How can I get a passport if I don't know any professionals?
Posted by DifferentMagazine4@reddit | AskUK | View on Reddit | 27 comments
This isn't for me, but my mum. She's almost 60 & had a passport as a teenager, but this hasn't been seen in about four decades. I've recently started travelling semi-often, and I really want to take her away somewhere. However.. She left work at 22 to raise us kids. My dad's been medically retired for decades. They don't have any friends really. They're friendly with our neighbours, but I don't know their jobs. The only professionals they know are my siblings, which obviously aren't able to do it. GPs and dentists, neither of which she's seen in years anyway, can't do it anymore. I'm the youngest at 21, so no teachers either. Ideas?
Good-Rub-8824@reddit
I think it can be done at Post office for a fee . But it can’t be done the same time as their check & send forms for passport applications.
KrungThepMahaNK@reddit
Used to work at PO several years ago, this was not allowed and is fraudulent.
Good-Rub-8824@reddit
Ok but not what it states on website
stvvrover@reddit
You need these guys
FelisCantabrigiensis@reddit
Use the check and send service at the post office. They take the photo there.
iolaus79@reddit
Any of yours or your siblings friends in professions? They may have known her for the required length of time
DifferentMagazine4@reddit (OP)
They are, but none of them know her. My parents are very private people and don't really mix with .. anyone
Miss_Type@reddit
The person signing doesn't need to know your mum, they're just signing to say "yes this photo is what this person looks like". Anyone in a given profession who has seen her face and known her longer than two years, or whatever is, will do.
DifferentMagazine4@reddit (OP)
Thanks! Didn't know this, hopefully a neighbour will suffice in this case
Miss_Type@reddit
Good luck, and happy travelling with your mum!
DifferentMagazine4@reddit (OP)
Thank you ☺️
DifferentMagazine4@reddit (OP)
Thank you ☺️
iolaus79@reddit
They just need to know who she is
I'd be quite happy to sign for a friend's mother who I hadn't seen for a decade but I knew was actually her
DifferentMagazine4@reddit (OP)
Thanks! The gov website lead to me to believe you had to be quite familiar with the person - this is good to know :)
SquashedByAHalo@reddit
Neighbours can sign regardless of profession really. Anyone can sign as long as they have known your mum for longer than two years and is happy to verify that it is her in her photo (and as long as you’re not actually trying to defraud the passport office, that could be anyone)
DifferentMagazine4@reddit (OP)
!answer This is great to know, thank you! I got mine for a school trip and my teacher did it - had no idea it was so broad. My parents are friendly with a neighbour and he's been in the village most of my life, haha. Hopefully he'll do it
SquashedByAHalo@reddit
It used to be more specific but now it’s anyone who’s known you two years and over and is happy to verify you are who you say you are. I’m in my thirties and I’m pretty sure for one of my passports as a teen/early adult my neighbour signed and it was fine!
redplastiq@reddit
Pharmacist would do. If they are getting prescription medication often, they could be in pharmacy computer system. They sign for a fee, though
ukbot-nicolabot@reddit
OP marked this as the best answer, given by /u/SquashedByAHalo.
^(What is this?)
BUNT7@reddit
Lots of professions will do. Priest/Vicar/Cop etc
fletch3059@reddit
If your siblings are professionals that could do it, would any of their colleagues do it it?
Top-Significance-304@reddit
Any of your friends/ your siblings friends meet the criteria? They only need to have known them for 2 years, so I’m sure you’ve had someone pop in at least 2 years ago to sign. Or any business owners? Trade workers, local shop owner etc
ClaphamOmnibusDriver@reddit
It just needs to be a person of good standing in their community.
So a neighbour who is of good standing will do.
DifferentMagazine4@reddit (OP)
Cheers, I'll have to ask around
pgnlzbth@reddit
Sometimes if you call a solicitor’s someone there will do it for a cash fee of not very much
DifferentMagazine4@reddit (OP)
This is great to know, thanks!
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