Everything you need to know about the unabridged birth certificate as it relates to UK passport applications.
What is an unabridged birth certificate? The unabridged birth certificate is the most complete form of a child’s birth record. Unabridged birth certificates are documents that contain information about a person’s two biological parents or legal guardians.
There have been many changes to UK Passport Applications over the past few years, one of which is the requirement to supply a full long version birth certificate to support your application.
This article will go over what you need to know about this important document in terms of UK passports.
An Unabridged Birth Certificate is a document containing information of both biological parents or legal guardians. Unaccompanied passengers under the age of 18 require them in addition to the other required documents (passports, visa stamps, etc.) Travelstart.co.za
Unabridged vs. Abridged birth certificates
What is the difference between an abridged and unabridged birth certificate?
- Abridged birth certificates merely record the mother’s name and surname.
- Unabridged birth certificates contain all of the information about both parents.
Do I need an unabridged birth certificate?
So, do you need an unabridged birth certificate for your UK passport application or renewal? Our team of professional British passport experts will be glad to answer this question for you.
First-time UK passport applications
Yes, you must submit an ORIGINAL UNABRIDGED UK birth Certificate – showing both parents’ names when applying for a UK passport for the first time.
British passport renewals
If you are only renewing your passport with no changes in information on the passport, you do not need your Birth Certificate. The following documents will be required for your standard British passport renewal:
- Your current/ expired British passport
- Any other uncancelled non-British passport relating to the applicant.
- Valid passport photos
- Completed application form. To access this application form, click here.
Can you use a certified copy of a birth certificate for passport UK?
Unfortunately not, you cannot use a certified copy of your birth certificate for UK passport applications.
Original versions of certificates or government-issued replacement documents (registration, birth, adoption, marriage, death, divorce) will be accepted as supporting evidence.
NO photocopies or laminated papers will be accepted.
Documents that are not in English must be officially translated by a certified transliterator.
What does an unabridged Birth Certificate look like?
Finally, what does an unabridged birth certificate actually contain? It includes the following information:
- Child’s full name
- Date and place of birth
- Parent or parents’ full names (including mother’s maiden name)
- Occupation(s) of parent(s) at the time of birth
- Signature(s) of parent/parents
The unabridged birth certificate is an important document for all parents because it provides information about the child’s background. This is why you should protect your unabridged birth certificate by keeping it in a safe place at home or with other important documents.
What is the difference between a Vault birth certificate and an unabridged birth certificate?
A vault copy of a birth certificate, unlike a normal Unabridged Birth Certificate, is a stamped and signed transcript of the original forms submitted to Home Affairs when a child was initially registered at a Home Affairs Office in South Africa or a consulate abroad. It shows the individual’s details, ID number as well as his and her parents’ names.
A note on UK passport applications from South Africa
This note applies to applicants born in South Africa only.
ONLY a Vault birth certificate of the applicant will be accepted. A vault birth certificate is a copy of the original registration form completed by the parents when a birth was registered. It is a photocopy of the original, stamped and signed by a Department of Home Affairs Officer. An applicant’s unabridged birth certificate will be accepted ONLY IF it was issued within 12 months of birth.
Click here for more information on first-time passport applications and birth registrations by descent.
What birth certificate do I need for a UK passport?
For a first-time British passport application, you will need to present an ORIGINAL UNABRIDGED UK birth Certificate – showing both parents’ names.
About U.K.ABROAD
Operating independently since 2008, U.K.ABROAD specializes in British passport applications and renewals from abroad, and within the United Kingdom. Our team of British passport experts also offers assistance with certificates and Birth registrations.
Our mission is to make the British Passport renewal, application, or replacement process simple, safe & fast. Saving you time & money along the way.
Have any questions? We’d love to help. Simply contact us via the form below.
Conculsion : Unabridged Birth Certificates
An unabridged birth certificate is an important document that should be kept in a safe place at home or with other important documents. If you are looking to apply for a British passport for the first time, and you do not have access to your original long-form birth certificate, get in touch with us below.
Are you a British expat? Contact U.K.ABROAD for fast & easy British passport applications, renewals or replacements from abroad.
