Nobody to sign passport photos, anyway out of it

p00hsticks

ev8 said:

I know the list is vast, I've read it, I really don't know anyone who can do it.

The list of professions is vast, if you go for that option, but the alternative is simply to be ‘a person of good standing in their community’ which can cover a far broader and less restrictive range of people. 

Not a passport, but when my OH switched to a photo driving licence, he got the lady who owned a local independent art shop that he often used to go into to and have a chat with to sign it. I think any shopkeeper or tradesman running their own registered business would be accepted as a a 'person of good standing in their community', as would perhaps a neighbour who did volunteer work or is on a committee for a local charity, someone who runs or works in a local club or venue, etc. . .

I'd suggest that the OP just have a think about who they come across in day to day life to know and speak to and see if there is anyone like  that suitable . Are they a member of any local clubs etc ? If so perhaps ask the person who runs it, or even just other members.

Bear in mind that (I think ) you'll need to give their contact details as they'll be sent a copy of the photo and asked to confirm that it's you.

itsthelittlethings

Try the CAB.

EnPointe

sammyjammy said:

Doctor?  Although they will probably charge for it.

Doctors (Regstered Medical Practitionbers)  were    not  quite removed from the list  becasue of the level of  people just getting GPs  to  countersign the form...  and then the GP being unable to  positively identify the  person when  questioned by  the Passport Office / Revenue and Customs / NCA

if you do  know   them in 'real life'   you can get them to be a counter signatory ... 

the list of countersignatories is   actually  quite wide   and  has been posted in other answers 

Emmia

itsthelittlethings said:

Try the CAB.

What are the CAB going to do? Perhaps you could explain.

The criteria are really clear as to who can or cannot sign. The OP needs to find someone from the list published.

NoodleDoodleMan

The two key aspects are having known the applicant for at least two years and also being one of the prescribed list of occupations/professions etc. that are acceptable to the passport office to verify the photo.

The former is generally not an issue, the latter can be.

eskbanker

NoodleDoodleMan said:

The two key aspects are having known the applicant for at least two years and also being one of the prescribed list of occupations/professions etc. that are acceptable to the passport office to verify the photo.

The former is generally not an issue, the latter can be.

That just seems to be restating the problem, but as posted earlier, the option of ‘a person of good standing in their community’ is a valid alternative to someone who works in (or be retired from) a recognised profession on the list, hence that being recommended to OP in the absence of anyone suitable on the profession list.

DullGreyGuy

p00hsticks said:
Not a passport, but when my OH switched to a photo driving licence, he got the lady who owned a local independent art shop that he often used to go into to and have a chat with to sign it. I think any shopkeeper or tradesman running their own registered business would be accepted as a a 'person of good standing in their community', as would perhaps a neighbour who did volunteer work or is on a committee for a local charity, someone who runs or works in a local club or venue, etc. . .

Doesnt even have to be the owner, a manager of a limited company or VAT registered business are categorically on the list of accepted professions, likewise anyone that works in HR of the same. 

The thing is, I have nobody to sign my photos. I looked at it before and gave up as I had nobody but I really would like it done now.
Does anybody know what can be done if you truly have nobody to sign it. 

The list is very broad, it's anyone that works for a company or even a vat registered unincorporated business who has a single person reporting to them. A corner shop, pub, cafe. 

prowla

Emmia said:

prowla said:

sammyjammy said:

Doctor?  Although they will probably charge for it.

My thought too - the OP mentions ill health, so presumably there is a doctor available.

Doctors are mostly prohibited 

Professions that are not accepted

Your countersignatory cannot:

work for HM Passport Office

be a doctor, unless they state that they know you well (for example they’re a good friend) and that they recognise you easily from your photo

This would rule out the OPs GP for example.

Ah - my thoughts were that the OP has a history of ill health and so would have consistent contact over a number of years.

heatherw_01

Not a helpful reply, but I would be in the same situation as a chronically ill and disabled person who can't work and doesn't go anywhere.

Doctors are excluded unless they know you well. Mine speaks to me every 3 weeks, so that would be my only hope.
Silly that doctors are excluded but nurses aren't!

I really hope you get it sorted and if you do, come back and let us know how you did it.

If I never need a counter signature, I would be without a person too.

It is a shame that for many in the same situation as us, we just have no one to do this.

If you have a pharmacist you see regularly for any medication, they can do it.

NoodleDoodleMan

eskbanker said:

NoodleDoodleMan said:

The two key aspects are having known the applicant for at least two years and also being one of the prescribed list of occupations/professions etc. that are acceptable to the passport office to verify the photo.

The former is generally not an issue, the latter can be.

That just seems to be restating the problem, but as posted earlier, the option of ‘a person of good standing in their community’ is a valid alternative to someone who works in (or be retired from) a recognised profession on the list, hence that being recommended to OP in the absence of anyone suitable on the profession list.

Yes that alternative ticks the boxes, however the problem centres around what criteria constitutes a person of good standing in their community for the purpose required ?