How do you get a certificate of British citizenship?

- You can apply for a Certificate of Entitlement to Adult Registration if you were not automatically registered as a British citizen at birth

For people born before 1 January 1983:

- You can apply for a Certificate of Nationality (CN) if you’re already registered as a British citizen

- You can apply for a Certificate of Entitlement to the Right of Abode (RDBA) if you’re not registered as a British citizen, but you have the right to live in the UK

- If you’re a British Overseas Territories citizen (BOTC), you may also be able to apply for a CN or RDBA

Eligibility

You may be eligible for a British citizenship certificate if you:

- Were born in the UK

- Have a parent who is a British citizen

- Have been naturalised as a British citizen

- Have been granted indefinite leave to remain in the UK

- Are a British Overseas Territories citizen (BOTC)

You can check if you're eligible for a British citizenship certificate by using the GOV.UK Nationality Check tool.

How to apply

You can apply for a British citizenship certificate online or by post.

The online application process is quick and easy. You'll need to:

1. Create a GOV.UK account

2. Provide your personal details

3. Upload copies of your supporting documents

4. Pay the application fee

The postal application process is more complex. You'll need to:

1. Download and print the application form

2. Complete the form and sign it

3. Include copies of your supporting documents

4. Send your application to the UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI)

Supporting documents

When applying for a British citizenship certificate, you'll need to provide copies of the following supporting documents:

- Your birth certificate

- Your passport

- Your parents' birth certificates

- Your parents' passports

- If you're applying on the basis of naturalisation, you'll need to provide your naturalisation certificate

- If you're applying on the basis of indefinite leave to remain, you'll need to provide your ILR card

Application fee

The application fee for a British citizenship certificate is £1,012.

Processing time

The processing time for a British citizenship certificate is typically 6 months. However, it may take longer if your application is complex.

What happens after you apply

Once you've submitted your application, you'll receive a confirmation email. You'll then be contacted by the UKVI to schedule an interview.

At your interview, you'll be asked questions about your personal details, your family history, and your knowledge of the UK.

If your interview is successful, you'll be issued with a British citizenship certificate.

Contact details

If you have any questions about British citizenship certificates, you can contact the UKVI on 0300 123 2253.