Ordering Birth, Death, Marriage and Civil Partnership Certificates

Update: 21 March 2023

Please note this is not a priority service and we are unable to fast track any orders at this time.  Certificate requests are dealt with in date order and are currently taking around 20 working days to process due to the continued high demand for this service.

If you require your certificate urgently you may wish to check with other local registration offices who may be able to offer a priority service and provide your certificate quicker. Please visit Directory of Registrars in Scotland for contact details.

Please note when selecting the first class postage option this does not imply that your order will be despatched first class on the same day of your order date.   Your certificate will be despatched first class once your order has been completed.

If you are requesting a copy of a birth certificate for a passport application please do not make a passport appointment until the certificate is received.

Replacement Certificates are only available via our certificates online ordering service. Please do not attend the office in person as you will not be seen and will only be directed to our Certificates Online Site to place your order.

Please allow for sufficient delivery by Royal Mail and do not email to check the progress of your request, unless over the minimum 20 working day processing timeframe.

Thank you for your continued patience and support

What is it?

You can order replacement Birth, Death, Marriage or Civil Partnership certificates for events registered in Scotland. 

To order online please click on the appropriate link.

What certificates can I order online?

You can order certificates for any birth, death and marriage registered in Scotland from 1855 to the present date, and civil partnerships registered in Scotland from 2004 to the present date.

Please note that certificates may not be available if the event was registered out with Glasgow, within the last 2 years.

Can I only order my own birth certificate?

No, you can order any birth, death, marriage or civil partnership certificate as long as you are able to provide all the details required on the online application form.

What information do I need to apply for a certificate?

When you apply you need to provide:-

• Your full name and address.
• A contact email address/phone number.
• Valid credit/debit card details.
• Details of the event you are applying for; birth, death, marriage or civil partnership.

How much does an extract cost?

The fee for an extract is £15.00 plus postage. Subsequent extracts of the same entry, ordered at the same time, cost £10.00 each.

How will my payment be taken?

Once you have clicked on the checkout button you will be redirected to WorldPay which is a secure site that will process your card transaction.

Which payment cards can I use?

You can use any of the following:

Will I receive a receipt?

You will receive an email confirming your transaction with your unique reference.

How will the transaction appear on my bank or credit card statement?

Glasgow City Council.

When will my certificate be dispatched?

Your certificate should be dispatched within 20 working days of us receiving and completing your order.

Please note when selecting the first class postage option this does not imply that your order will be despatched first class on the same day of your order date.   Your certificate will be despatched first class once your order has been completed.

How will my certificate be delivered?

You can select your preferred method of postage, which can either be Royal Mail First Class post or Recorded Delivery.

Orders for overseas customers will be sent by airmail.

What should I do if I have not received my certificate?

Please allow at least 25 working days from the order date before you contact us, or 35 working days if you live overseas.

If you still haven't received your certificate after this time, please contact us at genreg@glasgow.gov.uk  to enquire about your order.

Can I get a refund?

If we are unable to provide the certificate you requested we will refund the card that you paid with. An email will be sent confirming the reason why you are being refunded.

Once the transaction has been processed (for all certificates that we are able to provide), we will not be able to offer a refund.

Requesting certificates for recent events

Certificates for events registered out with Glasgow in the last 2 years may not available.

These certificates must be obtained directly from the district where the event was registered.

What certificates cannot be ordered from us?

• A certificate from the Adopted Children's Register in Scotland.  For more information please visit   NRS - Ordering Certificates.
• A certificate for an event taking place in England and Wales. For more information please visit.GRO - England and Wales
• A certificate for an event which occurred in Northern Ireland.For more information please visit GRO - Northern Ireland
• A certificate for an event which occurred within the last 2 years must be obtained from the Registrar in the District where the event was registered.  For a list of registration offices in Scotland please visit NRS - Registrar's Contact List.
• A certificate for an event which is registered outwith the United Kingdom, please contact the relevant authorities in that Country