In the process of passport acquisition, there are guidelines on how the process should be conducted and the signatures to acquire. The article explores how to countersign UK passport application and photos. The countersigning or identity approval process can be done online for convenience, especially for those out of the country or staying away from the immigration offices.
Last Update: 4/30/2024
When do you need to have signed photos?
Some of the paper passport photos and applications have to be signed by a third party (the counter signatory) who proves the identity of the passport applicant. This is one reason for the countersigning of the documents. Documents that need countersigning are the paper form application and your two passport-sized photos. The following are the circumstances that require you to get two of your printed photos signed.
- Applying for your first child passport.
- Applying for your first adult passport.
- Replacing a passport that is stolen, lost, or damaged.
- In case of renewal of a kids passport aged 11 or under.
- Or renewal of your passport if there are changes in your appearance that make it difficult to recognise you on your existing passport photo.
Who can countersign UK passport ?
Immigration offices are very strict on who should and should not countersign your passport photo and paper applications. The counter signatory must meet some criteria for them to qualify for signing. Criteria for countersigning include:
- You must be known to the counter signatory for at least 2 years. In the case of kids under 16 years the counter signatory must know the adult who signed for the child for over two years.
- The counter signatory should be able to identify you, not professionally but casually like a neighbour, a colleague, or a friend.
- He/she must have good standing in their workplace, community, or a recognised profession.
- Here is a list of accepted occupations for countersignatories.
Who cannot be your countersignatory?
You have quite the option regarding people who can be your countersignatory. But one thing to know is whoever would be your countersignatory must be someone of good reputation and conduct in the community. It is easy to make the mistake of assuming your family member or spouse can be your countersignatory. After all, nobody knows you better than they do. Well, that’s not the case.
People who cannot be your countersignatory include:
- Anyone, you are related to either by marriage or birth.
- Someone you’re in a relationship with cannot be your countersignatory
- If you live together with someone, they cannot be your countersignatory.
- Will the passport office contact the countersignatory (for more information)
What should be written on the photo?
The counter signatory has to write on the back of the photo. The guidelines dictate to write on the back that you certify that the applicant is a true likeness of [name and title of the adult or kid applying for the passport]’. Statement is then followed by a signature and date. Hope you have a clear idea now how to countersign UK passport applications and photos, if you want to learn more, visit the official UK government website.
Do you need a countersignature for passport renewal in the UK?
Whether you need a countersignature for passport renewal depends on many factors. If you need a passport renewal, it is not compulsory to have a countersignature. If you need a countersignature, it would be for the following reasons:
- Getting an adult passport for the first time
- Replacing damaged, stolen, or lost passport
- Renewal for children under the age of 11
- If your appearance has changed significantly, it will be difficult to identify you from your last passport.
What if i don’t know anyone to countersign my passport
If you can’t find someone in the usual categories to countersign your UK passport application. Here are some alternative options to consider:
- Contact your local council offices: Some councils offer a countersignature service for passport applications. It’s worth contacting them to see if this is available in your area.
- Try a local library or citizens’ advice bureau: The staff at these institutions may be able to countersign your application, especially if they know you well.
- Explain your situation to the Passport Office: If you’re still struggling to find a countersignatory, you can contact the Passport Office enquiry line https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/hm-passport-office for further advice. They may be able to offer alternative solutions based on your situation.
Avoid restarting application due to invalid photo
If there is possibility that you have to restart and pay again for your passport application, you should definitely opt for quality check as refused application due to invalid photos appear often and you don’t want to risk paying for the application process two times.
This is the main focus of Smartphone iD – complete quality check for meeting standards of any document worldwide for any country. It complies with the ICAO standards (critical for passport as traveling document) and integrates specific country requirements, like the UK.
Take your passport photo yourself with your phone.
The passport application process is a very delicate one. A little mistake and you can find yourself paying for the same application process over and over again. As much as possible, avoid restarting the process again. It can be quite a hassle.
With Smartphone iD, this is our focus– complete quality check for meeting standards of any document worldwide for any country. Our APP works in compliance with the ICAO standards. It has inbuilt requirements for different countries like the UK.
With our app, all you need to do is to take a photo, and we handle the rest. You leave the remaining worrying to us. Photo format and background color will be taken care of by the Smartphone iD app. All this will be done for the best price on the market. It is user-friendly and easy to use. Before sending out your picture, an expert will approve it by a.
How to use the Smartphone iD app?
- The app is available on the app store and iOS. You can download and install it on any compatible device.
- Take a photo with the app, and you get guided through the process on the app.
- Choose a country you want to create a photo for.
- Choose the document type you are trying to create. (passport, visa, driving license, etc.)
- Receive a photo digitally via email once our experts have approved it.
- You can print out these digital copies yourself. You can also opt for our printing service to have it printed on professional paper, and you will get it delivered to your doorstep.
Summary
Countersigning your passport is very important; not having your documents can be troublesome. Although having a passport not countersigned can be more troublesome. Also, you should know that just no one can countersign your passport. As a matter of fact, your family cannot be your countersignatory. Additionally, you should know that when renewing your passport, you may not necessarily need a countersignature unless your appearance has significantly changed from the time you signed your last passport.
The countersigning process doesn’t have to be hectic and burdensome. With the Smartphone iD, your countersigning process can be much easier because of the Smartphone iD app. It provides you with an approved and validated passport photo, making the countersigning process much more seamless.
FAQ
Can a friend countersign my passport?
The answer is yes. A friend can countersign your passport. After all, besides your family, your friend knows you better. However, this friend must be someone who has known for a minimum of 2 years.
Who can verify my identity UK?
Anyone who can confirm your identity must not be a minor. The person must be at least 18 years old. The individual must live in the UK and have a current UK passport. Also, they must have known you for at least 2 years as a friend or a neighbour. Someone you know just professionally might not be able to verify your identity even if they have known you for at least 2 years.
Who can be a guarantor for a passport?
Your guarantor can be anybody. Your family member can also be your guarantor as long as they meet certain criteria. They must be a UK citizen, and they must have known you for at least 2 years. Also, they must possess a current UK passport.
Are countersignature checks required?
For your passport validation to be confirmed, countersignature checks are required. As a result, experts validate passports before they are issued. Although after the passport is issued, security agencies check if the passport have a countersignature to confirm its validity.
What is the difference between countersign and signature?
A signature is a mark or sign made by an individual on a document to signify knowledge or obligation. In comparison, the countersign is a second signature added to a document. Before you can countersign a document, it has to be signed. A countersignature belongs to a third party. It proves the legality of a document, in this case, a passport.
Why is countersign important?
In the UK, the countersign is important. To confirm whatever information you provided, countersignature is important for your passport application. Without the countersign, your passport can be rendered invalid.
