Ordering a birth certificate
To issue a birth certificate, we require the following information:
- full birth name (including all middle names)
- date of birth
- place of birth (for example, the name of the hospital)
- mother’s full name at the time of birth
- mother’s maiden name (if married when the child was born)
- father’s full name at the time of birth (if recorded in the birth register)
If any of the required details are missing, we may not be able to locate the correct entry, which could result in delays.
Fees and Processing Times
Standard Service:
- £12.50 per certificate
- certificates are issued within 15 working days of your order and then posted to you
Priority Service:
- £38.50 per certificate.
- certificates are issued within 1 working day. You can collect in person or have it posted to you.
Postage and Responsibility
Once posted, the Registration Service is not responsible for lost certificates. If a certificate is lost in the post, you will need to pay the statutory fee again for a replacement.
Whilst the statutory fees include second class standard postage, we strongly recommend you upgrade your postage to Royal Mail Signed For delivery. This ensures secure delivery and provides tracking information. You are given different options for postage on the ordering form.
If you suspect your certificate has gone missing in the post and have opted for second class standard postage, please only contact the register office after 25 working days after ordering a standard certificate or 10 working days for priority certificates. The register office will confirm the postage date to you.
Where you have upgraded your postage to a signed for option and you suspect your certificate has gone missing in the post, please contact our office for tracking details and postage date confirmation after 20 days from ordering a standard certificate or 5 working days after ordering a priority certificate.
Ordering a birth certificate
Please click on the link below to place your certificate order online
