Can siblings share supporting records?
The DFA says siblings resident in the same country may send separate applications together and share supporting papers, with a covering letter explaining which records apply to both.
Document checklist
Foreign Birth Registration Documents Checklist
A standard adult FBR application through an Irish-born grandparent needs documents for three people: the applicant, the connecting parent and the Irish-born grandparent. Exact requirements vary by route and by life events, so use the current DFA list and build the checklist around your own family line.
Reviewed 30 August 2026 against current Department of Foreign Affairs guidance.
At a glance
- Applicant
- Form, civil records, ID, address proofs and photos
- Parent
- Birth plus marriage/name and ID/death evidence
- Grandparent
- Irish birth plus marriage/name and ID/death evidence
- General rule
- Original civil records unless DFA says copy
- Before applying
- Gather the complete set first
Applicant documents
- Completed, signed and witnessed online application form.
- Original civil birth certificate showing parental details.
- Marriage certificate or other change-of-name evidence if applicable.
- Current state photo ID copy certified by the application witness.
- Two separate original proofs of address.
- Four colour photographs, with two signed and dated by the witness.
Connecting parent documents
- Original civil birth certificate showing parental details.
- Marriage certificate or other name-change evidence if applicable.
- Certified copy of current state photo ID, or original civil death certificate if applicable.
- The relevant Irish naturalisation or FBR certificate where the route depends on it.
Irish-born grandparent documents
- Original long-form Irish civil birth certificate showing parental details.
- Marriage or name-change evidence if applicable.
- Certified current state photo ID copy, or an original civil death certificate if applicable.
Quality check before printing
- Names and dates connect cleanly across every generation.
- Any difference in surname or spelling has supporting evidence.
- The witness is eligible, personally knows the applicant and uses the same details across the form, ID copy and photos.
- Nothing is attached to the application form contrary to the printed instructions.
- You retain scans and recorded-post tracking details for your own records.
Common questions
Will original certificates be returned?
The DFA says original certificates are returned by recorded mail at the end of processing.
Official source
Requirements can change. Confirm the final checklist on the Department of Foreign Affairs website before submitting.
Read current DFA guidance