Can you look up birth certificate online

You can order birth, adoption, marriage, civil partnership and death certificates from the General Register Office (GRO) to help you research your family history and family tree.

GRO has all the records registered in England and Wales from July 1837. You’ll need to look at parish records to trace back further.

It also has some other records, starting at a later date, for example for civil partnerships and adopted children. You can check which records are held by the GRO.

How to order a certificate

You can order a copy of a birth, adoption, marriage, civil partnership and death certificate from GRO.

All births, adoptions, marriages, civil partnerships and deaths registered in England or Wales have a GRO index reference number.

Find index reference numbers online

You can:

  • search the GRO online Index of historic births (1837 to 1916) and deaths (1837 to 1957)
  • view index reference numbers for free on the FreeBMD website

Commercial companies also have the index reference numbers online, but you’ll have to pay to search them and prices will vary.

Find index reference numbers in person

You can also search for free at:

  • the Library of Birmingham
  • Bridgend Local and Family History Centre
  • the City of Westminster Archives Centre
  • Manchester Central Library
  • Newcastle City Library
  • Plymouth Central Library
  • The British Library (you’ll need to register first)

These are the only complete copies of the full sets of index reference numbers. They’re on microfiche.

Some of the index reference numbers are available at local libraries, archives and other locations.

Overseas records

GRO has records of births, marriages and deaths of some British citizens that have taken place abroad since the late 18th century.

These include births, marriages or deaths:

  • registered by the armed forces
  • recorded by British consulates or high commissions
  • at sea, or on British oil or gas rigs or aircraft

Divorce or civil partnership dissolution records

For copies of a decree absolute or final order of the dissolution of a civil partnership, you’ll need to contact either:

  • the court where the divorce or dissolution was granted
  • the Principal Registry of the Family Division

Principal Registry of the Family Division
First Avenue House
42-49 High Holborn
London
WC1V 6NP

Further information

You can also search local archives and the National Archives to help research your family history.

The GRO’s guides to researching your family tree include details of the information you’ll find on certificates, and what to do if you cannot find a certificate.

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  • Texas Vital Records

Vital records document life events such as birth, death, marriage, and divorce. To order records online, you’ll need to have a valid ID, complete an online application, and pay a fee.  

Find vital record services and information

Our state agencies can help you get the vital records you need.

Vital record request and change permissions

Only you, your immediate family members, and certain individuals with legal authority can request your vital records. 

Get copies or change a record

Birth certificates

A birth certificate is a certified copy of a birth record. Order a copy by: Providing valid identification, Filling out an application, and Paying a fee.

Order birth certificates online

Death certificates

Order a copy of a death certificate by providing a valid ID, filling out an application online, by mail or in-person, and paying a fee.

Order death certificates online

Verification letters

A verification letter indicates if a birth or death is on file in Texas. The record, if available, will include the name, date of birth or death, and county of birth or death.

Order birth or death verification letters

Payments

Payment methods vary based on order request (online, by mail or in-person). Acceptable forms of payment include: Check or cashier's check, Money order, and Credit or debit card.

Learn how to order certificates

Delayed birth certificate registration

If a birth happened in Texas and it wasn’t registered within the first year, you can ask for a delayed birth certificate.  

Register a delayed birth certificate

Vital record request and change permissions

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Birth certificates

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Death certificates

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Verification letters

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ID requirements

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Delayed birth certificate registration

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Learn how our agencies can help you

Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS)

  • Birth and death certificates and verifications
  • Marriage and divorce verifications
  • Disinterment permits and heirloom certificates

Are Michigan birth records public?

Birth records are not public and may ONLY be requested by the individual on the record, a parent who is named on the record, or a legal guardian/representative.

Are Florida birth records public?

Remarks: Florida birth records less than 100 years old are confidential by law. The Bureau of Vital Statistics has limited birth records dating back to 1850. The majority of records date from 1917.

Are Pennsylvania birth records public?

DVR maintains birth and death records registered in Pennsylvania from 1906 to the present. Legislation allows public access to birth and death records after a fixed amount of time has passed.

Are birth records public in New York?

Restrictions. Birth records can only be released to the person themselves once they are 18 years old, a parent listed on the birth record, a lawful representative or by court order. Birth records are not public records and New York State Public Health law protects their confidential nature.