If you were born in the UK, you must request a duplicate copy of your certificate. This includes adoption certificates if you were adopted.
If your birth was not registered for any reason and an adoption certificate is not available or applicable, you can upload a letter from a professional person confirming:
- your birth was not registered
- to the best of their knowledge, you were born in the UK
The letter must include your place of birth and the full name you were given at birth.
Alternatively, you can write a letter which confirms to the best of your knowledge, you were born in the UK but your birth was not registered.
You must include 3 forms of recent utility bills or benefit evidence showing your current name and address such as a:
- council tax bill
- utility bill such as water, gas, or electric - mobile phone bills cannot be accepted
- Tax Credit letter
- bank or credit card statement
We're not obliged to accept any documentation considered to be unsatisfactory.
If it's a sensitive subject where no outside bodies have been involved, a letter from a family member can be considered.
Born outside of the UK including the Isle of Man and the Channel Islands
You must upload:
- your passport
- your UK driving licence
- any letters sent to you from the Home Office, if applicable
- a covering letter confirming why you cannot upload your birth certificate
If you're a refugee, upload your most recent Home Office letter and your UK Travel Document issued by the UK Border Agency in place of your passport.
If you do not have one of these forms of ID, you can upload a letter from a professional person.
The person must preferably be someone based in the UK and must give details of your date, place and country of birth and your full name at birth.
We're not obliged to accept any documentation considered to be unsatisfactory.
If it's a sensitive subject where no outside bodies have been involved, a letter from a family member can be considered.