Passport Photos.

[Everhelpful]

Anyone know if you still need Passport photos verified and signed by a Professional Person? Many Thanks.

[dzug]

Yes you do - unless you are renewing a passport and are still recognisable between the old and new photos. There's a thread on the travel board about this.

[laurence2]

i believe you still do, thats if you can still afford one, come october it will cost you �66, due to a chip being installed storing a scan of your photograph and other personal details

[netibiza]

Apparently anyone British can sign them now. I got a new one this month.

[JudgeJ]

It is not true that �anybody British� can countersign your application. Firstly, they must have known you personally for at least two years. Secondly, they must themselves hold a current British Passport (which they have to quote when they sign). Lastly, the Passport Agency lists about 40 �acceptable professions� who can act as countersignatories. It does go on to say, however, that �someone of similar standing in the community� can also countersign your application.

This has always struck me as a little strange when I look at the list. As well as the traditionally accepted �professions� such as Barristers, Solicitors, Religious Ministers, and Civil Servants also included are Members of Parliament, Estate Agents, Surveyors, Teachers, Trade Union Officers and Travel Agents. Doctors and Veterinary Surgeons are not on the list, nor are plumbers, plasterers and bricklayers.

Quite why the Agency should consider Estate Agents or Travel Agents as �someone of standing in the community� whilst a plumber or plaster is not so honoured, is a mystery.

[unruliejulie]

I think its stupid that they have to have these proffessions to sign to say they have known you for 2 years. What if you you just don't know any?
A Doctor will charge you around �25.00 to sign! Disgusting.
I am in the process of getting a new passport at the moment. Fortunately i know a retired headmistress who comes into the hair salon where i work, otherwise i'd be stuck. I know a few qualified nurses but they are all family!

[JudgeJ]

Your GP can no longer countersign sign your passport application. End of a nice little earner for them!

[Everhelpful]

Many Thanks for all your replies,very helpful.

[Rock'n'Roll]

Think it's an insult to the ordinary working person when they consider some professions are of better standing to witness a passport photo.
Useful info JUDGE

[unruliejulie]

I read yesterday that as of October they are putting the already over inflated price up from �51.00 to �66.00. The new passports will include microchips and any new applicants will have to have an interview (could be difficult with the toddlers) and also there will be increased background checks!!! Its a bloody joke really!

[unruliejulie]

Oh and to top, it all, they insist on these perfect pics of babies and children now and when i took my 3 year old to a photo booth, the bloody seat didn't even get high enough! I ask you. I had a right game today trying to lift him onto my knee whilst making sure I wasn't, in any way, on the pic!!!!! Not easy i can tell you, but i managed it in the end, after much sweating and re-taking!!!!

[Dizzieblonde]

As a nurse, I've signed other people's and they've been fine :o\

[Clownie]

judge, absolute piffle. A doctor/gp can still countersign passport applications.

julie no toddlers or anyone under the age of 16 will be asked to attend an interview.

Also, Re: background checks, how come people keep banging on about identity fraud and stolen identities, and when something is done about this people complain about big brother??

make your mind up.