Purchase of Registration Certificates

Applying for copy registration certificates can now be made easier by using the new index search facility particularly for birth and marriage records.

Using this facility will automatically produce a unique certificate reference number for those indexes that have been computerised that will ensure a speedy response to your certificate request.

Durham County Council has embarked on an ambitious programme to computerise all the registration service indexes held within the County that are applicable to the existing areas that make up the County of Durham. Marriage indexes have been completed in their entirety and over 1.2 million references are now available to the public via a search facility.

Progress with the indexes is gaining momentum and over 375,000 births references and over 1.1 million marriage references are now available on the website.

Over the years the geographic area that the County Council administers has changed and the computerised indexes only relate to the current geographic boundaries of County Durham encompassing the District Council areas of Easington, Chester-le-Street, Derwentside, Wear Valley, Durham City, Sedgefield and Teesdale.

Records for previous areas served by the County Council are now the responsibility of separate local authorities. Such areas include: Sunderland, South Shields, Jarrow, Gateshead, Felling, Hartlepool, Stockton, Darlington and the search facility will not return records for these areas.

If you wish you can view details of the records indexed to date.

Steps to follow to obtain a copy certificate
1. Use the new search facility to obtain a reference number where applicable.
2. If the record is located you have three options:

Payment by Credit Card/Debit Card

Please note that when paying by credit or debit card the money will be taken immediately although it may take up to 10 working days before you receive the certificate.

If you are totally satisfied that the entry identified is the correct one, follow the instructions to request and pay for the copy certificate via electronic means.

Please Note: This method of request and payment should only be used if you are certain that the certificate you have requested is the one that you require.

We regret that certificates cannot be exchanged or refunds given if the purchaser has selected in error.

Your statutory rights are not affected.

Payment by Post using a Cheque

If you are uncertain of the correct identity of the certificate or if you need further details to be verified before purchasing the certificate you are recommended to use this method of certificate request and purchase.

After searching the index you will be given an option of completing an application form with further details you may wish to be checked before the certificate is issued.

Once you have completed the application form, print a copy and forward it to Bishop Auckland Register Office where with effect from 8th May 2006 all records for the whole of the County will be held. Please enlcose the approriate payment and a stamped addressed envelope.

Addresses are given on the guidance notes.

You can also choose to use this method of application and payment as an alternative to the online payment system even if you are certain that you are requesting the correct certificate.

In addition where the record you require has not been indexed as yet you may choose to complete the application form with the details you have that will allow us to issue the certificate or return your cheque if the certificate is not held within the County. If you prefer to pay by credit card please quote your credit card details on the application form instead of enclosing a cheque.

Sending an Enquiry without Payment

If you are unsure if we hold the certificate you require you can complete an application form highlighting any queries, print a copy and forward it by post to to Bishop Auckland Register Office where with effect from 8th May 2006 all records for the whole of the County will be held

Please Note: Enquiries sent without payment will be processed as follows:
1. Application forms must provide sufficient information for the certificate to be located
2. On receipt of an enquiry, indexes will be searched for a period not exceeding a total of five years of the year stated on the application form.
3. If the certificate is located based on the information given, the applicant will be given confirmation of the details they have provided
4. Purchase of the certificate is then necessary to acquire any additional information other than that initially confirmed.

Search the indexes and view application forms and payment methods.