Aisde: If you apply for a passport for the very first time, does it require someone to countersign your application? Or some means to verify you?

For example, in the UK, we have no national ID card. So, first-time passport applications and photos must be signed by someone else (the ‘countersignatory’) to prove the identity of the person applying.

(From GOV.UK) Your countersignatory must:

- have known you for at least 2 years

- be able to identify you, for example they’re a friend, neighbour or colleague (not just someone who knows you professionally)

- be ‘a person of good standing in their community’ or work in (or be retired from) a recognised profession (there is a accepted occupations for countersignatories)

The countersignatory signs one of you photos and application. As far I'm aware, there is no real way to verify the countersignatory.

How are brand new passports issued in other countries when identity is required?