Don't know anybody to counter sign passport?

theDon876

You need to get a new passport signed. I literally know nobody, it's just how things are but there's nobody at all. Any suggestions?

ginger_chocolate

You don't need to know them particularly well and the categories are quite broad. I used a friend of my parents who was a civil servant. I "knew" him in the sense that he was aware who I was through my parents, but we'd never had an actual conversation. Some people use their GP or the vicar at the church where they got married or a teacher at their kids school. Is there really no-one who knows you enough to be able to point you out on the street and say "yeah, that's Joe Bloggs"? 

Sandtree

Have you seen how long the list is?
Countersigning passport applications and photos: Accepted occupations for countersignatories - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

It includes directors of a VAT registered company or a manager of limited company.... not on chatting terms with your local corner shop owner? You know no one with a job as a manager? 

I must admit that I've always been concerned with how broad the second one is but even without that I'd be hard pushed to think of anyone that doesnt meet at least one of the options given how broad they all are.

theDon876

Sandtree said:

Have you seen how long the list is?
Countersigning passport applications and photos: Accepted occupations for countersignatories - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

It includes directors of a VAT registered company or a manager of limited company.... not on chatting terms with your local corner shop owner? You know no one with a job as a manager? 

I must admit that I've always been concerned with how broad the second one is but even without that I'd be hard pushed to think of anyone that doesnt meet at least one of the options given how broad they all are.

I literally know nobody suitable. I don't know the corner shop person, I don't know any managers or professional people. I have a few mates and family I know and that's it. 

theDon876

ginger_chocolate said:

You don't need to know them particularly well and the categories are quite broad. I used a friend of my parents who was a civil servant. I "knew" him in the sense that he was aware who I was through my parents, but we'd never had an actual conversation. Some people use their GP or the vicar at the church where they got married or a teacher at their kids school. Is there really no-one who knows you enough to be able to point you out on the street and say "yeah, that's Joe Bloggs"? 

Literally nobody. The only person would be a job center coach but I only had her for a few months.

NoodleDoodleMan

Are you too old now to have had a teacher who can vouch for you ?

Where do you work - somebody in HR, or administration who'll confirm your identity ?

Armed Forces service ? Do you have a bank account in a local branch ?

As above - it's simply a case of somebody who can sign to say that you are who you are - they are not giving a character reference etc.

Sandtree

NoodleDoodleMan said:

As above - it's simply a case of somebody who can sign to say that you are who you are - they are not giving a character reference etc.

They do have to know you for 2 years which makes banks etc a bit harder.

theDon876 said:

Sandtree said:

Have you seen how long the list is?
Countersigning passport applications and photos: Accepted occupations for countersignatories - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

It includes directors of a VAT registered company or a manager of limited company.... not on chatting terms with your local corner shop owner? You know no one with a job as a manager? 

I must admit that I've always been concerned with how broad the second one is but even without that I'd be hard pushed to think of anyone that doesnt meet at least one of the options given how broad they all are.

I literally know nobody suitable. I don't know the corner shop person, I don't know any managers or professional people. I have a few mates and family I know and that's it. 

Family arent allowed so what do your mates do for a living? Or your neighbours?  

theDon876

Sandtree said:

NoodleDoodleMan said:

As above - it's simply a case of somebody who can sign to say that you are who you are - they are not giving a character reference etc.

They do have to know you for 2 years which makes banks etc a bit harder.

theDon876 said:

Sandtree said:

Have you seen how long the list is?
Countersigning passport applications and photos: Accepted occupations for countersignatories - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

It includes directors of a VAT registered company or a manager of limited company.... not on chatting terms with your local corner shop owner? You know no one with a job as a manager? 

I must admit that I've always been concerned with how broad the second one is but even without that I'd be hard pushed to think of anyone that doesnt meet at least one of the options given how broad they all are.

I literally know nobody suitable. I don't know the corner shop person, I don't know any managers or professional people. I have a few mates and family I know and that's it. 

Family arent allowed so what do your mates do for a living? Or your neighbours?  

Mates are on UC, don't know neighbour's, nobody really.

Whalie

Pub landlord?  Lists that.  Job centre worker?

theDon876

Whalie said:

Pub landlord?  Lists that.  Job centre worker?

I gave up drinking years ago, plus pubs here are chain type pubs.  Now I did have a JC work coach for a few months but not 2 years. Do you think that would do?

MalMonroe

 Assuming this is a brand new passport and not a replacement.

Do you have a driving licence? There is some information online that says "send a letter with your application explaining why you are unable to get a countersignature, and forward additional photographic ID such as driving licence" - but I think you could do that online instead of by post. 

Failing all else, why not contact the Passport Office by phone (difficult, I know) or email and tell them you don't have anyone who can sign for you - ask them what to do now?