Family records and copy certificates

Family records

Would you like to know more about your ancestors?

Although some families are able to trace their ancestors through a number of generations the majority of people only have information about close relatives - grandparents, parents, uncles etc.

Herefordshire Registration Service has a record of every birth, death, marriage and civil partnership that has taken place in Herefordshire since 1st July 1837.

These events are recorded in registers which are kept by the local Superintendent Registrar who is responsible for ensuring that they are maintained correctly and that the indices (not the registers) are available for inspection by the public. Having been created in 1837 they provide a continuous record, area by area, for every part of England and Wales.

Please note that a Register Office only has the records of births, marriages and deaths for it's own area. For all other records you should seek advice from the General Register Office, the Register Office for the district in which the event took place, the local Record Office, your local library or see links to neighbouring authorities below.

The following are some points to aid you when carrying out any genealogical research at a Register Office. We hope you will find them helpful.

• Obtain as much information as possible from living members of the family. This may save you a deal of time and money. Try to obtain specific information of places of events and dates as well as names
• There are now many excellent books on the subject of family history research, a number of which will be available in your local library
• Courses are now widely available on the subject - check with your local college for details

Record Office

Your local Record Office will not only hold records of local significance but also national indexes and records. Ask for a leaflet from them to see what is available.

The Record Office in Hereford is situated in Harold Street, Hereford HR1 2QX
Tel: 01432 260750  

A large amount of local records for Herefordshire are available but please telephone first if you are thinking of visiting as appointments are necessary for certain types of research.

Family History Society

It may be worthwhile joining the Family History Society of the county or area in which you are concentrating your research.

For further information visit  Herefordshire Family History Society

Copy certificates

Frequently asked questions

• How do I order a copy of a birth, death, marriage or civil partnership certificate?
• What information is needed to order a certificate?
• How much will it cost?
• How long will it take?
• What is the difference between a standard and a short birth certificate?
• What if I am adopted?
• What if the record I would like relates to an event which occurred before 1837?

How do I order a copy of a birth, death, marriage or civil partnership certificate?

Herefordshire Registration Service has records of births, deaths, marriages and civil partnerships that have taken place in Herefordshire since 1st July 1837.
All completed registers are held in Hereford office. If you have any queries please contact us on tel no.01432 260565  or email registrars@herefordshire.gov.uk

Certified copies can be ordered

• Online - complete the application form and submit with your card payment details
• By debit or credit card over the telephone on 01432 260565
• In person - see opening times
• By post- print the application form and send it together with payment (cheque / postal order payable to Herefordshire Council) to Herefordshire Register Office, Town Hall, St Owen Street, Hereford HR1 2PJ

If the event took place outside Herefordshire you should apply to the register office for the district in which the event took place or to the General Register Office

Back to list of questions

What information is needed to order a certificate?

     

• Birth - Full name at birth. Date and place of birth. Parents names including mothers maiden name if applicable
• Death - Full name of the deceased, date and place of death
• Marriage-Full names of both parties at the time of the marriage, date and place of marriage
  

Back to list of questions

How much will it cost?

Visit the Registration service fees page for details

Back to list of questions

How long will it take?

• Standard Service - Posted by 1st class post or available for collection within 5 working days of receiving the application
• Priority Service - Posted by 1st class post or available for collection on the day the application is received

Back to list of questions

What is the difference between a standard and a short birth certificate?

• A standard birth certificate contains all the information recorded in the original birth register including mother and father's details where recorded
• A short birth certificate contains full name, date of birth and registration district

The short birth certificate is no longer accepted for many official purposes such as passport applications, driving licence applications or job applications. We strongly recommend purchasing a full birth certificate which will be accepted by all companies requiring it for identification purposes

Back to list of questions

What if I am adopted?

If you require a copy of your adopted birth certificate you will need to apply to the General Register Office in Southport

Back to list of questions

What if the record I would like relates to an event which occurred before 1837?

Events before the 1st July 1837 may have been recorded in Church baptismal, marriage and burial registers. Hereford Record Office holds many local parish records and there are some other useful contacts on Herefordshire Family History website.

Back to list of questions

Links to neighbouring authorities:

• Gloucestershire
• Monmouthshire
• Powys
• Shropshire
• Worcestershire