Get a copy of a certificate

If the event happened in our area, you can order a copy of a certificate online.

If you are unable to complete the online form, you can purchase copies of certificates by telephoning the register office where the event took place.

Standard service

Our standard service costs £11, and certificates will be issued within 5 working days from the point of order and sent by second class post.

Please note certificates are legal accountable documents and we would, where possible, recommend you collect your certificate in person. We cannot accept liability for any certificates lost in the post.

Alternatively, there is an option to have your certificate sent using the Royal Mail Signed For service.

Express service

Our express service costs £35, and certificates will be issued within 1 working day from the point of order and sent by first class post.

Please note that in cases where historical entries are requested, it can take up to 2 working days to locate the entry and process the orders.

Certificates are usually posted no later than next working day.

For express certificate collections, orders need to be received no later than 1pm for collection between 2-4pm on the same day.

For events that happened outside of Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole

If you need a certificate for a registration that occurred outside of the Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole area, please contact the register office for the district where the event took place.

Alternatively you can contact the General Register Office.

Adoption certificates

Records of adoption in England and Wales since 1 January 1927 are kept by the Registrar General.

A standard certificate is a full copy of the entry in the Adopted Children Register which, instead of details of parentage and birth registration, gives the date of birth (if known) and particulars of the adoption and adoptive parents.

A short certificate shows only the name and has no reference to adoption.

Applications for Adoption Certificates should be made in writing to:

Adoptions section
Room C202
General Register Office
Trafalgar Road
Southport
PR8 2HH

Alternatively, you can call them on 0300 123 1837.

Request a baby loss certificate

If your pregnancy ends before 24 weeks, you can get a certificate in memory of your baby. For further information and to order your free certificate, please visit GOV.UK.