My father was a citizen

[ameriscott]

I was born in 1988 in the U.S., and have never been to the UK. My father was born and raised in Scotland, but is deceased.
Am I already considered a British citizen? If so, how could I find out for sure?
If I'm not a citizen, what steps do I take? Is there a difference between registering and applying for citizenship? What are my chances of securing citizenship?

[vinny]

If your father was married to your mother, then you are automatically British. Just apply for a British passport.

[ohara]

...and if your parents were not married, you have a lifelong entitlement to register as a British citizen.

https://www.gov.uk/government/publicati ... n-form-ukf

There is an £80 fee (well worth it I think!)

[ameriscott]

My parents were married at my time of birth, but later divorced. Is that okay? I have some other questions too...

The links below say I need:
1. One of my parents birth certificates (is my mother's U.S. birth certificate okay?)
2. My parents marriage certificate (will I be able to get this even though they were divorced?)
3. The passport numbers of both parents and their dates and place of birth, and in some cases the same details of grandparents (since my father is dead, am I required to get his passport number and is there a way to do that?)


https://www.gov.uk/overseas-passports/y ... /adult/usa
https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/s ... _09.15.PDF

[noajthan]

My parents were married at my time of birth, but later divorced. Is that okay? I have some other questions too...

The links below say I need:
1. One of my parents birth certificates (is my mother's U.S. birth certificate okay?)
2. My parents marriage certificate (will I be able to get this even though they were divorced?)
3. The passport numbers of both parents and their dates and place of birth, and in some cases the same details of grandparents (since my father is dead, am I required to get his passport number and is there a way to do that?)

https://www.gov.uk/overseas-passports/y ... /adult/usa
https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/s ... _09.15.PDF

As per Table B of guide you will only need one of the bc:

Born on or after 1 January 1983
one of your parents’ full birth certificate (showing both the child’s and parents’ details)
or
naturalisation or registration certificate;
and
if this is your father, his marriage certificate to your mother

If you provide mother's bc then the mc seems to be optional.

You could probably enquire &/or order copies of any UK documents you may need from:
http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/help ... tificates/
or
https://www.gov.uk/government/organisat ... ort-office

[vinny]

Parent's marriage at time of your birth should be okay.

1. If you are claiming citizenship via your father, then it may be better to get his birth certificate.

2. Yes. Proof of marriage is essential, if you are claiming citizenship via your father. Where were they married?

3. It may be necessary to get your father's parents details if your father was born from 1983. Then you would need proof that at least one of your father's parent was settled or British at the time of your father's birth. The Passport Office should have records.

However, if your father was born prior to 1983 (as is the case, since you were born in 1988), then I don't think that his parents' details are so important, unless his father was an enemy agent or a foreign diplomat.

[ameriscott]

Parent's marriage at time of your birth should be okay.

1. If you are claiming citizenship via your father, then it may be better to get his birth certificate.

2. Yes. Proof of marriage is essential, if you are claiming citizenship via your father. Where were they married?

3. It may be necessary to get your father's parents details if your father was born from 1983. Then you would need proof that at least one of your father's parent was settled or British at the time of your father's birth. The Passport Office should have records.

However, if your father was born prior to 1983 (as is the case, since you were born in 1988), then I don't think that his parents' details are so important, unless his father was an enemy agent or a foreign diplomat.

My parents were married in Nevada, USA.
What about my parents passport numbers? Do I need those?

[vinny]

Your father's birth certificate and marriage certificate to your mother and your birth certificate may be necessary and sufficient.

However, provide as much as you can, as asked on the form.

[vinny]

To add:

It should be remembered, in particular, that a birth certificate is evidence not of identity, but of an event. Birth certificates are not sufficient. They may expect to see evidence of your father's identity as well. So, his past passport number(s), etc., should also be included.

Your passport as well.

See also 4.5.