British citizenship and UK passport applications

Applications for British citizenship and UK passports can be made online, using the GOV.UK website:

Apply to become a British citizen

Apply for or renew a UK passport

We cannot check or offer guidance on your application.

Citizenship and passport services at York Register Office

We're changing the number of services we provide in relation to citizenship and passport applications, as more processes are made available online through GOV.UK or the Home Office, so please check before attending York Register Office as we may not be able to provide support for your application.

Joint citizenship and passport applications

York Register Office no longer offers the joint citizenship and passport application service. Applications now need to be completed online, before attending 1 of 57 new service centres known as UK Visa and Citizenship Application Centres.

You'll need to attend an appointment at a service centre to submit your biometric information (photo and fingerprints), and supporting evidence including proof of identity.

Learn more about UK Visa and Immigration's new services on GOV.UK.

Nationality application checking service

York Register Office no longer carry out nationality application checks or offer the nationality document return service.

Find more information about how to apply to become a British citizen on GOV.UK.

Citizenship ceremonies

Attending a citizenship ceremony is the final step in achieving British nationality.

Following a successful application to become a British Citizen, the Home Office issues an invitation letter by email to the individual concerned advising them who to contact to arrange their ceremony.

We hold monthly group ceremonies at York Register Office. If you're unable to attend a group ceremony, for an additional fee, you can arrange a private ceremony at York Register Office.

New citizens will be invited to attend along with a maximum of 2 guests. Children over the age of 5 are included in guest numbers.

On the day of the ceremony, bring the letter of invitation from the Home Office as well as your ID documents. We'll discuss which ID documents to bring with you when you call. Without these, we'll be unable to go ahead.

You must arrive 15 minutes before your ceremony start time. If you arrive late, we will not allow access to the ceremony, and you will have to contact York Register Office by telephone to reschedule your ceremony.

The oath

All new citizens will be asked to either swear the oath or affirm the oath. If you decide to swear the oath you will be swearing to God, while affirming the oath does not have any religious context.

Swearing the oath:

I (your full name) swear by Almighty God that on becoming a British citizen, I will be faithful and bear true allegiance to His Majesty King Charles the Third, his heirs and successors according to law.

Affirmation:

I (your full name) do solemnly, sincerely and truly declare and affirm that on becoming a British Citizen I will be faithful and bear true allegiance to His Majesty King Charles the Third, his heirs and successors according to law

After swearing or affirming, you'll make the pledge of commitment:

I will give my loyalty to the United Kingdom and respect its rights and freedoms. I will uphold its democratic values. I will observe its laws faithfully and fulfil my duties and obligations as a British citizen.

All new citizens will be called forward at the end to receive their citizenship certificates and an information pack. There is time for photographs at the end of the ceremony.

Please note: We don't have any parking facilities at York Register Office. There are 2 car parks nearby, at Marygate and at Bootham Row. Please make your guests aware of this.

After receiving an invitation letter

Contact should be made with the Register Office specified in your invitation letter as soon as possible.

If you've received your letter from the Home Office inviting you to attend a ceremony at York Register Office, contact us on email: citizenship@york.gov.uk.

In your email please remember to include your name and telephone number, and a member of our team will contact you to arrange your ceremony.

If you have not received an invitation letter

A prospective citizen who has not yet received an invitation letter, or a member of the public with an enquiry about British citizenship and citizenship ceremonies should write to:

Or you can contact the Home Office on telephone: 0845 010 5200.

See further information about ways to settle in the UK, indefinite leave to remain and routes to British citizenship on the Home Office website: Live permanently in the UK.

Also see

• York Register Office
• York Register Office fees