Passport Application Problem

[skyline501]

Hi,

I've applied for an Irish Passport to bypass the 90 day Schengen ruling.
I need a signature witness to complete the forms.
I tried to get an appointment with my GP, I've been registered with the same practice for the past 20 years.
I get this message back:

"Unfortunately a GP cannot verify your identity unless the GP knows you personally well"

That would apply to all of the witnesses on the approved list.
Teachers, Dentists, Vet, Nurse, Lawyer, etc. If binman was on the list I might have a chance.
The only professional I know is an accountant but he is my son-in-law and as a relative is not eligible as a witness.

Anyone else come across this problem?

This is the result of being a 'Billy no mates' I suppose

[tog]

All they are doing is certifying that the photos are a true likeness. As long as you have photo ID like UK passport or drivers licence then they shouldn't need to know you. Any solicitor should be able to do it, for a fee of course, or maybe ask your local vicar and stick £20 in the collection tray.

[Truckosaurus]

I just got some random work colleague to sign it.

The UK passport site suggests they just have to be 'of good standing in the community' (edit: doctor is on the 'not allowed' list unless they know you in a personal capacity, so it is not just that the OP's quack can't be bothered).

Edited by Truckosaurus on Tuesday 17th October 14:11

[SlackBladder]

Just get the Landlord/lady of your local to do it.

[x5tuu]

Had this recently for my daughters passport - even had 2 civil servants (one retired / one current employee both for the DWP) rejected as witnesses even though they’ve both known my daughter since birth (she is now 9 and it was her 3rd passport).

It’s a right pain in the arse frankly and I ended up trying a 3rd civil servant but this time from HMRC and that was accepted. Bloody ludicrous.

[Truckosaurus]

x5tuu said:

... they’ve both known my daughter since birth ....

(for the UK) The witness doesn't even have to know the child, just the parent, which makes it even more ridiculous.

Also, civil servant appears on the list of recognised professions, so who knows what is going on there.

[Bezerk]

The witness doesn't have to know you at all.

The easiest thing to do is just go in a police station and get it done.

Otherwise your chemist or Bank will be fine.






Identification

A member of one of the professions listed below can witness your passport application form as long as they are satisfied as to your identify and that your four photos are a true likeness of you.

Make sure you bring photo identification with you and be aware that the witness may ask you for more proof of identification – this is at their discretion.

• Police officer
• School principal/vice principal / Teacher, School Secretary, Pre-school manager, Montessori teacher
• Member of clergy
• Medical doctor
• Lawyer
• Bank manager/assistant bank manager or Credit Union Manager or Assistant Manager
• Elected public representative
• Notary public/ commissioner for oaths
• Peace commissioner
• Accountant
• Dentist
• Vet
• Nurse
• Physiotherapist
• Speech Therapist
• Lecturer
• Pharmacist
• Chartered Engineer

[gotoPzero]

Guys this is an IRISH passport application.

Its different from UK.

There will be a witness for the IDs (does not need to know you personally just say your ID is correct and true) but there is also a PERSONAL reference from someone who knows you. Its a separate form.

It can be virtually anyone but they must be a person of good standing. The Irish pp office do tend to ring them too - 75% of the time, to check they do know you.

It just needs to be a "professional" but not someone who is related to you. It helps if they are Irish IME.

Remember that the witness for your PERSONAL form can witness your IDs too. But not the other way around, if that witness does not personally know you.

Like I said, helps if they are Irish.

GL!

[Bezerk]

OP is asking about a passport application. There is no requirement for a witness to know you.

If however, this relates to a Foreign Births Registration... start shopping at the local chemist a lot!

[gotoPzero]

Bezerk said:

There is no requirement for a witness to know you.

Its Ireland. There are 2 forms of ID required if you live outside the country of Ireland.

Colour copy of national ID document. To be witnessed and signed by a professional, does *not* need to know you.

AND

Identity Verification Form. To be signed by someone in your presence and known personally to you. Must be on the list of professions but any one with a professional job will be ok.

The above form is a system generated form which they email to you - you have to print it and get someone to sign it who knows you and is of good stnading.

My wife got our accountant to do hers (he is also Irish).

HTH.

[Paul Dishman]

Bezerk said:

OP is asking about a passport application. There is no requirement for a witness to know you.

If however, this relates to a Foreign Births Registration... start shopping at the local chemist a lot!

I used to sign passport applications for friends and their families, as well as some patients that I knew well. I certainly wouldn’t be signing forms for random customers.

The Irish list of suitable professionals eligible to sign passport forms is much more restricted than the U.K. list

Edited by Paul Dishman on Saturday 21st October 18:55