Who can sign a passport photo?
To jet-set across the globe, you’ll need a passport (there are around seven million passport applications submitted every year!), so you’ll have to fill out an application and supply accompanying passport photos to prove your identity.
Your photo needs to meet some pretty specific HMPO requirements, including a signature from someone to verify your identity – but who can you ask to countersign your passport photo?
Passport photo requirements are one thing, but the rules for countersigning passport applications and photos are quite in-depth. To make things easier to understand, we've pulled together this simple guide on who can sign passport photos and the legalities involved with countersigning.
Just read our quick tips to make sure you understand the countersigning process and you can get your new passport as soon as possible!
What is a passport photo?
A passport photo is a type of photo used when printing a form of identification, such as a passport. They differ from standard photo sizes, in that their dimensions are much smaller - 45x35mm to be exact. Their dimensions are also used for other ID photos such as bus passes, driving licences, student cards and railcards.
You typically receive a set of passport photo prints (typically 6), from a professional passport photo service or passport photobooth. It’s great value for money and can be used to print the aforementioned ID types.
Who can sign a passport photo? Countersignatory passport rules
In the UK, your passport photo must be countersigned if you're applying for your first adult passport, replacing a lost passport, renewing a passport for a child aged under 11, or renewing an adult passport when your appearance has significantly changed.
Your passport photo cannot be signed by someone you're related to (by birth or marriage), living with, or in a relationship with. However, there is a huge list of accepted occupations for countersignatories who can verify your identity. This includes:
- Medical professionals (excluding doctors)
- Lawyers
- Accountants
- Civil servants
- Teachers
- Post office officials
- Nurse
- Engineers
- … and much more
The person countersigning your photo must:
- Have known you for at least two years
- Hold a current British or Irish passport
- Work in (or be retired from) an accepted profession
- Live in the UK
- Not be related to you by family or marriage
- Be able to identify you
They must also sign the back of one of your printed photos with their:
- Signature
- Specific text confirming your identity
- Name printed in block capitals
- Their professional information or employer details
- The length of time they've known you
Who can sign a passport photo online?
It’s possible to get someone to vouch for your identity if you apply for your passport online, without a printed photo. You simply give the name and email address of the person confirming your identity within your online application, and the nominated professional will get a link and reference number to a portal where they answer some questions about you.
What to write when countersigning a passport photo
On the back of one of the passport photos, your countersignature must say ‘I certify that this is a true likeness of [title and full name of adult or child who is getting the passport].’. You must also sign and date under the statement.
What are the rules for countersigning baby passport photos?
A countersignature on a child's or baby passport photo is the same as those for adults. The person providing the countersignature cannot be the child's parent, guardian, or related to the child.
The person countersigning for your child or baby’s passport must have known you (the parent or guardian) for at least two years and be able to vouch for their identity. These rules are the same if you're applying for a new passport or passport renewal for any child under the age of 16.
How to get your passport photo countersigned
When getting your passport photo countersigned, here are some tips to ensure it goes smoothly, so you can get your passport as soon as possible for your upcoming travel plans.
1. Ask someone you’ve known for at least two years
This can be a friend, colleague, neighbour, etc. They just need to be in a profession from the approved list on the government website and can vouch for your identity.
2. Print extra passport photos
Our passport photos come with 6 prints, meaning you have plenty on hand. Should you lose one of our cut-outs, or need to resubmit your passport application for any reason, you’ll at least have some spares handy. Keep in mind that if your appearance has changed significantly, you’ll need to retake your passport photos.
3. Ensure they use a black ballpoint pen
Passport photos need to be signed with a black ballpoint pen and nothing else. This is so it’s legible. You cannot use things like Tippex or other correction fluid to delete mistakes - simply black them out with the ballpoint pen if needed.
4. Go through a passport document checklist
Our comprehensive passport document checklist details all the requirements needed for your passport application. If you want to be sure and need assistance with your application, be sure to check out our Apply & Go service at your local Max Spielmann store.
Common passport photo signature mistakes to avoid
Getting your passport photo countersigned correctly is important for a smooth application. Here are some of the most common mistakes people make that can cause delays, rejections and resubmissions.
- Forgetting to sign the back of the photo. The countersignatory must sign the back of one of the printed photos with specific text.
- Using the wrong type of ink. Signatures must be in black ballpoint pen. Coloured inks or pencils are generally not accepted.
- Letting the photo get damaged. Take care not to crease, fold, or stain the photo, as damaged photos will be rejected.
- Using abbreviations or nicknames for the name. The countersignatory must use their full name(s) only.
- Forgetting to add the date. The date of signing must be included alongside the signature.
- Asking a relative or spouse. Immediate family members cannot countersign your photo.
- Not using the right wording. There is specific text the countersignatory must include with their signature.
- Providing an illegible signature. The signature needs to be clear for verification.
Ultimately - double checking you have followed all the passport photo rules will prevent your application from being delayed or rejected if your photos are unsuitable.
We hope this guide has you ready to get your passport signed and sent off. Want to keep up with our latest posts? Bookmark the Max Spielmann blog for all things photo and gift-related.
