stubbzj12

Ahh right. Was that his first passport? Or to get it renewed? Because I know you need one if it's a new passport.

durham_lad

It was a renewal, just like his sister in 2014 who also renewed her passport and also needed a countersignature. She got her boss in California to do the verification and countersignature. In both cases they had let their passports expire.

petitefrancaise

My daughter's passport had also expired and it was her first adult one when we renewed it back in May. No countersignature required. It does seem a bit hit and miss about who has to get a signature and who doesn't

durham_lad

Exactly, that's why I think Stubbz should do the application online and see if it requires a countersignature. It's always good to think about it ahead of time and have a plan should they come back and ask for one for any reason after he sends in the old passport.

rew1000

Just a data point on passport renewal for anyone who's interested:

Applied online for renewal of my unexpired passport. Took own photo against pale wall, uploaded it as part of the application.

No paper form to fill out, no countersignature, no photos to send, just sent the old passport. Application fee GBP 102.86 including return courier.

Application submitted: 12 September 2017
Old passport sent (DHL Express Worldwide from UPS store, ~$70): 13 September
Old passport received: 15 September 2017
Joined processing queue: 15 September 2017
Application approved: 18 September 2017
Passport printed and sent: 19 September 2017
New passport received (DHL, signature required): 22 September 2017

Still in shock at how efficient it was!

stubbzj12

Hey guys. I really do apologies for bringing a old thread up. I know people don't like it.

I STILL haven't got round to do it. I've been that busy, I've just forgot about it. I want to get this done today for definite. Yet, I still can't get a counter signature.

I'm thinking of just sending off for it and hope for the best. I don't want to send it and something comes up. I really, really don't.

Again, I've changed a lot since in my appearance. I've put weight on, and I look different.

I'd like to upload the photo online, but I already have them printed from the store. Should I cut and scan them with a scanner, and upload by that?

Any advice would be great.

Thank you again!

BritInParis

My old passport photo, taken having just turned 20, was of such poor quality you could barely tell it was me and it was regularly commented on by immigration officers when pootling around Europe when it was nearing expiry. Renewed it at 30 using the Fast Track service, no counter signature, no problem.

stubbzj12

Thanks for the reply! I've filled in everything, ready to send! I'll let you know the progress!

stubbzj12

Hey everyone. This will be the last post on this thread.

My new passport has arrived. It arrived yesterday. I have to say, I'm really impressed with how quick this process was. It would of been here a day sooner, but the new passport got sent to the incorrect facility.

I sent my old passport and documents on the 19th of October. It took a few days to get there (like a week or so, can't really give you a specific time period). When it arrived and they received my deceleration and documents, it took literally a day to print my new passport and dispatch it. It then took like 3 days to be delivered to me. Again, I'm really impressed. No issues at all. I didn't even need a counter signature. But to the people needing to send off for their new passport, I can't really recommend you not doing a counter signature because every situation is different. So, I'd probably do one just to be on the safe side.

If maybe I went with someone like UPS to deliver, it may have been here sooner.

Thanks to everyone for the advice and replies, much appreciated!

BritInParis

Glad to hear it

durham_lad

Good to hear, thanks for the update.