Who Can Sign & Endorse Personal Licence Passport Photos?
If you are applying for a Personal Licence under the Licensing Act 2003, one of the most common reasons applications are delayed is because the passport photographs have not been correctly endorsed. Understanding who can sign your photograph and what they need to write can help avoid unnecessary delays and requests for additional information.
Why Do Personal Licence Applications Require Signed Photographs?
When submitting a Personal Licence application, applicants must provide two recent passport-style photographs. One of these photographs must be endorsed by a suitable person who can verify that the photograph is a true likeness of the applicant.
This requirement helps licensing authorities verify the identity of the applicant and reduce the risk of fraudulent applications.
What Are the Photograph Requirements?
The two photographs should:
- Be 45mm x 35mm (standard UK passport size).
- Be taken against a light-coloured background.
- Show the applicant’s full face.
- Be without sunglasses.
- Be without head coverings unless worn for genuine religious reasons.
- Be printed on photographic paper.
- Be recent and clearly show the applicant’s current appearance.
Who Can Sign the Photograph?
The law allows one photograph to be endorsed by:
- A solicitor.
- A notary.
- A person of standing in the community.
- An individual with a professional qualification.
NB The Licensing Act guidance specifically states that a “person of standing in the community” includes:
- A bank or building society official.
- A police officer, although many Forces have a policy against this.
- A civil servant.
- A minister of religion.
In practice, many licensing authorities will also accept professionals such as:
- Accountants.
- Teachers and lecturers.
- Doctors.
- Nurses.
- Dentists.
- Surveyors.
- Engineers.
- Local government officers.
- Company directors.
- Members of Parliament.
- Solicitors and barristers.
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