Countersigning passport applications

[tekboss]

I'm about to get a new passport but need the forms etc countersigned. My brother-in-law has agreed to do this as he's a very senior bank officer at one of the 5 national banks. I appreciate that the forms state no one connected by birth or marraige should contersign, but he has different surname, address etc and there's absolutely no connection between us apart from my sister and he doesn't thing this will be a problem or be picked up by the passport office. Any thoughts before i say yes or no to him.

[naz_nomad]

get your GP to do it .. safest bet

[tekboss]

Thanks for the responces.

I did check with my medical practice to start with but they now have a policy (like most GP's it would appear) of no longer countersigning passport forms.

GP's didn't like being asked for their passport number so following advise from the BMA they're no longer on the list issued by the passport office.

[NORMANTHEDOG]

i dont believe he is eligble to sign it for you as he is not your bank manager,or on the list of people eligble to sign it.

[rabbits]

Get your BIL to do it - no problem. GP's and Notary's charge you for it

[dzug]

If he's willing to do it, then go ahead. The passport office have no way of knowing unless he or you tell them.

[spudqueen]

My friend who works in a bank signed my passport form and she's not my bank manager.

[Clownie]

Good advice dzug, get someone to commit an act of fraud.