Birth, Marriage & Death records (BMD records)

certificates

About BMD records

Since July 1837, births, marriages and deaths (BMD's) have been recorded by the registrar in England and Wales. These records form a vital part of family history research as they document the key events in someone's life. The information these records contain can be invaluable and you can use it to verify your research.

How to use BMD records

All you need to do is enter a name to get started. Use the volume and page number you'll see on the transcription page to order a copy of the certificate from the General Register Office. If you are looking for Birth, Marriage and Death records before 1837, you need to look at our Parish records.

Show more information...

Help

Search all BMD Records

* = mandatory fields

Tips for searching BMD Records

Keep your search broad

A surname and a place is all you need to get started. An estimated year of birth helps if you're searching for a common surname.

Try exact or similar matches

You'll find this option just below the name boxes. As names were sometimes misspelled, or changed over time, you may not find the exact name you're looking for. Try 'Similar Matches' for alternative spellings or similar names.

Searching birth records

After September 1911, mothers' maiden names were added to birth records. So if you have this information, add it to the search box.

Searching marriage records

We'll show you potential spouse matches when you search our marriage records. Just add a surname to get started. If you know roughly when the marriage took place, add those details to narrow the search results.

Write it down!

Make sure you add all the information you discover to your tree. There's also a handy 'Notes' box where you can add anything else you've discovered.