Series C British Passport Certified Copy (GBR-AO-06001) – Same-Day Remote UK Solicitor Certification

Need a British passport certified copy for a bank, company, lawyer, employer, KYC check or overseas authority?

Ginkgo Advisory provides an express remote UK solicitor service for certified copies of British passports.

We can assist with the GBR-AO-06001 British Passport, also known as the UK Series C blue e-passport, which began to be issued in 2020.

Our remote verification process can include a clear passport copy, video inspection of the original physical passport and, where appropriate, an NFC check of the passport’s electronic chip.

Same-day service is available where all required evidence is received and the solicitor is satisfied that the copy can properly be certified.

British Passport Certification for GBR-AO-06001

The GBR-AO-06001 is an ordinary British passport issued by the United Kingdom.

Its official title is:

BRITISH PASSPORT

This model is the Series C post-Brexit British passport with the distinctive blue cover and integrated polycarbonate biodata card.

Key details include:

• Issuing country: United Kingdom
• Country code: GBR
• Document category: Passport
• Document type: Ordinary passport
• Document reference: GBR-AO-06001
• Series: Series C
• First issued: March 2020
• Overall construction: Single booklet
• Size: approximately 88 × 125 mm
• Standard booklet: 32 pages
• Cover colour: Blue
• Biodata page: Polycarbonate
• Maximum adult validity: 10 years
• Passport type: Biometric e-passport

The passport contains numerous physical, optical and electronic security features.

These features can provide supporting evidence during remote solicitor verification.

What Does British Passport Certification Mean?

A certified passport copy is a copy that a solicitor has compared with the original passport presented for inspection.

The solicitor then adds appropriate certification wording to the copy.

For example, the certification may state that it is a:

true copy of the original document seen

The exact wording can depend on the organisation receiving the document.

A solicitor-certified passport copy will normally include:

• the solicitor’s signature;
• date of certification;
• solicitor’s full name;
• professional status;
• firm or business details; and
• appropriate certification wording.

Before certification, you should tell us who requires the document and what it will be used for.

Some banks, lawyers, regulators and overseas authorities specify their own wording or certification requirements.

Remote British Passport Certification

You may not need to attend a solicitor’s office to obtain a certified copy of your British passport.

In suitable cases, the process can be completed remotely.

We may combine several forms of evidence so that the solicitor can assess both the original passport and the person presenting it.

1. Send a Clear Colour Copy of Your Passport

First, send us a clear colour scan or high-quality photograph of the passport biodata page.

The entire page should be visible.

The copy should clearly show information including:

• your photograph;
• full name;
• nationality;
• date of birth;
• passport number;
• issue date;
• expiry date; and
• machine-readable zone, or MRZ.

The solicitor can then compare this information with the original passport shown during the verification process.

2. Provide a Short Passport Verification Video

We may ask you to provide a short video showing:

• your face;
• the original physical passport;
• the passport biodata page;
• your passport photograph;
• the front cover;
• selected internal pages; and
• the passport being moved and tilted under the light.

Showing movement is particularly useful with the GBR-AO-06001, because several security features change in appearance according to the viewing angle.

A video therefore provides information that cannot be obtained from a simple static scan.

3. Complete an NFC Passport Chip Check

The Series C British passport is a biometric e-passport containing an electronic chip.

Where appropriate, we may therefore ask you to scan the passport using an NFC-enabled smartphone and a suitable passport-reading application.

An NFC passport check may provide electronic information such as:

• passport data;
• MRZ information;
• facial image data stored electronically;
• data retrieved from the passport chip; and
• electronic authentication information supported by the passport-reading application.

This provides another source of information that can be compared with the physical document.

However, an NFC scan is not itself solicitor certification.

It provides supporting evidence for the solicitor’s assessment.

Why We Use Video and NFC Verification

Remote passport certification requires more than simply receiving a scanned passport page.

A scan shows the printed information, but it does not necessarily demonstrate that the person requesting certification currently possesses the original physical passport.

For suitable cases, our verification process can therefore include:

passport copy + original passport video + passport holder’s face + MRZ comparison + NFC chip information

The solicitor can consider these different forms of evidence before deciding whether the copy can properly be certified.

The exact requirements may vary according to the circumstances of each case.

Security Features of the GBR-AO-06001 British Passport

The GBR-AO-06001 Series C British passport incorporates numerous physical and optical security features.

These features make the document more difficult to alter or reproduce and can also assist when the original passport is examined remotely.

Blue British Passport Cover

The Series C passport has the distinctive post-Brexit blue cover.

The cover is flexible and uses gold-coloured hot foil stamping.

This distinguishes the Series C design from the earlier burgundy British passports.

Polycarbonate Biodata Card

The passport uses an integrated polycarbonate biodata card.

Polycarbonate allows personal data, photographs and security features to be incorporated into the structure of the card itself.

The biodata card is therefore materially different from an ordinary printed paper passport page.

