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 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.
- Apply for a copy birth certificate (in the application form, you can choose a full or a short certificate; the fee is the same. For a first British passport, and most other purposes, you'll need a full birth certificate)
- Apply for a copy death certificate
- Apply for a copy marriage certificate
- Apply for a copy civil partnership certificate
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 £38.50 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 1924; death certificates and marriage certificates before 1949, or
- The Register Office in Heron House for birth certificates from 1924 to the present date; death certificates and marriage certificates from 1949 to the present date, and civil partnership certificates.
Standard Service
Total cost: £12.50
We aim to process applications in 15 working days
Certificates will be posted second class.
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
For certificates applied for online or by post:
There are two 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: £38.50. 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.
- Option 2: £45.50. 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. For overseas applicants certificates will be sent by Royal Mail International Signed.
How to pay
You can pay by:
- cheque or postal order (made payable to Manchester City Council)
- credit/debit card (required for online purchases)