Ordering a certificate

If your certificates were sent by first class signed for post and not delivered within 10 working days, please contact us to obtain the tracking number.

Please note that the information provided on our online form in respect of processing times does not apply to weekends and Bank Holidays. 

Applications for copy certificates should be made to the Register Office in the district where the birth, death, marriage, or civil partnership took place.

Wakefield Registration Service holds records of events registered within the district, which date back to 1837 when civil registration was first introduced.

How to order a certificate

In person

It is not possible for you to attend the office to order or collect a certificate. Instead please use our online ordering service or telephone us to apply by phone. All certificates are posted out.

Online

If you are unsure whether the Birth, Death, Marriage or Civil Partnership took place in the Wakefield District, please check the following website before you make application: http://yorkshirebmd.org.uk/

By post

You can download the certificate application form in related downloads and send it to us in the post. Alternatively, write all the information that is required on the application form in a letter and send it to Wakefield Town Hall, Wood Street, Wakefield, WF1 2HQ.

Upon receipt of your application form, we will contact you to take payment by card over the telephone. Alternatively, payment can be made by cheque or postal order. Cheques should be made payable to Wakefield Council.

By telephone

If you are unable to make application using our online form you can contact us by telephone. Payment can be made by debit or credit card.

Fee for ordering a copy certificate

The fee for the copy certificate depends on how quickly you want the certificate(s).

• Standard certificate £12.50 – processed and dispatched within 5 working days
• Priority certificate £38.50 – processed and dispatched within 24 hours

Format of certificates

You will receive a certified copy of the original entry. The copy certificate may be printed, photocopied or handwritten depending on the format of the original entry. It will show all the details recorded in the entry.

Postage

Standard certificate: your certificate will be sent by Second Class post. 

Priority certificate: your certificate will be sent by First Class post.

If you select the priority service your certificate will be processed and posted out within 24 hours from the time of ordering.

We recommended that your certificate is sent by Royal Mail first class signed for post for an additional charge.

If your certificates are sent by first class signed for post and not delivered within 10 working days, please contact us to obtain the tracking number.

If your certificate is not delivered by Royal Mail you will need to re-order and pay for these using our online certificate application form.  

Church and registered building ceremony records

Please use our online form above to apply for copies of your marriage certificate once your marriage has taken place.

Adoption

If you were adopted and require a certificate for current identification purposes, such as passport applications or employment, you will need to apply to the General Register Office on the gov.uk page here.