Apply for a copy certificate
There are many ways to apply for a copy certificate. Make sure you have everything you need before you apply.
As we have to implement some statutory price changes for copy certificates, the online service for buying copy certificates is currently only available for birth and death certificates. We apologise for any inconvenience caused. We will get the online application forms for marriage and civil partnership certificates back online as soon as we can.
You can still buy marriage and civil partnership certificates in person, or by post.
If you need to order a marriage or civil partnership certificate, using our Priority Service, while the online service is down, and are unable to come into the office during our opening hours, email: registeroffice@manchester.gov.uk. Include Priority Service application in the subject of your email, provide the details of the certificate(s) that you wish to order, and include a daytime contact number.
Online (birth and death certificates only)
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
By post or in person (birth, death, marriage and civil partnership certificates)
If you want to apply by post or in person, you can download an application form and then either post it to or go in person to:
- Central Library for birth certificates before 1918; death certificates and marriage certificates before 1943
or - The Register Office in Heron House for birth certificates from 1918 to the present date; death certificates and marriage certificates from 1943 to the present date; civil partnership certificates.
Standard Service
Total cost: £11
As of 17 February 2019 the processing time for the Standard Service has changed.
If applying in person, certificates will be available for collection after 15 working days, or will be posted out within a maximum of 15 working days.
If applying online or by post we aim to process your application within a maximum of 15 working days.
It will usually take less than 15 days to process Standard Service certificates, but this cannot be guaranteed. Certificates will be posted out second class.
Priority Service
In person
From 17 February a new statutory fee has been introduced for this service
Total cost: £35
Priority service applications must be received by 3pm for them to be processed the same day, and the certificate will be available the same day, usually within an hour.
Online or by Post
From 17 February a new statutory fee has been introduced for this service, and there two postage options available.
Option 1:
For £35 - We will send your certificate within 24 working hours of receiving your application. Applications received after 3pm will not be processed until the next working day. The certificate will be sent by first class post. (Although Royal Mail aim to deliver 93% of first class mail the next working day after posting, they are unable to provide a guaranteed service. For guaranteed next day delivery they recommend Special Delivery Guaranteed - see Option 2)
Option 2: This service is currently only available for records held at the Manchester Register Office. (Birth certificates from 1918 to the present date; death certificates and marriage certificates from 1943 to the present date; civil partnership certificates.)
For £42 - We will send your certificate within 24 working hours of receiving your application. Applications received after 3pm will not be processed until the next working day. The certificate will be sent by Royal Mail Special Delivery Guaranteed by 1pm (next working day delivery) to the UK mainland. Royal mail provide a money back guarantee if your item doesn't arrive on time, and end to end tracking and signature on delivery online or via your mobile. For overseas applicants certificates will be sent by Royal Mail International Signed. Royal Mail aim to deliver to Europe within 3-5 working days and worldwide within 5-7 working days.
How to pay
You can pay by:
- cash
- cheque or postal order (made payable to Manchester City Council)
- credit/debit card (required for online purchases)