Countersignatories
Some paper applications need someone who knows you to sign the form and one photo. Check whether your person qualifies.
When you need one
GOV.UK's guidance covers paper applications. The paper form and one of the two printed photos must be countersigned for:
- a first adult passport,
- a first child passport,
- a replacement after a passport is lost, stolen or damaged,
- renewing a child's passport when the child is 11 or under,
- renewing when your appearance has changed so much you cannot be recognised from your current passport.
For online applications, GOV.UK has a separate flow in which someone confirms the identity online after you pay (for example a first child passport, or a lost or stolen adult passport). The online application tells you if it applies to you.
Check your countersignatory
What they do
- Check the details on the form are correct, sign it and write their passport number on it. By signing they confirm they have known you for more than 2 years, that you are who you say you are and that, as far as they know, the information is true.
- On the back of one photo write “I certify that this is a true likeness of [title and full name of the adult or child who is getting the passport]”, then sign and date it.
They should be able to identify you, such as a friend, neighbour or colleague, not only someone who knows you professionally. The accepted recognised professions are listed on the GOV.UK page. For applications made outside the UK the passport rules differ: the countersignatory can hold a current British, Irish, or other EU, US or Commonwealth passport, with a colour photocopy of its photo page if it is not British or Irish.