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:
- £12.50 - sent second class
- £15.50 - sent by signed for post
Certificates will be issued within 5 working days from when you order is received.
Express service
Our express service costs:
- £38.50 - sent first class
- £41.50 - sent by signed for post
Certificates will be issued within 1 working day from when your order is received.
Delivery outside of the UK costs an extra £3
Historical certificates
In cases where historical entries are requested, it can take us up to 2 working days to locate the entry and process your 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.
Certificates we hold due to boundary changes
We can provide certificates for events in Fordingbridge and Ringwood from 6 October 1932 to 30 March 1974.
For births, deaths, and hotel ceremonies in Christchurch from 1 April 1997 to 31 March 2019, contact Dorset Register Office.
To find the entry, provide the names, dates, and locations of the event. If unsure of the year, give an approximate year, and we will search two years either side.
If you lack full details, you can use various free online search tools to find the information.
Contact details for Bournemouth and Christchurch
Telephone: 01202 123 777
Details for Poole
Telephone: 01202 123 232
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.