Last Updated on March 20, 2025 by Michelle Krause
Topic | UK Passport Countersignatory: Who Can Sign and What You Need to Know?
When applying for or renewing your British passport, you may need a countersignature to confirm your identity.
Understanding who qualifies as a UK passport countersignatory and what their role entails is needed to ensure your application is processed smoothly.
This guide will explain everything you need to know about UK passport countersignatures, including eligibility criteria, responsibilities, and common mistakes to avoid.
Key Takeaways
- A UK passport countersignature is needed for first-time passports, child passports, and replacement passports.
- The signatory must be a professional or community figure, have known you for at least two years, and meet eligibility requirements.
- Errors with the countersignature process can lead to delays or rejections.
- Choosing the right countersignature and ensuring they complete their part correctly can prevent unnecessary setbacks.
What is a Countersignature?
A countersignature is a person who confirms your identity when applying for a British passport. Their main role is to verify that the photograph submitted with the application is a true likeness of you. This requirement is usually necessary for first-time adult passport applications, child passport applications, and replacements for lost, stolen, or damaged passports.
Click here to start our simple British passport renewal or application process.
Who Can Be a UK Passport Countersignatory?
The UK government has strict criteria regarding who can act as a UK passport countersignature. To qualify, the person must:
- Be a professional individual or someone of good standing in the community (e.g., doctor, teacher, accountant, police officer, civil servant, solicitor, or minister of religion).
- Have known the applicant personally for at least two years.
- Your countersignatory must hold a valid British, Irish, EU, US, or Commonwealth passport.
- If they have a US, Commonwealth, or a non-British/non-Irish EU passport, you must include a colour photocopy of the page containing their photograph with your application.
- Not be related to the applicant by birth, marriage, or civil partnership.
- Not live at the same address as the applicant.
- Not be employed by His Majesty’s Passport Office (HMPO).
Want to know how long UK passport renewals are taking? Read more here.
What Are the Countersignature’s Responsibilities?
A countersignature must:
- Sign the back of one passport photo, writing: “I certify that this is a true likeness of [applicant’s full name].”
By signing the form, your countersignatory is confirming that:
- They have known you personally for more than two years.
- You are who you claim to be.
- To the best of their knowledge, all the information you have provided on the form is accurate.
- Additionally, your countersignatory must include their passport number on the form.
- Provide their contact details and professional information in case HMPO needs to verify their identity.
Failing to meet these responsibilities correctly can lead to application delays or rejection.
Common Reasons Applications Are Rejected
Incorrect countersignatures are a frequent cause of passport application delays. Some common mistakes include:
- Choosing a countersignature who does not meet the eligibility criteria.
- The countersignature failing to provide accurate contact details.
- A signature that does not match official records.
- Submitting an unclear or incorrectly certified photograph.
To avoid delays, applicants should ensure their countersignature meets all requirements and follows the correct procedure. When using the services of MyBritishPassport you will be advised of all the countersignature requirements to avoid the potential delays.
Click here to start our simple British passport renewal or application process.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does every passport application require a countersignature?
No, only certain applications, such as first-time passports, child passports, and replacements for lost, stolen, or damaged passports, require a countersignature.
Can a family member or partner be my countersignature?
No, family members and partners cannot act as your countersignature. The person must be independent and not related to you.
What happens if my countersignature is rejected?
If your countersignature does not meet the criteria or cannot be verified, HMPO may ask you to provide a new countersignature, which could delay your application.
Can my employer or work colleague sign my passport application?
Yes, if they meet the criteria (e.g., being a professional or a person of good standing) and have known you personally for at least two years.
Do I need a countersignature for an online passport application?
If applying online, the requirement for a countersignature is generally the same as for paper applications. However, HMPO may contact the countersignature digitally instead of requiring a paper signature.
Statistics on Passport Applications and UK Passport Countersignatory Issues
- Over 6 million UK passport applications are processed annually.
- Approximately 10% of applications requiring a countersignature face delays due to incorrect information or ineligible signatories.
- In 2023, over 500,000 first-time UK passports were issued, all requiring a countersignature.
Need Assistance with Your Passport Application?
At MyBritishPassport, we specialize in helping British citizens abroad with passport renewals and applications. If you need guidance on finding a suitable countersignature or have any other passport-related concerns, contact our expert team today for professional assistance.
By following the correct procedures and selecting a qualified countersignature, you can ensure a smooth passport application process with minimal delays.
“Excellent service, with good communication. Could not have been more helpful. Renewed my passport easily, quickly, and without fuss. Thank you.”
Topic | UK Passport Countersignature: Who Can Sign and What You Need to Know?
Renewing your UK Passport from New Zealand? Read our guide here.
