was form tutor of a year just before their big overseas trip came up, She got calls regarding two of them.

The most 'different' application would have been my OH's, as he isn't (obviously) a 15 year old girl. They didn't contact her. My application, made in 2010, wasn't checked at all - even though I had to do the Identity Interview, I would have thought they would have at least called the countersignatory as part of that, but not a word.


So no, I doubt that there's any rhyme or reason behind it whatsoever.

kirtondm

Doctors are specifically excluded from being able to sign these unless they know the patient outside of work


People who aren’t accepted

Your countersignatory can’t:

• work for HM Passport Office
• be a doctor, unless they state that they know you well (eg good friend) and that they recognise you easily from your photo

You’ll be asked to find someone else if your countersignatory doesn’t meet the requirements.

It’s a criminal offence to make a false declaration on a passport application.