The documents we require for registration as a British citizen by a person under 18

This page provides details of the documents you will need to supply to us to support your application for registration as a British citizen.

You should send the original document, not a copy. Your documents will be returned to you by secure post. If you wish your documents to be returned to you by an alternative postal service or by courier you should include a pre-paid delivery envelope with your application.

You should provide translations of any documents not in English.

The documents you need to supply to us will depend on the basis of the application. You should make sure you read all the sections that relate to you and provide all the documents we need. If you do not send us all the documents we need, we will write to you to request them. This will delay your application.

Evidence of the child's identity

You should provide:

• the child's birth certificate; or
• the child's travel document; or
• the child's driving licence; or
• bank, building society or credit card statements issued to the child in the last six months.

Evidence that the child was born abroad to parents who are British citizens

You should provide:

• the child's birth certificate showing the parents' names; and
• the British parent's birth certificates; or
• the British parent's passport.

Evidence that the child was adopted abroad by British parents

You should provide:

• the child's birth certificate; or
• a certificate of abandonment from the authorities previously responsible for the child; and
• evidence of the relevant adoptive parent's claim to British citizenship otherwise than by descent; and
• the consent of the adoptive parent(s) to the registration; and
• the adoption order; and
  • the child's parentage and history; and
  • the degree of contact with the original parent(s); and
  • the reasons for adoption; and
  • the date, reasons and arrangements for the child's entry into an institution or foster placement; and
  • when, how and why the child came to be offered to the adoptive parent(s); and
• evidence of the parents' country of residence; and
• if the parents are resident in the United Kingdom, evidence from the Department for Children, Schools and Families (if in England or Wales), the Scottish Government (if in Scotland) or the Department of Health, Social Security and Public Safety - Northern Ireland (if in Northern Ireland) that the parents have been assessed and approved as eligible to become an adoptive parent; or
• if the parents are not resident in the United Kingdom, evidence from the equivalent of the social services department in their country of residence confirming that all relevant adoption laws have been complied with.

Evidence from children living in the United Kingdom

You should provide:

• the child's full birth certificate; and
• the child's passport used on entry to the United Kingdom and any other subsequent passports; and
• the parents' marriage or civil partnership certificate.