Birth certificate

It is possible to buy birth certificates for anyone born in Gwynedd since 1837. If you are looking for information before 1837, please contact the archives service

  • What information will be on the certificate? 
    The standard birth certificates notes the name, sex, date of birth, area of birth, address of birth and parents’ details.
  • For what would a standard birth certificate be needed? 
    You will need a standard birth certificate to apply for a number of official processes, including applying for a passport, pension or visa.
  • Cost  
    £11.00 for each copy including first class post 
  • How to request a copy?
    • Phone: 01766 771000 and pay with a debit card
    • Post: Download the form below: 
      Buy a copy of a standard birth certificate  and return with a cheque/postal order payable to ‘Gwynedd Council’ to: 
      Registrars, Council Headquarters, Shirehall Street, Caernarfon, LL55 1SH 
  • How and when will I receive the certificate? 
    Once we have received your application and payment, we will aim to send the certificate to you in the post within 10 working days.

  • What information will be on the certificate? 
    The short birth certificate only notes the name, sex, date of birth and area of birth.
  • For what would a short birth certificate be needed? 
    It will be sufficient to claim child benefit, although many other official processes will ask for a copy the full certificate.
  • Cost 
    £11.00 for each copy including first class post 
  • How to request a copy?
    • Phone: 01766 771000 and pay with a debit card
    • Post: Download the form below: 
      Buy a copy of a short birth certificate  and return with a cheque/postal order payable to ‘Gwynedd Council’ to: Registrars, Council Headquarters, Shirehall Street, Caernarfon, LL55 1SH 
  • How and when will I receive the certificate? 
    Once we have received your application and payment, we will aim to send the certificate to you in the post within 10 working days.

If you need the certificate in a hurry, you can make an urgent request.

If we receive the request before 10.30am (Monday - Thursday) we will post the certificate to you by first class post on the same day.  (It is not possible to collect the certificate in person at the moment)

The cost for an urgent request is £35 for each copy including first class post

  • How do I make an urgent request for a certificate? 
    • Phone: 01766 771000 and pay with a debit card before 10.30am (Monday to Thursday)

The Council only holds copies of original birth certificates (which will include the birth parents’ details). This certificate can be used for family research purposes.  

To apply for any official process (e.g. apply for a passport, pension, visa) you will need the adoption certificate which includes the details of the adoptive parents. To buy a copy of the adoptive certificate please call the General Register Office on 0300 123 1837.

More information

For more information, contact us on 01766 771000.