Citizenship Ceremonies

Citizenship Ceremonies commenced nationwide in January 2004. The first ceremony in County Durham was held at County Hall in Durham on 5 May 2004.

Every citizen (aged over 18) who applies for citizenship, after approval by the Home Office, must attend a Citizenship Ceremony in order to achieve citizenship status. If they do not attend within three months of approval, they need to start their application process again.

The ceremony is the final step in becoming a British citizen. It is a way of formally welcoming people into their community, as well as welcoming them as new British citizens.

Each new citizen is asked to make promises and say an oath to the Sovereign that they will be a faithful citizen. They must also make a formal and public pledge that they will be a loyal subject and observe the laws of this country.

Ceremonies are held approximately every 9 -12 weeks and are conducted by a designated registrar. The Chairman or vice Chairman of the County Council also attends to provide a civic welcome to the new British citizens who have chosen to make their home within the County Council area.

Anyone who is considering becoming a British citizen must have lived in Britain for five years (three years if you are married to a British national), and apply to the Home Office in Liverpool. Once they have been approved they will be invited to contact their local authority to arrange a ceremony.

There is more information on the Home Office's British citizenship pages.

Arranging a Citizenship Ceremony

To arrange a Citizenship Ceremony you must first be in possession of the reference number allocated to an individual by the Home Office. Once you have this contact should be made with the Bishop Auckland Register Office either via telephone on 01388 607277 or e-mail Bishop Auckland Register Office.

The postal address is:
The Register Office
Cockton House
35 Cockton Hill Road
Bishop Auckland
County Durham
DL14 6HS