Frequently Asked Questions
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| What records do you hold? | The main records held are the statutory registers of births, deaths, marriages, still births and adoptions. |
| Can I obtain a Birth/Death/Marriage certificate for someone before 1864? | Registration of all births, death and marriages began in 1864 and any events occurring before this (with the exception of Non-Roman Catholic marriages from 1845) would not have been registered. |
| Can you please issue me with a copy of my grandfather’s will? | No. The General Register Office does not have records of wills. After this period they can be obtained from the Royal Courts of Justice, Chichester Street, Belfast, BT1 3JF, telephone number 02890 235111 (from outside UK +44 2890 251318). |
| Can you please issue me with a copy of my decree nisi/absolute? | No. GRO does not have records of divorces. You may need to contact the Royal Courts of Justice, Chichester Street, Belfast, Northern Ireland, BT1 3FJ, telephone number 02890 235111 (outside UK +44 2890 235111). |
| I am trying to trace my ancestors who emigrated from Northern Ireland prior to 1864 | Registration of all births, deaths and marriages began in 1864 and any events occurring before this (with the exception of Non-Roman Catholic marriages from 1845) would not have been registered. The Public Records Office of Northern Ireland holds records before 1864 such as the tithe applotment records, valuation records and church records. They can be contacted on 02890 251318 (from outside UK +44 2890 251318) and at 66 Balmoral Avenue, Belfast, Northern Ireland, Bt9 6NY. |
| I would like you to carry out a search of the surname Smith in Belfast between 1860 and 1870 and obtain birth, death and marriage certificates. | GRO cannot undertake genealogical searches on your behalf. You may wish to contact a professional genealogist. |
| I would like to trace a family friend that I have not seen since 1970. Can you help me? | The General Register Office only retains life events of birth, death, marriage and adoptions. No personal details except these are held. |
| What are the opening hours of the General Register Office? | The office opening hours are Monday – Friday 09.30 – 16.00 (except the first Tuesday of each month when we open at 10.00) Please note the office is closed on all Northern Ireland Government, Public and Bank Holidays. |
| How do I apply for Birth/Death/Marriage/Adoption Certificates? | Certificates may be ordered in person, by post, by telephone, by fax or online. For more information on how to apply for certificates please view the order certificates page. |
| Can I access these documents over the internet? | No. All our records are held in secure storage and cannot be accessed over the internet. However you can order birth, birth of adopted children, marriage, and death certificates online. |
| Can I register my childs name in another language? | You can register your child's name in any language providing you use any unicode character. |