Laser-Engraved Facial Image

The holder’s principal facial image on the biodata card is black and white.

It is incorporated using laser engraving.

The passport also contains a secondary monochrome or ghost image of the holder.

Multiple representations of the passport holder’s face provide additional points of comparison during document examination.

Variable Laser Image

The biodata page contains a variable laser image, also known as CLI/MLI technology.

When the passport is tilted, the display alternates between:

• the holder’s facial image; and
• the holder’s date of birth.

This is one reason why we may ask the passport holder to tilt and move the passport during a remote video verification.

Colour-Switching Optical Feature

The biodata card also contains another optically variable feature.

A clear colour change becomes visible when the passport is rotated approximately 90 degrees.

The feature also incorporates a detailed monochrome map.

Because its appearance depends on the viewing angle, this type of security element is much easier to assess from a moving original document than from a flat scanned copy.

Tactile Laser-Engraved Personal Data

Certain personal information on the passport is produced using raised or tactile laser engraving.

This includes the:

• date of birth; and
• passport serial number.

The resulting information has a physical tactile characteristic rather than simply appearing as ordinary surface printing.

UV Security Features

The passport contains security elements designed to react under ultraviolet light.

For example, the polycarbonate biodata card contains fluorescent overprinting that is invisible under ordinary lighting.

The UV design includes rainbow colouring.

Other internal pages also contain fluorescent and multi-coloured UV security features.

Transparent Decoder Window

Another notable feature of the Series C British passport is a transparent window containing a decoder lens.

The lens is used to decode information on the following page.

The image on page 3 contains data that can be viewed through this transparent decoder window.

This provides another physical security characteristic of the passport booklet.

Watermark

The paper inner pages contain a watermark designed to be viewed using transmitted light.

Watermarks form part of the physical security structure of the passport paper.

Electronic Passport Chip

The Series C British passport is an e-passport.

Its electronic chip is embedded in the polycarbonate personal-details page.

Compatible passport-reading technology can access information stored electronically on the chip.

This electronic component provides a further verification layer in addition to the physical and optical features of the passport.

NFC Verification of a Series C British Passport

A compatible smartphone containing Near Field Communication technology can read the electronic chip in a biometric passport.

The process normally uses information from the machine-readable zone to establish communication with the passport chip.

Where appropriate, we may therefore request an NFC passport scan as part of the remote verification process.

This may allow comparison between:

• the printed passport information;
• MRZ information;
• passport chip data;
• the printed photograph; and
• the facial image stored electronically on the chip.

An NFC check can therefore provide useful supporting evidence where the solicitor is not physically holding the original passport.

However, NFC verification does not replace professional certification.

The solicitor remains responsible for deciding whether the evidence is sufficient for the copy to be certified.

Same-Day British Passport Certified Copy Service

Ginkgo Advisory provides an express same-day British passport certification service.

Customers may require a certified passport copy urgently for:

• KYC checks;
• AML checks;
• banks;
• financial institutions;
• investment accounts;
• company formation;
• Companies House matters;
• corporate compliance;
• property transactions;
• employment;
• professional registration;
• university applications;
• legal matters;
• powers of attorney;
• inheritance matters;
• probate matters; or
• overseas applications.

To maximise the possibility of same-day completion, please provide all requested documents, information and video evidence as early as possible.

Same-day completion remains subject to successful verification and the solicitor being satisfied that the copy can properly be certified.

British Passport Certification in London and Across the UK

Our remote service means that you may not need to visit a solicitor’s office.

We can assist customers throughout the UK, including:

London, Westminster, City of London, Kensington, Chelsea, Hammersmith, Fulham, Richmond, Putney, Wimbledon, Kingston upon Thames, Ealing, Hounslow, Croydon, Surrey, Reading, Oxford, Cambridge, Brighton, Bristol, Birmingham, Manchester, Leeds, Liverpool, Southampton and other parts of the United Kingdom.

The same remote verification procedure can generally be used regardless of where you live in the UK.

British Passport Certification for Clients Living Overseas

British passport holders living outside the UK may also require certified copies.

For example, you may need a certified passport for:

• an overseas bank;
• foreign company registration;
• KYC or compliance;
• property matters;
• a foreign lawyer;
• inheritance;
• immigration-related administration; or
• another overseas authority.

Depending on the recipient’s requirements, remote UK solicitor certification may be suitable.

Please tell us:

• where you currently live;
• who requires the certified copy;
• the destination country;
• the purpose of the certification; and
• whether the recipient has specified particular wording.

We can then consider the appropriate certification process.

British Passport Certified Copy for UK and Overseas Use

Many organisations accept a UK solicitor-certified passport copy.

However, requirements differ between recipients and countries.

Some overseas authorities may instead require:

• notarisation;
• an apostille;
• embassy legalisation; or
• specific certification wording.

Therefore, please tell us the destination country and intended purpose before certification.

This can help avoid having the passport certified again if a different procedure is required.

