Get proof you are a citizen

If you have lost or damaged your New Zealand birth certificate or your citizenship certificate, you can apply for a replacement or call to check your certificate number.

Get your citizenship certificate number

If you need your citizenship certificate number, but you do not need a copy of the certificate, you can call the citizenship contact centre on 0800 22 51 51. It is free to find out your certificate number.

If you were born in New Zealand

Use these forms if you were born in New Zealand.

Born in 2005 or earlier

Born in 2006 or later

If you were born outside New Zealand

If you were born outside New Zealand, you can use your New Zealand citizenship certificate to prove you are a citizen by grant or by descent.

Use these forms if you were born outside New Zealand.

Apply for a replacement citizenship certificate

Apply for a confirmation of your New Zealand citizenship

Apply for a certified copy of your Descent Registration Certificate

What to prepare

2 passport-style photos

You must provide 2 identical passport-style photos.

The photos must be:

  • of yourself
  • less than 6 months old
  • in colour
  • clear, sharp and in focus
  • be printed on high-quality photographic paper.

The photos must show:

  • your head and shoulders
  • your face looking directly at the camera
  • your eyes open and clearly visible — not covered by hair or sunglasses
  • your face in a neutral expression, not smiling or frowning and with your mouth closed
  • a plain and neutral background.

Prescription glasses are permitted as long as your eyes are still visible.

We recommend you have your photos taken by a business that offers a passport photo service. These businesses can ensure your photos meet our requirements.

Witness

You also need someone to complete the witness section of your application. 

The witness needs to sign your 2 passport-style photos.

What it costs

Each certificate costs $112.40. 

You can pay by credit, debit or prepaid gift card (for example, Prezzy card) by filling out your payment details on the form.

Submit the form

Post your form to:

The Citizenship Office
Department of Internal Affairs
PO Box 10680
Wellington 6140
New Zealand

What happens next

You will get the certificate in the post after about 20 working days.

Who to contact for more help

If you need more help or have questions about the information or services on this page, contact the following agency.

Utility links and page information

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