Frequently Asked Questions

  • How do I obtain a copy of my birth/marriage certificate?
  • How do I record a change of name?
  • I want to get married abroad. What documents will I need to provide?
  • I am getting married abroad and require my birth extract "authenticated". How do I go about this?

 

 

How do I obtain a copy of my birth/marriage certificate?

You can obtain a certificate on payment of a fee from the registrars office where the event was registered or from any computerised Registrar's Office in Scotland or from the Registrar General, New Registrar House, Edinburgh.

 

How do I record a change of name?

Any person whose birth is registered in Scotland or who was legally adopted in Scotland may apply for a recorded change of name. If the person is under 16 years of age, the application must be made by a qualified applicant who is defined as follows:-

(a) where only one parent has parental responsibilities in relation to the child, that parent;

(b) Where both parents have such responsibilities in relation to the child, both parents; and

(c) where neither parent has such responibilities, any other person who has such responsibilities.

If the person is over 16 years of age, they must apply on their own behalf.

Information leaflet RCN1 - recording changes of forename(s) and surname(s) in Scotland and application forms are available from any registrar or can be downloaded from the General Registrar Office for Scotland website.

The completed application together with the fee should be sent to the General Register Office for Scotland, Change of Name Unit, New Register House, Edinburgh, EH1 3YT. Telephone 0131 314 4404.

 

I want to get married abroad. What documents will I need to provide?

You should contact the Consulate/embassy for the relevant country for advice on what documentation will be required.

If you are asked to provide a Certificate of No Impediment (CONI) and you are resident in Scotland, you can apply to your local registrar for this by submitting notice as if you were getting married in Scotland. You should complete a marriage notice form M10 and submit together with your birth certificate and if you have been married before, your divorce decree plus the fee to the registrar. The registrar will issue the CONI 15 days after submission of the marriage notice and fee. The CONI is valid from 3 months from the date of issue.

 

I am getting married abroad and require my birth extract to be "authenticated". How do I go about this?

An "authentication" can be provided by the General Register Office for Scotland for a fee. Please email Authentication of extracts section using the contact form. They will be glad to help and advise you of the current fee.

Please note that an "authentication" is not acceptable to every foreign government and some ask for what is called an "apostille" to be written on the back of an extract. This procedure is governed by international convention and the Foreign and Commonwealth Office is responsible for adding the " apostille". If you require an "apostille" please contact the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (Tel: 01908 295111)