When you need someone else to sign your form and photo
Passport application forms and photos need to be signed by someone else (the 'countersignatory') to prove your identity.
You must get your form and one of your photo's signed to apply for a:
What the countersignatory needs to do
After you've filled in the form, your countersignatory must check the details are correct and sign it.
By signing it they are confirming that:
- they have known you (or the adult who signed the form if the passport is for a child under 16) for at least 2 years
- you're who you claim to be
Your countersignatory must put their passport number on the form.
What your countersignatory must write on your photo
Your countersignatory should write the following on the back of one photo:
They must add their signature and the date under the statement.
Who can sign your form and photo
Your countersignatory must:
- be over 18
- hold a current British passport
- have known you (or the adult who signed the form if the passport is for a child under 16) for at least 2 years
- live in the UK, Channel Islands or Isle of Man
- be 'a person of good standing in their community' or work in (or be retired from) a recognised profession
Who cannot be your countersignatory
You cannot ask someone to countersign your passport if you're:
- related to them by birth or marriage
- be in a personal relationship with you or any other family member
- live at the same address as you
Accepted occupations for countersignatories
Your countersignatory must either:
- work in (or be retired from) a recognised profession
- be 'a person of good standing in their community'
For more information go to Countersigning passport applications and photos.
gov.je