Federation Of Family History Societies

General Register Office Certificates

Following the withdrawal of the reference checking facility I have received confirmation from GRO that if a customer applies for a certificate from GRO and does not have a GRO reference, they are able to supply information to help identify the record. GRO will search in the year they quote together, if necessary, with a year either side. If GRO cannot find the record on this basis, they will refund the fee in full.

Using the "non-quoted reference" route does entail the likelihood of a longer response time for those using the "standard" service. GRO aims to despatch on or by the 4th working day for those quoting a reference, but on or by the 15th working day for those without such a reference.

Roger Lewry
FFHS Archives Liaison

12 April 2010