Apply for an original certificate online
The General Register Office (GRO) holds original birth certificates for people adopted in England and Wales. How you apply depends on when you were adopted and what information you have. An original birth certificate will provide the following information:
- the date and place of your birth
- the name you were given at birth
- your birth mother's name and, in some cases, her occupation
- your birth mother's address at the time of your birth
- the name and address of the person who registered the birth
- the date the birth was registered
- the name of the registrar
It may or may not give the father's name and occupation. If a child's parents are not married to each other, the father's name is not always on the birth certificate.
If you were adopted before 30 December 2005
If you are aged 18 or over, you can apply for a copy of your original birth certificate through the GRO.
If you know your birth name
You can apply directly to the GRO.
If you do not know your birth name
- If you were adopted before 12 November 1975, you must apply to the GRO and meet with an adoption adviser.
- If you were adopted between 12 November 1975 and 30 December 2005, you can apply directly to the GRO for the information you need.
If you live in Norfolk, Norfolk Adoption Service can provide support during this process. If you choose to receive support, the GRO will let us know and we will contact you.
If you were adopted on or after 30 December 2005
You cannot apply directly to the GRO.
Instead, you will need to contact the adoption agency that arranged your adoption.
They can provide:
- information about your background
- advice and guidance
- support or counselling, where needed
Need support?
If you would like advice about accessing your records or understanding the information you receive, contact Norfolk Adoption Service:
Email: [email protected]
Telephone: 01603 638343
About birth certificates
When a child is adopted, the original birth certificate is marked with an 'A'. It is withdrawn from the public register.
A new adoption certificate is issued with entries showing the names of adoptive parents. This is, in effect, a replacement certificate and is called a 'birth certificate'.
An original birth certificate will provide the following information:
- The date and place of birth
- The name under which you were originally registered
- The mother's name and perhaps her occupation
- The mother's address at that time
- The name and address of the person who registered the birth (this is usually the mother)
- The date of registration
- The name of the registrar
It may or may not give the father's name and occupation. If a child's parents are not married to each other, the father's name is not always on the birth certificate.
