Can I countersign a passport application?

www.gov.uk provides a list of countersignatories of passport applications. Fellows (who are up to date with their subscriptions and CPD) are commissioners for oaths. They can countersign passport applications and sign passport photographs on that basis.

Furthermore, the guidance states that a countersignatory must work in (or be retired from) a recognised profession, and be ‘a person of good standing in the community’. 

A list is provided of ‘recognised professions’, and these include being a member, associate or Fellow of a professional body. Members of CILEx satisfy that criteria, so will be able to act as a countersignatory on that basis. 

If you are in doubt, you should contact the passport office to discuss its requirements, or see this page for the details of the Passport Advice line.

If your question is not answered, contact us via our dedicated customer service enquiry form.