What Is a Naturalisation or Registration Certificate?
Naturalisation and registration are legal pathways by which individuals, including both adults and children, may acquire British citizenship in the absence of an automatic entitlement.
Individuals who acquire British citizenship through naturalisation or registration are issued a nationality certificate as evidence of their status. Conversely, individuals who are British citizens by automatic claim should apply directly for a British passport and are not issued a nationality certificate.
A naturalisation or registration certificate typically includes the following information:
- Current name
- Previous name(s), if applicable
- Place and date of birth
- Confirmation of British nationality, including relevant legal provisions (sections and subsections of the British Nationality Act)
- Home Office reference number
- Certificate number
- Date of registration or naturalisation
These certificates are important legal documents and must be preserved in their original condition. Any alterations, including lamination, may render them unacceptable as proof of citizenship, particularly for passport applications.
When applying for a British passport, it is mandatory to submit the original nationality certificate as evidence of citizenship.
Following a successful application for citizenship, it is essential to apply for a British passport in order to re-enter the United Kingdom. Possession of a biometric residence permit (BRP) or other immigration documentation will no longer be sufficient. Should an individual not wish to obtain a British passport, an alternative is to apply for a certificate of entitlement to the right of abode.
Lost, Damaged, or Stolen Certificates
If a naturalisation or registration certificate is lost or damaged, the individual must inform and submit an application for a replacement. In cases where the certificate has been stolen, it is necessary to report the theft to the police before proceeding with the application process.
Application Process Based on Date of Citizenship
If You Became a Citizen on or Before 30 September 1986
We do not maintain records of citizenship grants made before October 1986. Therefore, if your naturalisation or registration occurred on or before this date, you will be required to submit a search application by clicking this link to request a certified copy of your certificate.
You may obtain:
- A registration certificate (dated between 1 January 1949 and 30 September 1986)
- A naturalisation certificate (dated between 1 January 1844 and 30 September 1986)
Commonwealth citizens or individuals with long-standing lawful residence in the UK may be eligible to apply for relevant documentation or British citizenship under the Windrush Scheme.
How it works:
You will need to request a search by clicking the button below, the initial search costs £25 and is none refundable in the event that we are unable to find a trace match. If your certificate is located, we will then send you a pay by link invoice for the certified copy which is currently £95.
As of the time of writing:
- Standard copies: Dispatched within 24 working days
- Certified copies: Dispatched within 16 working days
- Fee: Usually £95, subject to change depending on postage
If You Became a Citizen After 30 September 1986
Applicants who became British citizens after this date may request a replacement certificate using Form NC – Application for Duplicate Citizenship Certificate.
Submission Methods
Application Fee
- £595
Information Required
Applicants must provide personal details, including the date of registration or naturalisation (as recorded on the original certificate). If your residential address has changed since becoming a citizen, you must update your address with UKVI before submitting your application. You can do this online, and updates are typically processed within 72 hours.
Failure to update your address may result in delays, as certificates will not be issued to unverified addresses.
Correction of Errors on a Citizenship Certificate
If your naturalisation or registration certificate contains errors, a separate process must be followed. Applicants should complete Form RR – Application for Correction of a Registration or Naturalisation Certificate.
A fee of £250 applies if the error was caused by the applicant. Due to the complexity of such applications, legal advice is recommended. You will be required to provide:
- Evidence supporting the correction
- Explanation for the delay in seeking amendment
- Clarification on whether the incorrect information matches that provided in your original citizenship application, and if not, the reason for the discrepancy
The success of your application and the manner in which it should be presented will depend on the circumstances of the error and the supporting documentation.
If you require further assistance or legal advice regarding any aspect of the application or correction process, please do not hesitate to contact us.