Birth, marriage and death certificates are official records of life events. They are important for proving identity, resolving legal matters, or researching your family history.
Civil registration began in:
- 1837 in England and Wales
- 1855 in Scotland
- 1864 in Northern Ireland
Before these dates, records were kept by churches.
These certificates include names, dates and places. They may also list parents’ names, occupations, and other useful details.
You can access most records online or order copies from official services like the General Register Office (GRO), Scotland’s People, or GRONI. Some websites charge a fee.
There are privacy rules. You can usually only access:
- birth records over 100 years old
- marriage records over 75 years old
- death records over 50 years old
Why use this guide
This guide explains how to:
- find the right records
- use online and local resources
- understand what’s included in each certificate
- avoid common research mistakes
Whether you’re starting a family tree or looking for proof of a life event, this guide will help you take the next step.
What civil registration records include
Birth certificates
- Full name of the child
- Date and place of birth
- Parents’ names
- Parents’ occupations (in most cases)
Marriage certificates
- Full names of both people
- Date and place of marriage
- Ages and marital status
- Occupations
- Fathers’ names and occupations
- Names of witnesses
Death certificates
- Full name of the person who died
- Date and place of death
- Age and cause of death
- Occupation
- Informant details (in some cases)
Where to find records
England and Wales
Civil registration began in 1837. These records are held by the General Register Office (GRO). You can search the GRO index online or contact your local register office.
Scotland
Scottish records began in 1855. They are managed by the National Records of Scotland and available on the Scotland’s People website.
Northern Ireland
Northern Ireland records are held by the General Register Office for Northern Ireland (GRONI). Civil registration started in 1864 (for births and deaths) and in 1845 for non-Catholic marriages.
Visit nidirect.gov.uk/gro to search or order certificates.
How to order certificates
You can order official copies online from:
- the General Register Office for England and Wales
- Scotland’s People for Scottish records
- GRONI for Northern Ireland records
Standard copies usually cost £11 in England and Wales. Costs and services vary in Scotland and Northern Ireland.
Before you start searching
To save time, gather the following details:
- Full names (including any known spelling variations)
- Approximate date of the event
- Place where the event happened
- Parents’ names, if known
Be aware that older records may include spelling mistakes or handwritten entries. Use census data or parish records to help fill in missing details.
Useful tools and websites
You can search for records using:
- FreeBMD – free searches for England and Wales
- Ancestry (£) – records across the UK
- Findmypast (£)
- Scotland’s People – official records for Scotland
- GRONI – Northern Ireland records
If you’re looking for earlier records
Before civil registration, churches kept records of baptisms, marriages, and burials. These parish registers are stored in local archives or county record offices.
To help locate them, use:
- English Jurisdictions 1851 on FamilySearch
- The Phillimore Atlas and Index of Parish Registers
Frequently asked questions
When did civil registration start in the UK?
England and Wales: 1837
Scotland: 1855
Northern Ireland: 1864 (marriages from 1845)
Where can I access UK certificates online?
Use the GRO, Scotland’s People, or GRONI. Genealogy websites also help.
Can I access recent records?
Yes, if they meet the access rules:
- Births over 100 years old
- Marriages over 75 years old
- Deaths over 50 years old
What if I can’t find a certificate?
Try local archives or parish registers.
How do I deal with name spelling issues?
Check for alternative spellings and cross-reference with other records like census data.
Do I need to pay?
Yes, most official copies have a cost. FreeBMD and FamilySearch offer free search options.