Renewing passport and countersignature confusion.

[sparks_E39]

I'm renewing my adult passport. I'm 30 now and am flying to the USA late in January so have plenty of time. Looking at the application form it appears I don't need a countersignature. The photo of me in my old passport is obviously when I was in my late teens. Apart from having a beard and having aged a tad, I don't look all that different really, and it only mentions having to do it if I'm not recognisable. It may be tricky to get a countersignature and I really want to send this off tomorrow! Is it considered necessary?

[underwhelmist]

I just had the same problem a couple of weeks ago, I've grown a beard too since my last passport. I didn't want to leave it to chance so got it countersigned anyway just in case. Know any friendly teachers?

[sparks_E39]

underwhelmist said:

I just had the same problem a couple of weeks ago, I've grown a beard too since my last passport. I didn't want to leave it to chance so got it countersigned anyway just in case. Know any friendly teachers?

I don't know any. The only professional I really know and have known for over two years is my fiancée's father. I'm using the check and send service so I guess they'll be able to tell me if I'm alright. As long as I get it back for mid January!

Edited by sparks_E39 on Wednesday 15th November 22:44

[Frank7]

I renewed mine a couple of years ago, and was still clean shaven, but as the old photo was 10 years old, I thought that I’d better check.
I went to the Passport Office in Eccleston Square, Victoria, London SW1, and was mildly amazed to be told that I didn’t need a new photo.
I still had plenty of barnet, it was just shorter, and a tad greyer than the old photo.

[ruaricoles]

Just renewed my wife's passport, there seems to be a new on-line system where you can upload a photo of yourself and no specific countersigning is necessary; presumably they check new photo against old photo. That should work for you if your look hasn't changed too much?

Did the online thing, sent off old passport and new one arrived about a week later. Can't fault the process actually, much easier than the last one we did!

[alorotom]

I renewed mine earlier this year online as well ... dead easy, upload a photo taken from your phone Etc... submit and they cross reference against driving license as well I believe

Had my original passport clipped and back a few days later and the new also within a week

[alorotom]

Don’t forget you’ll also need to renew your ESTA as well for travel to the US as it expires with a change in passport

[sparks_E39]

Quite impressive really. Sent off this past Saturday, just came through the post today. 5 days!

Thanks all.