Order Certificates
Search for overseas records
Order and buy certificates
What information do I need to supply?
The minimum information required for a search to be carried out is:
- full names
- place and approximate date of event
If you don’t know where the event took place, then put in ‘unknown’ and a search will then be made throughout the overseas indexes. Unfortunately, if you do not know the exact location of the event, we may not be able to narrow down the search to just one entry. If you are uncertain about the year in which the event took place, then just put in your best estimate.
Check the costs and delivery options
for costs see Certificate fees for overseas events
for details of our priority service, see Delivery
How to apply and pay
You can apply for a certificate in the following ways:
Online
You can order and pay for your certificates online.
By telephone
We accept phone orders using Visa, Visa Electron, Mastercard, Maestro, Solo or Delta. Please call +44 (0)845 603 7788 and have your details to hand.
Our lines are open:
Monday to Friday 8am – 8pm (excluding Bank Holidays)
Saturday 9am – 4pm
Please also have your credit or debit card ready.
By post
GRO has recently introduced application forms, which have been designed and developed to be electronically scanned direct into our new application database, rather than having to be individually input.
From the 1 January 2009, applications will only be accepted on the new style forms, which must be completed in full and returned by post to the General Register Office, together with the correct payment either by cheque, postal order, or credit card. Please note - These forms must not be faxed or photocopied. The original form must be returned to the General Register Office.
If you wish to obtain a birth, marriage or death application form, please email your request to overseas.gro@ons.gsi.gov.uk, stating which type of application form you require and how many copies. Please include your name and address.
Overseas Section
General Register Office
Smedley Hydro
Trafalgar Road
Birkdale
Southport
Merseyside
PR8 2HH
Please do not send cash.
Payments by credit or debit card
Visa, Visa Electron, Mastercard, Maestro, Solo or Delta are all accepted. Please don't forget to include your credit or debit card number, the expiry date and the three-digit security code on the rear of your card.
Payments by cheque
Make cheques and postal orders payable to 'IPS' (Identity and Passport Service).
Payments from abroad
Payment by international bankers draft should be made payable to 'IPS' and expressed in sterling. The draft must bear the name and address of a clearing bank in the UK.
