Genealogy Chat

I would like others' opinions on the best way of obtaing birth, marriage and death certificates from england if you live overseas. I am worried about using web sites and credit card without knowing the most reliable. - Penny

Always order certs from GRO

http://www.gro.gov.uk/gro/content/certificates/default.asp

£9.25 from where ever you live

Penny

I also live overseas, and I would not order bmds from any other site other than GRO

1. The cost is £9.25, and that includes p&p

2. Most other sites charge more, some much more ............ I've seen some sites where they charge £20 or more.



You can also order with safety from the local Registry Office, IF they will still do it ............. many RO's are no longer providing certificates.

The cost from an RO is also £9.25 PLUS p&p.

Be aware though that the eventual cost of ordering a certificate from an RO from overseas could be as much as £15, for the following reasons .................................

a) You have to provide a stamped self-addressed envelope of a certain size. Overseas customers have to supply the self-addressed envelope, and then either add an extra £1 or supply International Money Coupons ..... unless you have access to the correct denominations of UK stamps. The size of envelope requested is not a size that is available here in Canada ................ and the last time I did this, I had to pay the equivalent of almost £1 for a suitable but larger size.

b) International Money Coupons have to be bought from a bank, so you have to add on an exchange rate AND the bank charge.

If you go the extra £1, it is £1 for each certificate you are ordering




I find GRO much easier ...................... and it is safe to use with a credit card.





sylvia

thanks for your input everyone.

Penny,

I also live overseas and I always use the GRO. I also keep a watch on the exchange rates and trying and buy when the rates are in my favour.

Also good to save a couple of dollars when ordering.

Gai

Many local RO's charge £9.50-10.00 +p+p - so the GRO is good value for money.

Their website is easy to use and you have your own account with a password for your access.

Easy Peasy.... :-)

PP

it is that +p&p that is the killer from my point of view


we don't have the size of envelope they request over here ........ and I have before now had to go to several stationer-type stores to get a similar size.

and specialty sizes are expensive!


Then comes the stamps .............

we don't have access to English stamps here .......


they offered 2 options ...............

1) add an extra £1 to the cost of each certificate

OR

2) Buy International Monetary Coupons from a bank.



As I said earlier ............... the last time I ordered from an RO, I worked out that certificate actually cost me the equivalent of just over £15!




so I use GRO all the time now! :-D :-D :-D :-D




sylvia