wargod

I need to get, a new passport as my old one runs out in February, also my son's runs out in Feb as well. Do I need to get someone to countersign the pictures, my son is 5 and his photo in his last passport was when he was 6 months old.

Also, I found out that for someone to countersign your picture they need to have known you for 2 years. As I have only lived here for a year would I need to get someone from the UK to sign it.

Thanks

JAJ

You should expect the British High Commission to have a reasonable policy in place to deal with this problem. It happens a lot. Usually they should accept a shorter period if you are a new resident to Australia, and if it's a renewal, a countersignature usually isn't needed anyway.

If they don't want to help, ask your MP in the UK (you are an overseas elector - aren't you?) to make an official complaint to the Foreign Office Minister.

julesandco

I'm in the process of renewing my hubby's passport and the notes state that he should include his birth certificate AND get the signature countersigned.

We're in the same position as you in that we haven't been here 2 years yet either.

Anyone got any advice?

Thanks,

Jules x

biggy

My sons ran out before we had been here two years.......I got a JP to sign it and never had any hassles

JAJ

Once again. Birth certificate should not be needed for a straightforward renewal. As for countersignature - ask them what the procedure is for those in Australia less than 2 years. Normally they should accept a signature from someone who has known you for less than 2 years (how many times is it necessary to say this .... ?)

Don't waste time/money dealing with the premium rate "helpline" - write or email them directly. And if they won't answer or don't help, ask your MP in Britain to get involved.

julesandco

OK! I'm just stating what is says on the accompanying notes that go with the passport application - you know; from the High Commission.

Pardon me for putting more onus on the wording of their documentation over a comment on a forum.

Jules.

JAJ

You can make up your mind who you choose to believe. Don't assume that these forms are put together by people who understand either the rules or real world circumstances.

Anyway, your choice. If you don't want to wait get a passport until you have 2 years in Australia, and don't want to follow the suggestion made, then good luck dealing with your MP in Britain. An MP can get a Foreign Office minister onto the case and the High Commission officials will hate that.

julesandco

Sorry - I was forgetting. This is Australia, isn't it!

J

moneypenny20

I think you're misunderstanding JAJ. All he meant earlier what that this is one question that is asked several times a year and it's answered each time. I may be wrong but the Aus comment was surely irrelevant being as you're renewing a British passport.

I was getting some documents certified by a JP recently and asked this question. She had no problem with countersigning the new photo or a child's one, she just asked that a birth certificate and photo id be brought along at the same time. She said she's done lots for expats who have this problem.

kez81

When i renewed mine and my daughters i sent the forms back to the uk to be countersigned couldnt be done with the hassle of explaining it all i wasnt in a huge hurry for them so had time to do this.

Cookster

My kids passports have ran out but rather than renewing them I am going to wait till we get citizenship next year and just get Oz ones. Just keeping fingers crossed I dont need to make a mad dash home to the UK within the next year or so xxxxxxx

kez81

Each to there own but i would feel uneasy not having valid passports like you said you could need to rush home at any time also i think its good for them to have both.

Cookster

Hi,
just out of interest, why both?

kez81

Just incase you ever move back to uk none knows what the future holds, im expecting a baby in 2 weeks i will be getting her both an australian and British passport my choice but like i said each to there own.

gedge

you should have both if you are a citizen of both countries
enter the UK on a UK passport and Australia on an Australian one
you're not going to be applying for a visitors visa if you don't need to then