Buy a copy certificate
If you can give us enough information to identify the record in our indexes, you can buy a copy of the certificate. We don't need to see any identification.
For each type of certificate you'll need the following details:
- birth - name on the certificate, date of birth, place of birth (address or hospital name) and one or both parent’s names.
- death - the deceased's name, date of death and place of death.
- marriage - name of both parties, date of marriage and specific place of marriage (i.e. venue, church name etc.).
- civil partnership - name of both parties, date and place of civil partnership. If you want the standard certificate (not just the extract) you must also provide the partners’ full addresses.
See what you need for other family history certificate applications
How to apply
You can apply for a copy certificate online, in person at the Register Office or by post. Make sure you have everything you need before you apply.
Online
It's quick and easy to apply for a copy certificate online.
In Person
You can attend the Register Office in person to apply for a copy certificate. If you do so, you will need to complete an application form upon arrival and make payment. Payment should be made by credit or debit card where possible, if paying by cash please make sure you have the correct money. You can choose either the Standard Service or Priority Service (details below). If you choose the Priority Service the cost is £40.50 (including a £2 non-refundable search fee) and the certificate will usually be ready within 1 hour, although occasionally it may take longer.
By Post
Download an application form and then post it to either:
- Central Library for birth certificates before 1925; death certificates and marriage certificates before 1950, or
- The Register Office in Heron House for birth certificates from 1925 to the present date; death certificates and marriage certificates from 1950 to the present date, and civil partnership certificates.
Standard Service
Total cost: £14.50 (including a £2 non-refundable search fee)
We aim to process applications in 15 working days
Certificates will be posted Royal Mail Second Class. If you wish to have the certificate sent to you via Airmail there is an additional £3.50 charge.
Please don’t contact us to check where your certificate is until 4 weeks after you applied.
Our Priority Service should be used if you need your certificate more quickly.
Priority Service
We will process your online or postal application the same working day if it is received before 12pm, or the next working day if it received after 12pm.
There are three postage options available. Option 2 is currently only available for records held at the Manchester Register Office. (Birth certificates from 1924 to the present date; death certificates and marriage certificates from 1949 to the present date; civil partnership certificates.)
- Option 1: £40.50 We’ll send your certificate within 24 working hours of receiving your application by first class post. (For guaranteed next day delivery Option 2 is recommended). This price includes a £2 non-refundable search fee.
- Option 2: £49.50 We’ll send your certificate within 24 working hours of receiving your application by Royal Mail Special Delivery Guaranteed by 1pm next working day to the UK mainland. This option includes tracking and signature on delivery online or via your mobile.
- Option 3: £44.00 We'll send your certificate overseas via Royal Mail Standard Airmail (untracked).
Search Fee
From Tuesday 8th October 2024 there will be a non-refundable £2 search fee included in the price of all certificates ordered.
If we cannot locate a registration that matches the information you provide us with, we will retain £2 of the price you have paid for the certificate, and you will receive a refund for the remainder.
The search fee does not apply to any certificate that is issued at the time of the registration.
Please check that the information you provide us with when you apply for a certificate is accurate to avoid unnecessary costs.
How to pay
You can pay by:
- cheque or postal order (made payable to Manchester City Council)
- credit/debit card (required for online purchases)
- cash