November 2023

Who Can Sign A Passport In November 2023

Applying for a new passport or renewing an existing one can be daunting, and choosing the right person to be countersignatory must your application is one of the most critical steps.

Based on our research and analysis of the official guidelines provided by the UK government and HM Passport Office, this article will examine who can sign a passport.

You will thoroughly understand the requirements and qualifications for countersignatories in the United Kingdom passport application countersignatories.

It may be difficult to understand the rules of signing your passport so this article details passport signature rules in the UK.

You can listen to an audio recording of this page below.

Who Can Countersign A Passport?

A countersignatory is a person who can sign passport photos or the British passport photo application on behalf of the applicant, thereby verifying the applicant’s identity and ensuring the Irish passport application or British passport application photo is an accurate and true likeness.

In the United Kingdom, a passport countersign must be a respected community member and hold a reputable profession.

Purpose of UK Passport Signature Requirements

Counter signature passport requirements prevent fraud and protect the application process’s integrity. Officials and other passport office officials can rely on the countersignatory to verify the applicant’s identity and attest that the passport photo accurately depicts the applicant.

Civil Servants

The following public servants are eligible to countersign a passport application:

Current and retired members of the Diplomatic Service of Her Majesty
Current and past British Civil Service employees
Members active and retired of Her Majesty’s Armed Forces

Who Can Sign My Passport?

In addition to passport officials, public servants and passport office officials, what profession can sign a passport? Find a list below:

Physicians and dentists
Police personnel
Travel agents
Church leaders
Bank managers
Jurists and certified public accountants
Attorneys and a notary public
Those with awards from universities or professional organisations
Members of Congress (MP)
Merchant Navy specialists
Salvation Army personnel

Requirements for Civil Servant Signatures

A public servant who signs your application for a passport must:

Have known the applicant for a minimum of two years.
Have a child passport with a different residence than the applicant
not be related by marriage or birth
Be a holder of a British or Irish passport
Possess the ability to provide their passport number

Verifying the Civil Servant’s Identity

The countersignatory must also sign the back of the applicant’s passport photo to verify that it is an accurate likeness. In addition, they must complete the “identity verification form” included with the application.

Irish Passports and Northern Ireland Residents

Specific requirements must be met for Irish passport holders and residents of Northern Ireland.

Rules for Irish Passport Holders

As with British passport holders, Irish passport holders must have their passports signed by a person of good standing in their community or with a recognised profession.

Rules for Northern Ireland Residents

Residents of Northern Ireland who hold a British passport may have their tickets signed by a citizen of either the United Kingdom or the Republic of Ireland, provided they meet the necessary criteria.

Specific Documents Needed from Irish or Northern Ireland Residents

Residents of Ireland or Northern Ireland who apply for a British passport may be required to submit supporting documents, such as proof of residency.

Who Can Countersign An Irish Passport In The UK?

In order to confirm the applicant’s identity, a countersignature is necessary for an Irish passport application in the UK. The countersignature provider must adhere to certain requirements.

So, who can sign an Irish passport? They should be a respected member of the community who currently holds (or has previously held) a respectable position.

This can apply to occupations like those of a bank manager, doctor, school principal, member of the clergy, or doctor. The individual countersigning must have known you personally for at least two years, not be related to you, and not reside at the same address as you.

The two passport images must also be countersigned by the countersignatory, who attests that they accurately depict the applicant by signing and dating each one. Always double-check the most recent specifications at the local embassy or consulate or on the official Irish passport agency website.

Role of Post Offices in the Process

Post offices play a crucial role in the application process for British passports. Numerous post offices provide a “Check and Send” adult passport online service, to which post offices can assist applicants in ensuring that their forms are correctly filled out and that their countersignatory meets the necessary criteria.

This service benefits first-time adult passport- applicants and those seeking to replace a child’s ticket.

Professional Bodies, Limited Companies and Insurance Agents

Professional organisations and corporations permit their members or employees to sign passport photos and applications. In addition, specific insurance agents may be able to sign some passport photos and applications if they meet specific requirements.

"Applying for a new passport or renewing an existing one can be daunting, and choosing the right person to be countersignatory must your application is one of the most critical steps."

