I'm applying to transfer my US AmEx into a UK AmEx. Did the form online and then got a letter saying they need to verify the authenticity of my application by having me send in two items. One is an original bill, which is easy now that I have a Thames Water bill in my name. The other is a "clear, certified copy" of my valid passport photo page. For AmEx's purposes, they say that a certified copy must be certified by a "professional person who is a resident in the UK" and then list a ton (nine lines in tiny print) of "professional persons" who can certify the copy. I could go to a Post Office and pay £7 to have it done, but I'd rather get by for less. One of the categories listed is "Officer of the armed services (active or retired)". I know a couple of US military officers who are here in London studying for graduate degrees. Would they qualify as being "a resident in the UK", or do you think they'd be looking for someone who's UK military and/or not in a student status? Two other categories are "Teacher" and "lecturer". Would someone at LSE with the rank of Lecturer, Reader, or Professor fall into one of those categories? Those would be the easiest for me to get, since I'm surrounded by them all day. I suppose I could ring AmEx and ask them, but I thought I'd try asking here first.
