Passport Counter Signatory

[MDWCT2018]

Is it just me or does anybody else just dread having their passport countersigned? The list of who cannot countersign is so extensive that there is such a small margin of who can. I have been turned down by three different people this week alone and I've now had to move my interview to a later date. The first was because this private dermatologist had only known me for one year, as opposed to 2 years. I'm a little bit miffed about it because most people exert a little bit of discretion in these matters. Also he has photographs of me on file, my full address, medical history etc. The next was my GP because apparently now GPs do not countersign passports and lastly, my dentist who very kindly did agree to do so but unfortunately does not have a British passport.
I am not in gainful employment, and am distance learning. I could approach friends but I don't know if they would meet the criteria and also I feel very uncomfortable asking friends for favours of these sorts. From memory the last time I had my passport countersigned I paid a fee of something like £30 for my GPs time countersigning it.
Anyone else have difficulties with countersignatories or am I tackling this the wrong way?I find the whole experience so humiliating .

[MDWCT2018]

I have lost two passports over the past 10/15 years. Each time it required a counter signatory. With this particular passport I thought I had lost it and being paranoid about identity theft etc because I had workmen in the flat I rang up and cancelled it. Then I realised it was in my paperwork drawer! So along with there being a change to appearance any time your passport is lost stolen or damaged and subsequently cancelled you have to provide a counter signatory.

[calmck]

My daughter just had her sons passport signed by the girlfriend of his father.
The signee is Portugeuse. No problem passport arrived 3 days later.
Almost anyone can sign these days as long as they don't sign "partner" like the first person did and was rejected!! This was all done on line. Very quick and easy with update SMS messages to let her know what the status of the application

[Paigntonian]

Peter Pedant: Maybe you should have tried English.

[calmck]

You also will now have to return the "lost" passport. This will be cancelled. Cut and returned.

[barry1010]

My window cleaner countersigns everything I need countersigning.

[Maydup]

Is there a local shop, cafe or service that you have used for a while? Maybe ask a familiar face there, otherwise a neighbour or a friend.

[Peter Pedant]

Pedant: 1967. Get it?
I do I do...ay hev a very long memory. Surprised that google turned up a reference to Mulvena 1967 in UCPI, tho'

UCPI. The horse faced woman has cleaned up £400k by the way. v v long fight. £200k for something and another £200k for something else (human rights) . I think the kid is 18. She also featured in the McLibel case - uncollected costs £10m. McDonalds sued her as a point of principle.

She maintained all along if she had the choice she would not want to find a hot copper in her bed....

[THECORBYLOON]

"Good grief man. They never try to validate the 'co-signatories'."

A good few year ago, a colleague asked me to countersign her application.

A while later I was 'phoned at work by someone from the passport office to confirm I knew her and could describe her.

[Peter Pedant]

Peter Pedant: Maybe you should have tried English.
may be you should try reading: one was a quote from a lawyer's submission to the UCPI inquiry. Not me. Someone else

it is not so much bad English as incredible. Mulvena got a passport for an escaped spy 1966 which enabled him to fly the country. Four years in chokey. sozza prison to you.

[MDWCT2018]

Really annoying to read that they phone at the counter signatory to ask for a description of what the applicant looks like…… My dermatologist literally has photographs of me on file! I understand that applicants have to be known to the counter signatory for at least two years but I think in these sorts of circumstances an element of discretion is always a good thing. I feel like I should just take my business elsewhere now. Also remember it the next time he asked me to write him a review or post my images on social media! Yes I am that petty ha ha

[barry1010]

I would not expect anyone to lie for me. Just ask your best friend or neighbour, provided they have known you for at least 2 years, have a British passport and no criminal record.

[naomi24]

If you’re just renewing your passport I don’t understand why you need a signature. I’ve renewed my passport in the past few years. I got a new picture from a booth in a supermarket and did it on-line - no counter-signatory needed. Very easy.

[barry1010]

The OP reported it as lost so it has to be countersigned this time, explained at 18:27 yesterday

[naomi24]

Thanks barry,. I didn't see that.

[barry1010]

Easy to miss :)