We have put together this helpful Guide to ordering a Birth Certificate in the UK to help with the questions you may have.

If you need to order a birth certificate in the UK, you can purchase either a short extract or a full-length version. Many departments also callthe long version of your birth certificate the ‘official’ version. It contains the most details about the birth.

The UK Government is phasing out short certificates and the long full version will be the only document available in the near future. You may need a certified copy of your birth certificate for certain purposes, such as applying for a passport or when you marry. When ordering a birth certificate replacement fees are payable at the time of placing your order.