When applying for a UK passport, the countersignatory must have known the applicant for at least how many years?

Countersigning for a UK passport.

When you need someone else to sign your form and photo you must get your form and one of your 2 photos signed if you’re applying for a:

First adult passport.

First child passport.

Replacement for a lost, stolen or damaged passport.

Renewal of a passport for a child aged 11 or under.

Renewal of a passport if your appearance has changed and you can’t be recognised from your existing passport.

Your countersignatory must:

Have known the person applying (or the adult who signed the form if the passport is for a child under 16) for at least 2 years.

Be able to identify the person applying, eg they’re a friend, neighbour or colleague (not just someone who knows them professionally).

Be ‘a person of good standing in their community’ or work in (or be retired from) a recognised profession.

They can’t be closely-related to or involved with the person applying, eg:

Related by birth or marriage.

Be in a relationship with or live at the same address as the person applying.