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Professional Bodies Allowing Signature on a Passport Application Form

Members of the following professional organisations may be eligible to sign a passport application form:

Legal Society
English and Welsh Institute of Chartered Accountants
Scotland’s Institute of Chartered Accountants
The Irish Institute of Chartered Accountants
The Association of Chartered Certified Accountants
Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy

Limited Company Certification of Passports

Additionally, directors or managers of limited liability companies with a valid VAT registration number may be eligible to countersign a passport application.

Acceptable Insurance Agents for Signing Passports

A passport application can be signed by insurance agents who are professional organisation members, such as the Chartered Insurance Institute or the Personal Finance Society. Social Workers and Personnel Officers Passport Certification Duties of Social Workers and Personnel Officers.

Social workers and personnel officers may also countersign passport applications if they are registered with a relevant professional organisation and meet the necessary criteria.

Other Professionals Allowed to Sign a Passport Application Form

Only recognised professions can sign your passport. Recognised profession include the following:

Doctors, Dentists, Police Officers and Travel Agents

If these professionals meet the criteria for good standing and possess a valid British or Irish passport, they are a suitable candidate for signing passport photos or signing a passport application.

Clergy Members, Bank Managers, Lawyers and Chartered Accountants

Individuals in these professions may countersign a passport application if they are members of a relevant professional body member or organisation and meet the necessary criteria.

Solicitors and Notaries Public

and public notaries registered with a professional organisation can countersign a passport application if they meet the criteria.

Persons with Honours from Universities or Professional Bodies

Those who hold honours from universities or professional organisations in foreign affairs may also be eligible to sign a passport application if they meet the requirements.

Members of Parliament (MP)

If they meet the needs and possess a valid British or Irish passport, members of parliament may cosign a passport application.

Merchant Navy Professionals

Officers of the Merchant Marine who possess a valid British or Irish passport and meet the requirements can sign a passport application.

Salvation Army Officers

Salvation Army officers who meet the requirements for a person of good standing and hold a valid British or Irish passport can sign a passport application.

A UK passport application can be countersigned by a wide range of professionals, civil servants, and individuals of good standing in their community. The countersignatory plays a vital role in ensuring the validity of the passport application process.

When selecting a countersignatory, ensure they meet the requirements and follow the official instructions provided by the UK government and HM Passport Office.

According to our analysis, the current passport and signature requirements are in place to prevent fraud and ensure the safety and security of British citizens travelling abroad.

Can a non-professional sign a passport?

In the United Kingdom, a non-professional cannot sign a passport application. The countersignatory must be a professional, a public servant, or a respected member of the community who meets specific eligibility requirements.

This criterion varies by profession and by individual. The eligibility requirements aim to ensure that the person who signs the passport application is reliable and can verify the applicant’s identity.

What is a recognised profession?

A recognised profession is either regulated by a professional body or recognised by the government of the United Kingdom. Physicians, dentists, attorneys, public notaries, and certified public accountants are on the list of recognised domains.

To ensure they provide a high level of service to their clients, these professionals must meet specific standards and be regulated. When signing passport applications, the eligibility requirements for recognised professionals may differ from those of other eligible countersignatories.

Do both parents have to sign a child’s passport in the UK?

The consent of both parents or legal guardians is required for a child’s passport replacement application to be approved in the United Kingdom.

However, only one parent or legal guardian must sign the application for a child’s damaged passport renewal if they have the legal authority. If only one parent is responsible for the same child’s passport, proof of this must be provided.

In addition, special rules apply if the child’s parents are separated or divorced, and both parents may be required to sign the child’s passport and application.

Can you travel to Europe without a passport from the UK?

No, you cannot travel to Europe without a British passport. In October 2021, British citizens travelling to the European Union or European Economic Area will require a valid passport (EEA).

This category includes France, Germany, Spain, and Italy. A national identification card may be accepted instead of a passport in certain European countries outside the EU and EEA. Before travelling, it is essential to check the destination country’s entry requirements.

What is the difference between a passport book and a card?

Only passport books are issued in the UK. A conventional passport book has multiple visa and entry/exit stamp pages. This is the most common form of a passport. In contrast, a passport card is a wallet-sized card valid for land and sea travel between the United States, Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, and the Caribbean.

