Australian Citizenship Certificate: How to Get Evidence of Citizenship by Birth

If you were born in Australia and are required to prove your Australian citizenship, you might apply for an Australian citizenship certificate as official proof of citizenship.

An Australian citizenship certificate is a document from the Australian Government that verifies a person’s Australian citizenship. It can be presented to government authorities, employers and other organisations as proof of Australian citizenship.

But not everyone who is born in Australia is an Australian citizen. Eligibility may be based on your birth date, immigration status or permanent residence of your parents and, in some cases, your period of residency in Australia.

Status check: September 2026

Citizenship rules can depend on your date and circumstances of birth. Always check the latest requirements from the Australian Department of Home Affairs before applying.

In this guide

What Is an Australian Citizenship Certificate?

A certificate of Australian citizenship is a legal document which proves that you are an Australian citizen. Requesters can be individuals who became Australian citizens automatically under Australian citizenship law and who require documentation of their citizenship.

For those who are already an Australian citizen, applying for an Australian citizenship certificate is different from applying to become an Australian citizen.

If, for example, you require an Australian citizenship certificate because:

• You were born in Australia and need documentary evidence of your citizenship.
• You have lost, damaged or destroyed your citizenship certificate.
• You previously received proof of your Australian citizenship.
• You became an Australian citizen by descent or otherwise and require proof.

Can You Get Proof of Australian Citizenship by Birth?

Eligibility is based on the year of birth and the circumstances surrounding your birth.

Born in Australia Before 20 August 1986

Different citizenship rules applied before 20 August 1986. If you were born in Australia between 26 January 1949 and 19 August 1986, you would generally have been an Australian citizen at birth, subject to specific exceptions.

Born in Australia on or After 20 August 1986

Citizenship by birth is usually based on the citizenship or permanent residence status of the parents at the time of the child’s birth if the child was born in Australia on or after 20 August 1986.

If one of your parents was an Australian citizen or permanent resident at the time of your birth, you may be an Australian citizen.

Australian citizenship may also have been acquired on your 10th birthday if you were born in Australia on or after 20 August 1986 and were ordinarily resident in Australia for the first 10 years of your life, as required.

Documents Required for Australian Citizenship Evidence

To establish Australian citizenship, you will usually need to provide documents that show your identity, date of birth and eligibility to be an Australian citizen.

• A full birth certificate showing your parents’ names.
• Documents showing any changes of name.
• Evidence of a parent’s Australian citizenship or permanent residence, where applicable.
• Previous Australian citizenship certificates or extracts, if applicable.
• Evidence of residence in Australia, where citizenship eligibility is based on residence during the first 10 years of life.

How to Apply for an Australian Citizenship Certificate

1. Check Your Eligibility

Consider your date and circumstances of birth to determine whether you are an Australian citizen by birth and which eligibility requirements apply to you.

2. Prepare Your Documents

Gather your identity documents, complete birth certificate and any other documents relevant to your citizenship evidence application.

3. Apply Through ImmiAccount

Eligible applicants may be able to apply online through ImmiAccount. The application will specify the documents required and applicable fee.

4. Wait for a Decision

Home Affairs will assess your application and supporting documents. You may be contacted if further information or documents are required.

What Can Be Used as Proof of Australian Citizenship?

Depending on your circumstances, the document required to establish Australian citizenship can vary.

An Australian citizenship certificate or current Australian passport can be used as evidence of Australian citizenship. In some circumstances, a full Australian birth certificate may also be accepted.

What If You Lost Your Australian Citizenship Certificate?

If you have previously received an Australian citizenship certificate but have lost, damaged or destroyed it, you might be able to apply for a replacement certificate or new evidence of citizenship.

What If Your Details Have Changed?

If there are errors in your name or other information on your Australian citizenship certificate, you may need to provide official documents showing the change and connecting your previous and current names.

How Long Does an Australian Citizenship Certificate Take?

Processing times for evidence of Australian citizenship can depend on the type of application and whether additional information is required.

If you need proof of citizenship for a passport, employment, government position or another purpose, allow sufficient time for your application to be processed.

Australian Citizenship Evidence: Key Points to Remember

• Not everyone born in Australia is automatically an Australian citizen.
• Citizenship rules can vary depending on your date of birth.
• If you were born on or after 20 August 1986, your parent’s citizenship or permanent residency status may be relevant.
• In certain circumstances, citizenship may be acquired on the 10th birthday after 10 years of ordinary residence in Australia.
• A birth certificate is not the same as an Australian citizenship certificate.
• Evidence of a parent’s citizenship or permanent residence may be required.
• Eligible applicants may be able to apply for evidence of Australian citizenship through ImmiAccount.

Need Help Understanding Your Australian Citizenship Evidence?

The status of being an Australian citizen by birth can depend on a person’s date of birth, the status of their parents and their residential history.

Professional assistance can help you understand the relevant requirements, documentation and application process.

Asia Pacific Group offers education and migration counselling with qualified professionals. You can discuss your situation and learn about the documentation and process applicable to your circumstances with registered migration agents in Melbourne.

Important: Citizenship requirements and application procedures can change. Always check the latest requirements published by the Australian Department of Home Affairs before submitting an application.