Copy certificates

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The registration of births, marriages and deaths in England and Wales began on 1 July 1837. If you know the area where the event took place, you need to apply to the Superintendent Registrar, who is responsible for the original records belonging to the district. The Superintendent Registrar will give you a certified copy of that entry.

There are 3 different charges for this service depending on how quickly the certificate is required, see Fees for more information.

The county Superintendent Registrar has custody of registers that record births, marriages, civil partnerships and deaths occurring in Wiltshire and registers are located at the Wiltshire & Swindon History Centre. Only certificates for events which took place within Wiltshire can be supplied.

If you wish to obtain a copy certificate for a birth, marriage or death that was registered in Wiltshire (excluding Swindon) you can apply by post or in person.

You can apply in person at the Wiltshire & Swindon History Centre, Tuesday - Friday between 9.30am and 4pm. If you are posting your application, don't forget to include the relevant fee. We aim to dispatch your order within five working days provided you supply the required information and correct payment. You may arrange to collect your certificate during the times stated above. It is possible to order and wait for a certificate as long as all the relevant information is provided. Please note this service cannot be provided on Mondays but is available from 9.30 a.m.- 2.00 p.m. Tuesday - Friday only.

Services available

Information can only be released in the form of a certificate which is available within five working days.

If the entry is not found a full refund is made.

You will need to let us know:

• the type of certificate you are seeking (birth, marriage, death or civil partnership)
• the name or names the certificate applies to
• the date of the event
• the place of the event
• any other relevant information that may help us to locate the certificate

Payment

Information can only be released in the form of a certificate.

Applications should be accompanied by a cheque or postal order payable to Wiltshire Council. Credit/debit card payment can also be accepted.

The express service guarantees the issue and despatch of your certificate within 24 hours of receipt.

Please see the fees page for more information.

Related information

• Registration service office locations and opening times

Last updated: 4 January 2012