It is not valid for international flights. You can, however, apply for a passport card in addition to your existing passport book if you are a frequent traveller who needs to visit countries that accept passport cards.

Who can sign a passport photo?

The same person must sign both the full passport photo application and the passport photo. They must be respected professionals, public servants, or community members who satisfy specific eligibility requirements.

Included on the list of eligible uncles who sign a countersignatory’s UK passport photo are physicians, dentists, police officers, travel agents, church leaders, bank managers, jurists and certified public accountants, attorneys and notaries public.

As well as recipients of honours from universities or professional organisations. In addition, members of Her Majesty’s Diplomatic Service, British Civil Service employees, and Her Majesty’s Armed Forces can sign a passport photo.

Do I need to provide a colour photocopy of the person applying the photo?

No, a colour photocopy of two passport photos and one photo of the person applying for the photograph is not required for passport applications.

However, it is recommended that you bring a second passport photo with you when you submit your application. This digital photo can be helpful if your first passport photo is rejected. The second photo can also be referenced when completing the application form.

Can a retired police officer sign a passport?

A retired police officer who meets the requirements may sign a passport application. A retired police officer must have held a rank equivalent to or higher than a legal peace secretary or chief petty officer in the Royal Navy, Warrant Officer in the Royal Marines, Army, or Royal Air Force, or an equivalent.

Moreover, legal secretaries, chief petty officers, or warrant officers must have retired from a recognised police force within the past five years.

Can a friend sign a passport photo, paper form and application?

No, a friend cannot sign an application for a passport. The countersignatory of the renewed passport must be an eligible professional, public servant, or respected community member.

The purpose of the eligibility requirements of the passport office is to ensure that the individual who signs the passport application is trustworthy and able to confirm the same identity address as the applicant.

Where To Sign Passport? Do I Need To Sign My Passport?

Yes. To ensure the validity of your new passport, make sure you sign it in accordance on passport signature rules. In a UK biometric passport, the signature goes in the designated field on the biodata page. Your picture and contact information can be seen on this page.

Typically, the signature field is found next to the photo and below the personal information. Try to keep your complete signature inside the box and use black ink only. Do not allow it to touch or cross the box’s lines. Correctly signing your passport ensures its usability and helps to avoid potential problems while travellling.

Meet the author

Jane Parkinson

Jane is one of our primary content writers and specialises in elder care. She has a degree in English language and literature from Manchester University and has been writing and reviewing products for a number of years.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can a retired police officer sign a passport application in the UK?

A retired police officer may sign a passport application in the United Kingdom if they meet the requirements. The retired police officer must have held the rank of chief petty officer or higher, warrant officer or higher, or legal peace secretary, or have retired as a legal secretary from a recognised professional organisation. In addition, they must have known the applicant for at least two years, have a different address than the applicant, and have no marriage or birth ties to the applicant. In addition to providing their passport number, the retired police officer must sign the back of the applicant’s photo to verify that it is an accurate likeness.

Can a friend sign a passport application in the UK?

In the United Kingdom, a friend cannot sign a passport application. For a countersignatory to be eligible to sign a passport application, they must be a qualified professional, public servant, or respected community member. This criterion varies by individual and profession, but a friend is not considered a professional or public servant. Instead, physicians, dentists, police officers, travel agents, church leaders, and bank managers are eligible countersignatories.

Can anyone sign a passport application in the UK?

In the United Kingdom, anyone cannot sign a passport application. To be eligible to sign a passport application, the countersignatory must be a professional, public servant, or respected community member who meets the necessary eligibility criteria. This criterion varies by occupation and individual. Physicians, dentists, police officers, travel agents, church leaders, and bank managers are eligible countersignatories.

Can a person applying for a passport sign their photo?

No, a passport application cannot sign their photograph. A valid countersignatory who has known the applicant for at least two years and can verify their identity must sign the applicant’s photo. The countersignatory must also complete the identity verification form included with the application and sign the back of the applicant’s photo to attest to its accuracy. The passport photo must have been taken within the last month and adhere to the United Kingdom’s specifications, including being in colour, in focus, and printed on photographic paper of the highest quality.