A ‘copy’ of a birth certificate is a full certified copy of an entry of birth showing details of the parents and it is this that is valid for official purposes.

Not to be confused, ‘copies’ of a birth certificate are NOT the same as ‘photocopies’ of a birth certificate. 

For official purposes, a photocopy of a birth certificates will not be accepted by official agencies or government bodies.

Within England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales, certified copies of birth certificates are issued.

The original birth certificate is issued at the time of registration. Once this document has been lost, misplaced or stolen, then it is unfortunately lost for good. Any and all future certificates will be a ‘certified copy’, which is a copy of the original entry (or extract) made in the Official Registers. 

Should you require a copy of a birth certificate, then UK Document Services can help.
The most effective way to get the ball rolling on this, is for you to order online. Simply complete all the relevant fields on the order form and the order will be processed accordingly.

To find out more about our replacement birth certificate service, click here.