Order a certificate

Please read this information before ordering your certificate

Southampton Registration Services are only able to supply certificates for births, deaths, marriages or civil partnerships that took place within the Southampton City Boundary since 1 July 1837. This is essentially if the event took place in postcode areas SO14-SO19. However, there are some exceptions due to boundary changes, so please check with the local authority to find which area where you should apply to or refer to Find a Register Office. 

If the event occurred outside of this region, you will need to apply directly to the relevant area. For example, neighbouring areas, such as Hythe, the New Forest, Totton or Eastleigh, fall under the control of the Hampshire Registration Service.

If you are unsure which area the birth, marriage, death or civil partnership took place in, a free online index service such as BMD or Find My Past may be able to help you.

Adoptions

If you were adopted and require a certificate for current identification purposes, such as passport applications or employment, apply to the General Register Office in Southport.

However, if you require a copy of your original birth certificate, and were adopted before 12 November 1975, you will first need to attend a counselling session with an approved adoption advisor.

Useful links

Official information on births, marriages and deaths - General Register Office

Other services of interest

Family history at the library and archives
How to apply for a passport