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Archiver > LONDON > 2005-01 > 1105122910


From: "Duncan Smith" <>
Subject: Re: Birth registered in last 50 years
Date: Fri, 7 Jan 2005 18:35:17 -0000


Chris,

I believe that the GRO do insist on all that extra detail for birth certificates registered up to 50 years ago, but I doubt that it is a legal requirement, just a 'security' (i.e. identity fraud) type of procedure which they have chosen to adopt.

Usually when I don't know the exact date of birth, of say, one of my 2nd cousins (getting the certificate is often a way to find that out, after all), I apply to the local Register Office instead, quoting the year , quarter (if I know that) and a parent's name, and I find that they will always issue the certificate, even if it's only a few years old.

The only problem with this approach is that some London Register offices either won't do searches at all, or take absolutely ages, perhaps because of the staff : enquiry ratio. So it may depend on where your 'friend of a friend's' relation was born. Best to check with the appropriate Registrar 1st, before sending off your £7 cheque and S.A.E.

The appropriate office can be found using
www.genuki.org.uk/big/eng/RegOffice/


Duncan, Dundee

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