Guidance
Checking a signature is genuine: caseworker guidance
Tells HM Passport Office staff how to check a person’s signature is genuine if we do not hold a record of their signature on main index.
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This guidance tells HM Passport Office staff how to check a person’s signature is genuine.
Staff must use this guidance when they need to check a person’s signature is genuine. For example, when there is a need to complete confirming identity checks on the application or the signature is from a person who:
- has given additional authorisation and consent
- is a third party applying on behalf of an intended passport holder
- is a countersignatory or digital referee and we have asked them to confirm something is writing
Updates to this page
Published 19 April 2021
Last updated 20 April 2026
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Updated the Confirming identity: checking a signature is genuine guidance. A full list of changes can be found in the guide.
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Guidance updated to update referee terminology and remove the reference to pre-paid envelopes, which we no longer use.
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Updated guidance published.
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First published.