Potential Problems Verifying Identity for New Passport Application

jasonwatkins

TELLIT01 said:

Some years ago I countersigned some passport application photographs and nobody checked my 'credentials' for so doing. 

Since I've done my application online, I must confess to ticking it over in my head that I could essentially verify my own identity, but then I know my luck being as it is, i'd likely get caught and get in to big trouble.

Also, I know it says the person verifying your identity must also own a passport so I suspect they'd have to submit that passport number as well, so I suppose I couldn't do it even if i wanted to.

jasonwatkins

I've got a call back from the Passport Office in the next 24-48 hours apparently.   I've asked them if i can essentially plead "special circumstances" for a refund so somebody will let me know.

I'm not expecting it to be honest but if it's offered then I'll probably take it.

JJ_Egan

A nurse signed my passport application .

eDicky

Do you have your previous passport that's expired..?

Are you applying for a passport renewal..? If so, why do you need the countersignatory, has your appearance changed significantly in 23 years..?

jasonwatkins

eDicky said:

Do you have your previous passport that's expired..?

Are you applying for a passport renewal..? If so, why do you need the countersignatory, has your appearance changed significantly in 23 years..?

Yes I do have the previous passport but it expired in 2008.   I was always under the impression that if a significant amount of time had passed then it would be seen as a new application. 

And aside from looking younger and having a few less chins, I don't think my appearance has changed that much

eDicky

jasonwatkins said:

eDicky said:

Do you have your previous passport that's expired..?

Are you applying for a passport renewal..? If so, why do you need the countersignatory, has your appearance changed significantly in 23 years..?

Yes I do have the previous passport but it expired in 2008.   I was always under the impression that if a significant amount of time had passed then it would be seen as a new application. 

And aside from looking younger and having a few less chins, I don't think my appearance has changed that much

When you've had a passport previously you apply for its renewal, even if several years have elapsed since expiry. These days the records are kept digitally, and you have your old one to send in, so just renew it.

jasonwatkins

eDicky said:

jasonwatkins said:

eDicky said:

Do you have your previous passport that's expired..?

Are you applying for a passport renewal..? If so, why do you need the countersignatory, has your appearance changed significantly in 23 years..?

Yes I do have the previous passport but it expired in 2008.   I was always under the impression that if a significant amount of time had passed then it would be seen as a new application. 

And aside from looking younger and having a few less chins, I don't think my appearance has changed that much

When you've had a passport previously you apply for its renewal, even if several years have elapsed since expiry. These days the records are kept digitally, and you have your old one to send in, so just renew it.

That's interesting.   I'm pretty sure I selected the option during the online application that I did have a previous passport and entered the passport number,  but I suppose there's the distinct possibility I did also choose "New" at the start of the application as well.

I'll speak to them again and see if i can get it changed from a new application to a renewal.  

Archergirl

Well unless you ask the friend who you said cut contact it looks like you're not going anywhere you have a negative answer for everyone who gives suggestions....... 

jasonwatkins

Archergirl said:

Well unless you ask the friend who you said cut contact it looks like you're not going anywhere you have a negative answer for everyone who gives suggestions....... 

I may “have a negative answer” but that’s only because it’s the truth.  I’ve got no reason to lie about anything 

smudge56

maisie_cat said:

I'm going to follow this because I have a similar problem. Our passports expired in 2015/16 and we've moved since then, haven't known anybody here for long and I haven't been to a doctor since 2013.
Funnily enough, when members of professional bodies were required I used to sign lots of applications, but my own memberships does not necessarily establish my identity.
I had assumed that the paperwork we have and the photos from our last passports would be sufficient as neither of us have changed that much. 
It does seem bizarre that law abiding citizens can have such difficulty simply because they don't have loads of friends and colleagues

Why do you think you need someone to countersign?  Have you changed that much that you cannot be recognised from you old photo?  If not you don’t need one