Order a copy of a birth certificate
Order certificates for births registered in England and Wales from the General Register Office (GRO); Scotland and Northern Ireland have their own services.
Cost: £12.50 standard; £38.50 priority (reference)
Time: Sent 4 days after applying with index reference; 15 working days without
What you need
- Details of the person: full name, date and place of birth
- The GRO index reference number, if you have it
- A debit or credit card
Step by step
- Register on the GRO website (about 10 minutes)
- Search for the record or enter the GRO index reference
- Choose standard or priority service and pay
- Receive the certificate by post (it can be sent straight to HM Passport Office)
Where to apply
Tips to get it right the first time
- Without an index reference, a search costs £3.50 extra and takes longer.
- Priority orders placed by 4pm are sent the next working day.
Save the checklist in the app and tick items off as you gather them.
Reviewed on October 19, 2026 · source: gov.uk. Requirements and costs are for reference and may change without notice: confirm them with the official source before you go. We are not affiliated with any institution.