Supporting Documents

IPS needs to see original documents that prove you are British. IPS does not accept photocopies of documents.

IPS normally accepts laminated documents for change of name purposes only, but documents that are laminated for Braille labelling are acceptable for all types of application.

A birth certificate is not considered absolute proof of identity. Even if you were born in the UK, IPS may ask to see further documents.

If your name has changed or is about to change

You may need to supply extra documents in this case.

If you were born or adopted in the UK

If you were born in the UK before 1983, IPS needs to see your birth or adoption certificate.

If you were born in the UK on or after 1 January 1983, IPS needs to see your full birth or adoption certificate showing your parents' details and one of the following:

·           your mother's UK birth certificate, Home Office certificate of registration or naturalisation, or her passport that was valid at the time of your birth

·           your father's UK birth certificate, Home Office certificate of registration or naturalisation, or his passport that was valid at the time of your birth and your parents' marriage certificate.

IPS may ask for further documents relating to your parents.

If you were born outside the UK and have a certificate of naturalisation or registration from the Home Office

In this case IPS needs two documents:

·           your naturalisation or registration certificate

·           the passport on which you entered the UK

If you were born before 1983 and are a citizen of a British overseas territory

In this case IPS needs two documents:

·           your birth certificate

·           your current passport

If you were born before 1983 but your father was born in the UK

In this case IPS needs four documents:

·           your full birth certificate showing your parents' details

·           your father's birth certificate*

·           your parents' marriage certificate*

·           the passport on which you entered the UK

Note*: if you have a birth certificate issued by a British consulate or high commission abroad, you can send that instead of your parents' birth and/or marriage certificates. If you were born before 1983 you cannot claim British nationality automatically through your mother.