Always order the full version
Most countries want the full, or long-form, birth certificate, which shows the parents’ names. A short certificate only shows the person’s own details and won’t be accepted. Research copies and photocopies aren’t accepted either: you need a certified copy from the register office.
Where to order
| Where it happened | Order from | Records from | Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| England and Wales | General Register Office | 1837 | £12.50 £38.50 priority |
| Scotland | ScotlandsPeople | 1855 | £12 £10 each extra copy; priority costs more |
| Northern Ireland | GRONI (nidirect) | 1864 (some marriages 1845) | £15 £20 priority |
| Republic of Ireland | General Register Office (via the HSE) | 1864 (some marriages 1845) | €20 +€5 postage abroad |
| United States | The state’s vital records office. The CDC lists every one | Varies by state | Varies |
| Canada | The province or territory’s vital statistics office | Varies | Varies |
| Australia | The state or territory’s births, deaths and marriages registry | Varies | Varies |
| New Zealand | Births, Deaths and Marriages, Department of Internal Affairs | Varies | Varies |
Northern Ireland births from 1864 to 1921 can be ordered from either Belfast or Dublin.
Tips
- England and Wales: with the GRO index reference, the standard certificate is mailed on the 4th working day after you apply. Without it, it costs £16 online and is mailed on the 15th working day. The online index is free to search.
- Ireland: order the full standard certificate. The €5 research photocopies aren’t certified and won’t do.
- Names: ask for the certificate exactly as the name was registered. Note every spelling you find, because older records often differ.
- Plan for apostilles: if your country wants them, order certificates early. In the UK the apostille alone can take up to 25 working days. See apostilles and translations.
- Records in the ancestor’s country come from local offices, such as an Italian town hall or a German Standesamt. Each country guide says where.