Form 1195 Identity Declaration – Guide to Completion and Certifiers

Form 1195 serves as a critical identity verification document within the Australian citizenship application process. Issued by the Department of Home Affairs, this form plays a central role in confirming the identity of applicants who cannot undergo standard biometric checks. Understanding when it is required, how to complete it properly, and who can endorse it helps ensure applications proceed without unnecessary delays.

The form applies specifically to individuals seeking Australian citizenship by descent or those requesting evidence of Australian citizenship. As of September 2024, applicants pursuing citizenship by conferral no longer need to submit this document. For those who do require it, the form must be completed carefully, with particular attention to the endorsed photograph and identity certifier sections.

Each person included in an application—including children and infants—must have their own separate Form 1195 with a separately endorsed photograph. The Department cannot approve citizenship applications when identity cannot be verified, making this document essential for the relevant application pathways.

How to Fill Form 1195 Identity Declaration

Completing Form 1195 requires attention to detail and proper identification verification. The form contains four key sections that both the applicant and an identity certifier must complete. All entries must be made using a pen in block letters to ensure legibility and permanence.

Form 1195 Overview

Key Insights for Completing Form 1195

• The identity certifier must have known you personally for at least 12 months before endorsing the form
• Only Australian citizens working in approved professions can serve as identity certifiers
• The endorsed photograph must be passport-sized, recently taken, and personally signed by the certifier
• Your full legal name must match exactly as it appears on your identification documents
• Each applicant in a family application requires a separate form with individual photographs
• Errors or inconsistencies may result in processing delays or application refusal
• The Transaction Reference Number from your online application must be included in Section 1

Form 1195 Key Facts

Section 1: Applicant’s Details

Section 1 requires you to provide your full legal name exactly as it appears on your identification documents. You must also include your date of birth, current residential address, work, home, and mobile phone numbers, as well as the Transaction Reference Number from your online application. For children or young applicants, additional supporting information under Question 4 may be required.

If your name or residential address has changed recently, you must provide supporting documentation explaining these changes. All information entered in this section must match your identity documents precisely to avoid discrepancies during the verification process.

Where to Download Form 1195 Identity Declaration PDF

Form 1195 is available as a downloadable PDF from the Department of Home Affairs official forms website. The most reliable source is the dedicated form listing page on immi.homeaffairs.gov.au, which hosts the current version directly.

The form can be printed and completed manually using a pen in block letters, or filled electronically using compatible PDF editors before printing. Online PDF completion tools allow applicants to type their details directly into the form fields, which may reduce errors associated with handwritten entries.

The official Department website also provides a centralised PDF forms page where Form 1195 can be accessed alongside other citizenship-related documents. Third-party form-filling services exist, but the Department recommends using official sources to ensure applicants have the most current version.

Can Form 1195 Identity Declaration Be Completed Online?

Form 1195 itself is a PDF document that cannot be submitted entirely through online portals in its native format. However, applicants can complete their details electronically before printing the form for signature. The identity certifier must still physically sign the printed document, as both the applicant and endorser signatures require original ink signatures.

Regarding the requirement itself, Form 1195 remains mandatory for applicants seeking Australian citizenship by descent or evidence of citizenship. As of September 2024, the form is no longer required for those applying for citizenship by conferral. This distinction is important—applicants should confirm their specific pathway before assuming the form is needed.

The change affecting citizenship by conferral applicants means fewer documentation requirements for that particular pathway. However, those applying by descent or requesting evidence of citizenship continue to require the form as part of their application package.

Applicants Who Still Require Form 1195

• Adults applying for citizenship by descent
• Children included in a citizenship by descent application
• Infants included in a citizenship by descent application
• Individuals requesting evidence of Australian citizenship

Who Can Sign Form 1195 Identity Declaration?

Questions 2 and 3 of Form 1195 must be completed by a qualified identity certifier who endorses both your identity and the attached photograph. The Department of Home Affairs sets specific criteria that this person must meet to ensure the integrity of the verification process.

