Can a neighbour countersign a renewal passport application

Magic_Moments

I am due to renew my passport later this year, Can a neighbour who i have known over 5 years but is not a "Professional dentist etc" countersign or do i have find someone who as been a Banker. solicitor etc.I intend taking it to the Post Office to renew

Keep_pedalling

A renewal does not need countersigning unless you have changed your name or your appearance has drastically changed from 10 years ago.

YBR

I'm not sure that a counter-signatory is needed for renewals, unless your previous passport was lost/stolen, or your appearance has changed?

They must ‘a person of good standing in their community’, there is a long list of professions and roles that might mean your neighbour or one of your friends could sign if it is needed.

https://www.gov.uk/countersigning-passport-applications

la531983

Pretty sure its not needed for a bog standard renewal.

kermchem

OH and I have renewed this summer, 24 year old son has obtained first adult from child passport issued aged 14, and expired 5 years ago. Not one counter signatory required.

In 2026 using the Post Office is just a rip off. Go to Tesco, Sainsbury's. Boots, etc and get a photograph from a machine (£10). Then apply online (£102) plus tracked postage of expired passport, do not pay for signed as they do not sign on receipt. Standard renewal process, this summer we have had the new passport back in 7 days to 14 days.

MyRealNameToo

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/6684226/can-a-neighbour-countersign-a-renewal-passport-application

The list of acceptable people is very long including things like a manager of a VAT registered company. So if you need a countersigner then potentially but you would need to know what his job is and what the business he works for is.

As others have said though, you generally dont need a countersignatory on a renewal unless the there is a doubt that your new photo is the same person as in the old passport

flaneurs_lobster

How did we get to "how to take a photograph"?

My next door neighbour countersigned my passport application.

Was OK since they are an MP.

NoodleDoodleMan

You live next door to a "RedCap ?" 😁

flaneurs_lobster

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/82146348#Comment_82146348

That would be RMP.

NoodleDoodleMan

Indeed, like the late John Thaw !!!

strawb_shortcake

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/82145867#Comment_82145867

Even cheaper to take the photo yourself, you'll be told when you upload it the likelihood of it being accepted