For a UK passport, your photo usually needs to be signed by a countersignatory who meets specific identity and profession rules set by His Majesty’s Passport Office (HMPO).

Who can sign your passport photo (UK)

The person who signs your photo must:

  • Be at least 18 years old.
  • Have known you personally for at least 2 years (as a friend, neighbour, or colleague, not just a brief customer relationship).
  • Live in the UK and hold a current British or Irish passport.
  • Be “of good standing in the community” or work (or be retired) in a recognised profession, such as: teacher or lecturer, lawyer/solicitor, accountant, engineer, nurse, pharmacist, optician, police officer, firefighter, minister of religion, civil servant, airline pilot, etc.

They must also:

  • Be able to identify you from your photo.
  • Be willing for HM Passport Office to contact them to confirm details.

Who cannot sign

Even if they have a suitable job, someone usually cannot sign if they:

  • Are related to you by birth, marriage, or partnership, or live at the same address.
  • Are involved with your application (e.g., your agent) in a way that might create a conflict of interest.
  • Work for HM Passport Office.
  • Are a doctor who only knows you as a patient, unless they are also a close friend and can genuinely vouch for you (this exception is now rare).

What they have to write

On the back of one printed photo, the countersignatory normally must:

  • Sign and add a short statement confirming it is a “true likeness” of you.
  • Print their full name in block capitals.
  • Add their profession/employer, passport number, and how long they have known you, if requested on the form.

For online applications, they usually confirm your identity digitally instead of signing a physical photo, using a link sent to their email.

Quick practical checklist

When choosing someone to sign:

  1. Ask yourself: “Have they known me well for 2+ years and could they pick me out from a lineup?”
  2. Check they have a British or Irish passport and a recognised professional or community role.
  3. Make sure they are not a relative or living at your address.
  4. Confirm they are happy to have their details given to HM Passport Office and to be contacted.

If your situation is unusual (e.g., you’ve moved a lot or don’t know many professionals), it is best to check the latest HMPO guidance or contact the Passport Adviceline for case‑specific advice.

Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.