The Australian citizenship pledge and ceremony

Checked 6 Oct 2026

The ceremony is where most new citizens become Australian, by saying the pledge out loud. Here are both versions of the pledge, word for word, and what to expect on the day.

In short

You become an Australian citizen when you say the pledge of commitment, usually at a ceremony run by your local council. You choose between two versions, with or without "under God". Bring your invitation and photo ID, dress formal or smart casual, and allow at least two hours.

The words of the pledge

Home Affairs publishes two versions. You choose which one to say.

Pledge 1
From this time forward, under God,
I pledge my loyalty to Australia and its people,
whose democratic beliefs I share,
whose rights and liberties I respect, and
whose laws I will uphold and obey.

Pledge 2
From this time forward,
I pledge my loyalty to Australia and its people,
whose democratic beliefs I share,
whose rights and liberties I respect, and
whose laws I will uphold and obey.

Each line points to something you study for the test: democratic beliefs, rights and liberties are Part 2 of Our Common Bond, and the law is Part 3. Making the pledge is a public commitment to Australia: you accept the responsibilities and privileges of citizenship.

Who goes to a ceremony

You need to attend a ceremony if you were 16 or older when you applied and do not have a permanent or enduring incapacity. You do not become a citizen until you have made the pledge.

Children under 16 included on your application become citizens at the same time as you. They do not have to make the pledge, but they are welcome to.

The invitation

After your application is approved, Home Affairs sends an invitation, usually about four weeks before the ceremony. It shows the date, time and place, which you cannot choose; local councils usually arrange ceremonies. It also says whether you can bring guests, and how many. Guests may have to sit apart from you.

On the day

Arrive and registerYour invitation says when to arrive, so you can register and find your seat. Allow at least two hours in total.
The ceremony, about an hourA formal introduction, speeches including a welcome message from the Minister, and an address to participants.
The pledgeThe presiding officer asks you to repeat the pledge out loud. You become an Australian citizen when you make it.
The anthem and your certificateThe ceremony ends with the national anthem. You should receive your citizenship certificate; if it is not ready, it is posted to you.

At the start, you may be welcomed by a representative of the local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander traditional owners, a Welcome to Country. Our Common Bond describes the ceremony on book page 5.

What to bring

Your invitation.
One form of photo ID: an Australian driver licence, a passport, or an official document with a photo. Documents not in English need official translations.
No photo ID? Bring at least 3 documents showing your name and address, such as bank statements, utility bills or credit card statements.
A holy book, if you want to make the pledge on one.

Children under 16 do not need photo ID.

What to wear

Formal or smart casual clothing, because it is an important occasion. National or cultural dress is welcome. For an outdoor ceremony, bring a hat and sunscreen. Your invitation may say more.

Photos

Family and friends can take photos during and after the ceremony, without disrupting others. Organisers and media may film and photograph the ceremony; if Home Affairs photographs you for promotion, it asks your permission first.

After the ceremony

You get an enrol-to-vote information sheet if you are 16 or over, and you can apply for an Australian passport (wait at least 10 days). Your certificate is an important legal document: keep it safe and never write on it. More on what happens after the test.

Not there yet?

Applicants aged 18 to 59 generally need to pass the citizenship test before they can be approved and invited. Practise the format for free: 20 questions in 45 minutes, every answer explained.

Take the full free test: 20 questions The test format

Sources

Department of Home Affairs: What is the pledge and Citizenship ceremony (updated 16 July 2026); Our Common Bond, testable section, pages 4 and 5. Read by us on 6 October 2026. Your invitation comes first.

Independent app, not affiliated with the Department of Home Affairs or the Australian Government. Found a mistake? Write to hello@calaustralia.com.

Common questions

What is the difference between pledge 1 and pledge 2?

Only two words. Pledge 1 includes "under God" and pledge 2 does not. The rest is the same, and you choose which one to say.

What should I wear to my citizenship ceremony?

Formal or smart casual clothing. You can wear national or cultural dress if you want. If the ceremony is outdoors, bring a hat and sunscreen. Your invitation may say more about the dress standard.

How long does a citizenship ceremony take?

Allow at least two hours. The ceremony itself may take about an hour; the rest is registration and finding your seat. Your invitation says when to arrive.

What do I bring to my citizenship ceremony?

Your invitation and one form of photo ID, such as an Australian driver licence, a passport or another official document with a photo. Without photo ID, bring at least 3 documents with your name and address, such as bank statements or utility bills.

Can I bring a holy book to the ceremony?

Yes. If you want to make the pledge on a holy book, bring one with you. You do not have to.

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