Replacement certificates

If you need a replacement certificate or are researching your family tree, Suffolk Registration Services can provide you with a certified copy of the original entry.


Which office do I contact to obtain a replacement certificate?

For births, deaths and marriages before November 2010, you will need to contact the office where the event was registered. For example, if you need a replacement birth certificate and you were born in Saxmundham, then you will need to contact the Deben Registration Office at Woodbridge.

Contact Suffolk Registration Offices.

Back to top

How can I apply for a replacement certificate? 

1) In person at the Registration Office - An application form can be completed in reception. To save time at the office you can download an application form here.

You can pay in cash, by cheque or postal order (made payble to Suffolk County Council) or by debit/credit card
If you would like the certificate posted to you a postage and packing fee will be charged.  Certifcates are mailed at customers own risk - we are unable to accept responsbility for items which go astray in the post.

2) By post

Either download an application form (above) or write a short letter which should include the date and place of the birth, death or marriage and the full name(s) of the people concerned. Send this with your remittance to the Registration Office. Please also include a stamped addressed envelope or the relevant postage and packing fee with your payment.
payment for postal applications can only be accepted by cheque or postal order made payable to 'Suffolk County Council'

3) By telephone using a debit or credit card

Telephone the register office during their opening hours and pay using your debit or credit card.  A Postage and Packing fee will be charged.

Back to top

 

Do I need to show any identification to obtain a replacement certificate?

No, you do not.

Back to top

How long will it take?

We offer three levels of service:-

  • Standard service - the certificate will be dispatched or be available for collection within 5 working days.
  • Express service - the certificate will be dispatched or available for collection by the end of the next working day. An additional £10 fee applies (including P&P) for this service.
  • Premium service - the certificate will be dispatched or available for collection the same working day. An additional £20 fee (including P&P) applies for this service.

Please note that we cannot accept responsibility for certificates which are lost or mislaid within the postal system.

Back to top

How much will it cost?

Standard Service

A full replacement certificate usually costs £9.00. Short birth certificates are also £9.00. (Short birth certificates do not show any parentage information)

If you require a replacement birth certificate for a passport application please note that the Passport Office will only accept a Full certificate.

If the Birth, Death or Marriage is recent the cost is usually £7.00. To confirm this please check with your local Registration Office.


Express Service

An additional £10.00 fee (including P&P) applies to the above prices.

Premium Service
An additional £20 fee (including P&P) applies to the above prices. 
Postage and Packing

Uk 50p
EU £1
All other locations £2

Alternatively please include a stamped addressed envelope with your application.

Please make cheques or postal orders payable to 'Suffolk County Council'


Back to top


I married in a church - can I get a replacement marriage certificate from the Registration Office?

Possibly - it depends on how long ago you married and how many marriages there have been at the church since your wedding. Contact the local Registration Office for advice or alternatively email registrars@suffolk.gov.uk

Back to top


What are the procedures for applications from overseas?

Applications from our overseas customers are welcome either by post or by telephone.

Back to top


How do I obtain a copy of a certificate for a birth, death or marriage which did not occur in Suffolk?

You will need to contact the office responsible for the area in which the event occurred. If you are unsure which office to contact then you can either contact any Suffolk Registration Office for advice, email registrars@suffolk.gov.uk or alternatively you may telephone the Certificate Services Department at The General Register Office for assistance on 0300 123 1837

Back to top