Identity Certifier Requirements

The identity certifier must be an Australian citizen. They must have personally known you for at least 12 months—this is a strict requirement and the certifier must be prepared to confirm this duration. The certifier must also be currently working in an approved profession or occupation.

Accepted professions include doctors, police officers, teachers, and public servants, among other recognised occupations. The certifier cannot be related to you by birth, marriage, or de facto relationship. They must also be easily reachable by telephone during business hours if the Department needs to verify any details.

• Must be an Australian citizen
• Must have known the applicant personally for at least 12 months
• Must be currently working in an approved profession (doctors, police, teachers, public servants)
• Cannot be related to the applicant by birth, marriage, or de facto relationship
• Must be contactable by telephone during business hours

What the Certifier Must Provide

The endorser must complete their full name, occupation, business address, telephone number, and Australian citizenship details in the relevant sections. They must confirm in writing that they have known the applicant for at least 12 months and that the attached passport photograph is a true representation of the applicant.

The certifier must personally sign the form in the designated space and endorse the photograph by signing across it. This physical endorsement confirms the certifier’s verification of the applicant’s identity at the time of application.

The Form 1195 Completion Process

Completing Form 1195 involves several sequential steps that must be followed carefully to ensure the form is accepted with your citizenship application.

1. Download the form – Obtain the current version of Form 1195 from the Department of Home Affairs official website
2. Complete Section 1 – Fill in your personal details including full legal name, date of birth, address, phone numbers, and Transaction Reference Number
3. Attach a passport photograph – Include a recent, passport-sized photograph of the applicant
4. Arrange identity certification – Find a qualified certifier who meets all the required criteria
5. Certifier completes sections – The endorser fills in their details, signs the form, and endorses the photograph
6. Both parties sign – Both applicant and certifier sign in the designated spaces
7. Submit with application – Include the completed form with your citizenship application package

Each person included in the application requires their own separate Form 1195 with an individual endorsed photograph. This applies to all applicants regardless of age, including infants.

What Is Established and What Remains Unclear

When applying for Australian citizenship, it helps to distinguish between information that is clearly established and aspects that may require further clarification.

Form 1195 in Context of Australian Citizenship Process

Form 1195 plays a specific role within the broader Australian citizenship application framework. Its primary function is identity verification for applications submitted through channels that do not include in-person biometric collection, such as online applications and certain paper submissions.

The form helps prevent identity fraud by requiring independent verification from a credible Australian citizen who can attest to the applicant’s identity. This third-party endorsement creates an additional layer of security within the citizenship process.

The requirement for Form 1195 exists alongside other identity verification measures within the immigration system. Similar identity declaration requirements may apply to other visa and citizenship processes, though the specific requirements vary depending on the application type and submission method.

Supporting Documentation Alongside Form 1195

Form 1195 must be submitted alongside other identity documents that collectively verify the information provided on the form. Acceptable supporting documents include Australian passport, national identity card, birth certificate, driver’s licence, utility bills, and employment or education records.

These documents validate key identity elements including legal name, date of birth, address, gender, current residential address, and signature. The combination of Form 1195 with these supporting documents creates a comprehensive identity verification package.

Summary

Form 1195 Identity Declaration remains a critical document for applicants seeking Australian citizenship by descent or evidence of Australian citizenship. The form requires careful completion, with Section 1 detailing the applicant’s information and Questions 2 and 3 completed by a qualified identity certifier who has known the applicant for at least 12 months.

The endorsed passport photograph, signed by the certifier, forms an essential part of the verification process. Applicants should download the current form from the Department of Home Affairs website and ensure all details match their identification documents exactly.

For those applying for citizenship by conferral, Form 1195 is no longer required as of September 2024. Understanding which pathway applies to your situation determines whether this form needs to be completed. When in doubt, consulting a registered migration agent can provide clarity on specific requirements for your circumstances. The currency exchange context, such as fluctuations in the NOK to AUD – Current Rate and Historical Trends, illustrates how external economic factors can influence migration planning for those moving between Australia and Norway.

Frequently Asked Questions