The Rawtenstall office is closed until Tuesday 31 December 2024. Check for an alternative office.
Copy birth certificates
Certificates are available for births within the current Lancashire County Council boundaries only.
If you were born outside of Lancashire County boundaries you will need to contact the Registration Office of the relevant district to obtain a copy of the certificate.
If you were born in Blackburn with Darwen request a copy birth certificate from Blackburn with Darwen Council.
If you were born in Blackpool request a copy birth certificate from Blackpool Council.
Find a register office in England and Wales.
Standard birth certificate
This is a certified copy of the birth entry; it includes name at birth, date of birth, place of birth and any parent details.
It is required for passports and other legal purposes.
Standard service £12.50
Due to a high volume of orders, we are unfortunately not currently always able to meet the target timeframe of processing certificates within 15 working days. Please allow 20 working days for your order to be processed.
Certificates will be posted using Royal Mail second class within 20 working days.
Certificates can be collected in person from Certificate Services, Lancashire Archives, Bow Lane, Preston, PR1 2RE. Please allow 20 working days before collecting certificates unless the priority service has been selected. You can collect your certificate between the hours of 9am to 4pm Monday to Friday (excluding Bank Holidays). Certificates cannot be collected from a registration office.
Priority service £38.50
The priority service enables the certificate to be available for collection in person or posted, first class, after 24 hours. The service includes the cost of one certificate. Additional copies of the same certificate cost £12.50. Copies of a different certificate will cost an additional £38.50.
| Orders received before 3pm on | Will be sent out by Royal Mail 1st class post or be available for collection on |
|---|---|
| Saturday, Sunday, Monday | Tuesday |
| Tuesday | Wednesday |
| Wednesday | Thursday |
| Thursday | Friday |
| Friday | Monday |
| Orders received after 3pm on | Will be sent out by Royal Mail 1st class post or be available for collection on |
|---|---|
| Saturday, Sunday | Tuesday |
| Monday | Wednesday |
| Tuesday | Thursday |
| Wednesday | Friday |
| Thursday | Monday |
| Friday | Tuesday |
These timescales may differ during bank holidays.
Lancashire County Council cannot be held responsible for any delays with the Royal Mail service.
Adoption certificates
Records of adoptions in England and Wales are held by the General Register Office.
Information you need to provide
- Full name at birth
- Date of birth
- Place of birth (full address or name of hospital)
- Fathers full name
- Mothers full name at time of child's birth (including maiden name)
How to request a copy birth certificate
Online
Telephone
Call 0300 123 6705 Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm.
Mail or in person
You can write to us or visit us at the following address:
Lancashire Certificate Services
Lancashire Archives
Bow Lane
Preston
Lancashire
PR1 2RE
We are open from 9am to 4pm Monday to Friday.
Cheques or postal orders should be made payable to Lancashire County Council.