Information for adopted people

Introduction

The Adopted Children Register is kept by the Registrar General and contains a record of every person who has been adopted through a court in England and Wales.

Adoption certificates

The adoption certificate is the one that will be required for all legal purposes such as applying for a passport or driving licence. This will be issued in the name given after the adoption.

Online applications

Its quick and easy to order an adoption certificate online. Standard applications are normally processed within 5 working days and priority applications are posted out the next working day.

Postal applications

To apply for a certificate from the Adopted Children Register by post you should write or telephone Adoptions Section at the address below for an application form and information about the statutory fees payable.

Applications are normally processed within 5 working days.

Applications by telephone

You may apply for certificates be telephoning the GRO Contact Centre on 0300 123 1837 Applications will only be accepted by credit card (Access, Visa or MasterCard) or by debit card (Switch or Delta). Applications are normally processed within 5 days.

Priority applications

It is possible to obtain a certificate upon payment of a priority fee for applications. This will guarantee the certificate will be processed within 1 working day.