GovWire

This guidance tells HM Passport Office staff:

• how to examine the countersignature section of the application form
• when not to examine the countersignature section of the application form

This guidance relates to countersignatories. A countersignatory is a person who confirms a customers identity for their passport application, using a paper application form (SE04 or OS).

If you are dealing with a Digital Customer Service (DCS) channel application, they become a digital referee and you must follow the digital referee guidance.