Births, Marriages and Deaths - FAQs
- How do I obtain a copy of my birth/marriage certificate?
- How much is a birth/death/marriage certificate?
- Where can I be married by a registrar?
- I want to be married abroad, what do I have to do?
- I am getting married, what do I have to do?
- How do I change my name?
- How do I change my child’s name on their birth certificate?
- How do I add the name of the father to my child’s birth certificate?
- Do I get the original Death Certificate?
- What are the opening hours for the Registrars Office?
How do I obtain a copy of my birth/marriage certificate?
You may obtain a certificate from any Registrars Office in Scotland, or from the Registrar General, New Register House, Edinburgh, Email records@gro-scotland.gov.uk
How much is a birth/death/marriage certificate?
The fee for a birth, death or marriage certificate in Scotland is £15.00. Certificates purchased within the same year as the registration, cost only £10.00.
Where can I be married by a registrar?
The marriage (Scotland) Act 2002 now allows couples to be married by a registrar in a place of their own choosing, subject to certain criteria. The place in question must not:
- compromise the solemnity and dignity of civil marriages
- have a recent or continuing connection with any religion or religious practice
In addition, any application must meet with safety etc requirements. The Council provides civil marriage venues at any Registrars Office in Moray. Couples may however be married almost wherever they choose in Moray. Many hotels, etc have applied for period licences to allow civil marriages to be conducted and couples may also apply for a temporary licence for a marriage at the place of their choice.
I want to be married abroad, what do I have to do?
If you live in Scotland and you want to be married abroad, you may be required to present a ‘Certificate of No Impediment’ to the civil authorities in the country where you wish to be married. This declares that you are free to marry according to Scottish Law. You may only obtain this document from your local registrar. You must complete the appropriate document forms at least 14 clear days beforehand and no sooner than 3 months before the date of your marriage.
I am getting married, what do I have to do?
The first duty that you have is to ensure that the Registrar/Minister etc is free to marry you on the date and at the time you have decided upon. Around 2 months before your marriage, you should then obtain 2 Marriage Notice Forms (M10) from your local registrar. These should be completed and returned to the registrar for the district where the marriage is to take place. You will be required to show the registrar both birth certificates and proof of termination of any previous marriage (divorce or death certificates). A foreign national may also be required to produce further documents and the registrar will explain this in detail. The minimum period to lodge the Forms M10, prior to a marriage, is 14 clear days but ideally you should return these forms around 6 weeks before the date of your marriage.
How do I change my name?
It is possible to record a change of forename or surname on a Scottish birth certificate, depending upon circumstances. To ensure that you are given the best advice to suit your own situation, it is advisable that you speak to your local registrar.
How do I change my child’s name on their birth certificate?
It is possible for you to record a change of forename or surname for a child under 16 on a Scottish birth certificate, depending upon circumstances. To ensure that you are given the best advise to suit your own situation it is advisable that you speak to your local registrar.
How do I add the name of the father to my child’s birth certificate?
If the name of the natural father is omitted from a birth certificate, this may be added if certain conditions are met. You should take the birth certificate to your local Registrar, who will advise you of the best way to proceed.
Do I get the original Death Certificate?
NO – the ‘original’ certificate is the entry in the Death Register, and remains in the Register Office as a record, for perpetuity, from which subsequent certified copies can be obtained when required. These certificates, which are available at the time of registration, and later, are certified copies of the entry and can be obtained for the statutory fee. (At present £10.00 – once outwith the year of registration, certificates cost £15.00).
What are the opening hours for the Registrars Office?
All Registrars offices in Moray are open to the public between 9.00 a.m. and 4.00 p.m Monday to Friday.
