Introduction
You can apply for a copy certificate for births, deaths, marriages, and civil partnerships registered in Somerset or North Somerset.
If you want to request certificates from Bath and North East Somerset or Bristol City Council, please use their websites.
Certificate ordering options
Standard service
The fee is £12.50 per certificate.
We aim to dispatch certificates within 15 working days of receiving your application. While delays are rare, they may occur in exceptional circumstances, rest assured we will be dealing with your request. Certificates are sent using Royal Mail second class post.
Express service
For urgent requests, we offer a express service at a cost of £38.50.
Certificates are processed within 1 working day and sent using Royal Mail first class post. Please be aware that orders placed on a Friday or at weekends will be processed on the next working day.
This service is not available for marriages or civil partnerships that took place less than 21 days ago.
Please note that in the case of more recent birth or death registrations, the register may still be held at one of our offices and this could affect processing times. If we are unable to complete an order within the express service guided time, we will refund the express charge, and retain the standard charge.
What information we need
For a copy birth certificate, please tell us:
- The name of the child
- Date of birth
- Place of birth
If you were adopted, please contact the General Register Office on 0300 123 1837.
For a copy of a death certificate, please tell us:
- The name of the deceased person
- Date of death
- Place of death
To assist us in finding the correct entry please provide us with the following information below.
For a copy marriage certificate, please tell us:
- The name of first person
- The name of the second person
- Date of marriage
- Place of marriage
For a copy civil partnership certificate, please tell us:
- Name of partner
- Date of civil partnership
- Place of civil partnership
Additional information
When an entry cannot be found
We will automatically search a minimum of two years either side of the date you have given. If we are still unable to find the correct entry, we will automatically refund the certificate fee.
If you then wish to continue your search, you will need to submit a new request amending the information you have provided to enable our search.
Certificate is lost in the post
We cannot accept responsibility for certificates lost in the post. We advise allowing at least two weeks for delivery when choosing postal dispatch. If your certificate does not arrive, you will need to request a replacement by submitting a new request.
Reimbursement for lost items may be requested from Royal Mail, your local branch may be able to help if you are unable to use their online form. Customers who are deaf or hard of hearing can contact Royal Mail on 0345 600 0606 for their text phone service.
All certificate fees are non-refundable.
Request a copy certificate
If you are not able to order online
You can also apply in writing for a standard service only. If you apply in writing, please include the information we have asked for below and the appropriate payment. Cheques should be made payable to Somerset Council and sent with your application to:
Somerset Registration Services
Certificate Services
Somerset Heritage Centre
Brunel Way
Norton Fitzwarren
Taunton
TA2 6SF
Your certificate will be posted using Royal Mail second class post, to the address you give us on your application. All certificates will be folded and sent in an A5 envelope, if you would like an alternative method of postage, please send your application in the post along with the pre-addressed envelope of your choice.
Request a certificate is legalised or apostilled
The legalising of documents, including copy certificates, may be requested by an official in another country. This process is handled by the Legalisation Office and you can access this service on GOV.UK
Contact the team
Office information including contact details and opening times