Anyone can apply for a copy certificate, even if it is not their own or a member of their family.
We hold birth, marriage and death records for the borough of Rochdale from 1837 to present day. However some records for Middleton are at Oldham Register Office. Please check with us before applying.
If you require certificates for family tree purposes, it's better to email or write to us with the details giving us as much information as possible relating to the certificate you require. We will let you know the results of the search within 48 hours.
Information you'll need to supply
All applicants are asked to give:
- Their name and address
- Their reasons for wanting the certificate
- Sufficient information to identify the entry
We keep the records of applications for 2 years. This helps to monitor the fraudulent use of copy certificates.
Apply online for a copy certificate
Please note that this is not a priority service but a convenient way of applying for a certificate.
Complete and submit the relevant online forms and then call the register office after 24 hours on 01706 924783/4 to give your card details. Please note that your application will not be processed until the payment is received. Once payment has been made, the certificate can be collected from the office after 2 working days or it can be posted out to you by second class mail. Each form includes notes with details of the fees.
Order a copy marriage certificate (opens in a new window)
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Order a copy death certificate (opens in a new window)
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Order a copy birth certificate (opens in a new window)
You can also apply online through the General Register Office which holds records for England and Wales. If you're using their website for the first time you'll need to register first.
For recent events registered within the last 6 months (for marriages this period is extended to 18 months), applications for certificates should be made to the Register Office in the district where the birth, death or marriage took place.
Order a certificate online from the General Register Office
Ring us for a copy certificate - You can apply by telephone and pay for the certificate by credit or debit card and we will despatch your certificate by first class post within 24 hours for a fee of £25.
Write to us for a copy certificate - If you would like to apply by post, the fee is £10 per certificate. Postal applications should be addressed to the Superintendent Registrar at Rochdale Register Office and be accompanied by a cheque or postal order, payable to Rochdale MBC and a SAE (stamped addressed envelope). If you write to us with full and accurate details of the certificate you require with the correct fee, we will post it within 48 hours.
Call in for a copy certificate - If you visit the Register Office we offer a priority service for a fee of £20. If an application is made before 3pm , the certificate will be issued the same day. For applications made after 3pm, the certificate will be available the next working day. Alternatively you can collect the certificate after 2 working days for a fee of £10. You can pay by cash, cheque, postal order or credit or debit card. You'll need to complete the relevant application form on arrival at the office.