Certified Copy, Notarisation and Apostille: What Is the Difference?

These are separate procedures.

Solicitor-Certified Passport Copy

A solicitor examines the original passport and certifies that the copy corresponds with the document presented.

This is commonly requested for banking, KYC, AML, company, legal and professional purposes.

Notarised Passport Copy

A Notary Public carries out the certification.

Some foreign authorities specifically request notarisation rather than solicitor certification.

If the recipient says that a notarised passport copy is required, ordinary solicitor certification should not automatically be treated as equivalent.

Apostille

An apostille is a separate legalisation procedure.

Where appropriate, it authenticates the signature or professional capacity of the person whose signature appears on the certified document.

If you have been asked to obtain an apostille, please tell us before certification so that the appropriate certification and legalisation route can be considered.

What We Need for GBR-AO-06001 Passport Certification

For a typical remote application, we may request the following.

Clear Passport Copy

Provide a clear colour copy of the passport biodata page.

Short Video

Show your face together with the original physical passport.

Passport Movement

Move and tilt the original passport under the light as requested.

This can help demonstrate optically variable features that cannot be properly seen in a static image.

Selected Passport Pages

We may ask you to show the cover and selected internal pages so that aspects of the passport’s construction can be examined.

NFC Chip Scan

Where required, scan the passport using a suitable NFC-enabled passport-reading application and provide or demonstrate the results.

Additional Evidence

The solicitor may request further information or evidence if any aspect of the verification requires clarification.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is GBR-AO-06001?

GBR-AO-06001 is a PRADO reference for the Series C ordinary British passport introduced in 2020.

It is the blue post-Brexit British e-passport with an integrated polycarbonate biodata card.

Is GBR-AO-06001 still valid?

Yes.

The introduction of a newer British passport design does not automatically invalidate existing Series C passports.

A Series C passport remains valid until its individual expiry date unless it is cancelled or otherwise ceases to be valid.

Can a UK solicitor certify a Series C British passport?

Yes.

A UK solicitor can certify a copy where the receiving organisation accepts solicitor certification and the solicitor is satisfied with the comparison and verification process.

Can you certify a GBR-AO-06001 British passport remotely?

Yes, in suitable cases.

Our process can use passport images, video inspection of the original document and electronic passport information to support the solicitor’s assessment.

Can I get a British passport certified online?

In suitable cases, yes.

The verification process can normally be completed remotely without attending a solicitor’s office.

Do I need to post my original passport?

Usually not for a suitable remote case.

Instead, you may be asked to demonstrate possession of the original passport through video and electronic verification.

Does the Series C British passport contain an NFC chip?

Yes.

The Series C British passport is a biometric e-passport containing an electronic chip that can be read using compatible NFC technology.

Why do you ask me to tilt my passport?

The GBR-AO-06001 contains several optically variable security features.

For example, one feature alternates between the holder’s facial image and date of birth when the passport is tilted.

Another produces a colour change when the document is rotated.

Movement of the passport therefore provides visual information that cannot be seen from a static scan alone.

Why do you request an NFC passport check?

The NFC check can provide electronic information from the passport chip.

This gives the solicitor another source of evidence to compare with the physical document and passport copy.

Is NFC verification the same as passport certification?

No.

NFC technology provides supporting electronic evidence.

The solicitor carries out the professional assessment and decides whether the passport copy can properly be certified.

Can you provide same-day certification?

Yes.

We provide an express same-day British passport certification service, subject to successful verification and receipt of all required information and evidence.

Can I receive the certified passport copy by email?

Where acceptable to the receiving organisation, a scanned copy of the completed certification can normally be provided electronically.

If the recipient requires the original wet-ink certified document, a physical copy may also be required.

Can I use the certified copy overseas?

Possibly.

Some overseas organisations accept a UK solicitor-certified copy, while others require notarisation, an apostille or embassy legalisation.

You should confirm the recipient’s requirements before proceeding.

Is solicitor certification the same as notarisation?

No.

A solicitor and a Notary Public perform different professional functions.

Where a recipient specifically requests a notarised passport copy, solicitor certification may not satisfy that requirement.

Express Series C British Passport Certification by UK Solicitor

Ginkgo Advisory provides a fast remote service for customers who require a Series C British passport certified copy.

Our service can include:

• British passport certified copy;
• GBR-AO-06001 passport certification;
• Series C British passport certification;
• blue British passport certification;
• remote UK solicitor certification;
• same-day passport certification;
• video passport verification;
• biometric passport verification;
• NFC passport chip checks;
• MRZ comparison;
• identity verification;
• certified passport copy for KYC;
• certified passport copy for AML;
• certified passport copy for banks;
• certified passport copy for company purposes; and
• British passport certification for UK or overseas use.

If you need a GBR-AO-06001 British passport certified copy, send us a clear copy of the passport and tell us who requires the certification, the destination country and the intended purpose.

We can then confirm the appropriate verification and certification process.