Requirement for original documentation for UKM form

[juststef]

Hi. I’m applying for British Citizenship by Registration using Form UKM (born in Australia before 1983 to a British mother). I have two questions on the application process that I haven’t been able to find the answer to (although thanks to everyone on these forums for posting so much useful info!):

a) Can I send a certified copy of my passport, rather than the original? I’m travelling in two months and will be based overseas for the next year, so I don’t want to send my original passport (as I’m assuming they keep it for a significant amount of time?). If they need originals, is there a way to request it be sent back ASAP and has anyone had experience getting it returned in less than two months?

b) For postage, it is recommended that you include prepaid postage in the application. How is this possible from Australia (the forms seem to be geared towards people living in the UK who can go to Royal Mail post offices)? Is it OK to use the Royal Mail online service and print out a prepaid mail form, then attach it to an Australia Post parcel? What have other people done?

Thanks in advance