Evidence of Citizenship
Evidence of Australian Citizenship
A Certificate of Australian Citizenship is the formal evidence of citizenship status issued by the Department of Home Affairs. It is required in certain circumstances, including for citizenship by descent registrations and for people who need to prove their citizenship for official purposes where a passport is not sufficient.
What the certificate provides
A Certificate of Australian Citizenship is an official document issued by the Department of Home Affairs confirming that the holder is an Australian citizen. It records the person's name, date of birth, country of birth, and the date on which they became a citizen. It is distinct from an Australian passport, which is issued by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.
The certificate is issued automatically following a citizenship ceremony for conferral applicants and following registration for descent applicants. It can also be applied for separately where the original certificate has been lost, where it was never issued, or where a person needs to confirm their citizenship status for an official purpose.
People who acquired citizenship by birth in Australia before 20 August 1986 are Australian citizens by operation of law and may apply for a certificate as evidence of that status even though no formal citizenship application was ever made.
Who needs evidence of citizenship
Citizenship by descent applicants
Registration of citizenship by descent results in the issue of a Certificate of Australian Citizenship. This certificate must be obtained before an Australian passport can be issued to the descent applicant.
People born in Australia before 20 August 1986
People born in Australia before this date are citizens by birth regardless of their parents' status. A certificate can be issued to confirm this status for official or legal purposes.
Lost or damaged certificates
Where the original certificate issued following a conferral ceremony has been lost or damaged, a replacement can be applied for. The application requires identity documentation and evidence of the original citizenship grant.
Legal and official requirements
Some government agencies, courts, and overseas authorities require a Certificate of Australian Citizenship rather than, or in addition to, an Australian passport as proof of citizenship status.
DHA
Issued by Dept of Home Affairs
Form 119
Application for evidence
Form 1195
Required for descent applications
Replacement
Available if lost or damaged
Why instruct Visa Plan?
Citizenship status confirmation
Not everyone knows with certainty whether they are an Australian citizen. We assess the basis on which citizenship was acquired and advise on the appropriate application to obtain the evidence certificate.
Descent registration and certificate
For citizenship by descent, the registration and certificate process requires a specific documentary package including Form 1195. We prepare the complete application and manage correspondence with the Department.
Replacement certificates
Replacement certificate applications require evidence that the original was issued and has been lost. We advise on the evidence required and manage the replacement application.
Evidence of citizenship information is sourced from the Department of Home Affairs and is current as at 13 May 2026. Application requirements and processes are subject to change. This page provides general information only and does not constitute legal advice.