If you need a birth certificate or marriage certificate issued by the General Register Office (GRO) for use overseas, you’ll also need to have it apostilled by the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) to make it legally recognised abroad.

This complete guide explains:

• How to order your certificate online from the GRO;
• How much GRO certificates cost;
• How to send your certificate directly to Ace Apostille for fast apostille legalisation; and
• Answers to the most common questions such as “How do I get a new birth certificate in the UK?” or “How much does a marriage certificate cost?”

How to Order a Birth or Marriage Certificate from the GRO

If you don’t have your certificate, you can get a new one from the General Register Office is the official government body that issues civil registration documents in England and Wales — including birth, marriage, death, and adoption certificates.

How Do I Get a New Birth or Marriage Certificate in the UK?

1. Go to the official GRO website: https://www.gro.gov.uk/gro/content/certificates/login.asp
2. Create or log in to your account.
3. Choose the certificate type — Birth Certificate or Marriage Certificate.
4. Enter your personal details and, if known, your GRO index reference number (this helps speed up processing).
5. Enter the relevant details (name, date, and place of birth or marriage).
6. Select the type of certificate you need (select full version).
7. Choose your delivery option and payment method.
8. For convenience, you can have your certificate sent directly to Ace Apostille for legalisation.

📦 Delivery Address for Apostille Service:
Ace Apostille
60 St. Martin’s Lane
London, United Kingdom
WC2N 4JS

Once your certificate arrives, our team can start the apostille process immediately — saving you time and postage.

How to Get an Apostille for Your Birth or Marriage Certificate

Ready to legalise your document? Here’s your simple step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Go to the Ace Apostille Online Order Page

• Start your order here: Apostille Order Online – UK

Step 2: Select “Birth Certificate” or “Marriage Certificate” as Document Type

Step 3: Embassy or Consulate Legalisation?

• If the country where you will be using the document is part of the Hague Convention, there is no need for further consular legalisation. If so, select NO.
• If the country is not in the Hague Apostille Convention, you may need extra legalisation. Check which countries are part of the Hague Convention.
• Top 6 countries that require Consular Legalisation: Kuwait, Taiwan, UAE, Qatar, Thailand, Vietnam.

Step 4: Do You Need a Certified Translation?

• If your document needs to be used in a non-English-speaking country, add a certified translation. Common languages:
  • Spanish (Spain, Colombia, Peru, etc.)
  • Portuguese (Portugal, Brazil)
  • Italian (Italy)
  • Bulgarian (Bulgaria)
• If English is accepted, you can skip this step.

Step 5: Additional Certifications

• Good news! For Birth or Marriage Certificated do not need a Notary Public or Solicitor certification. An Apostille alone is usually sufficient.

Step 6: Place your order

• Complete your order: Fill in your return address details and pay online.
• We’ll process your certificate and send it back to you: fully legalised and ready to use abroad!

How Much Does a New Birth Certificate Cost (2025 Prices)?

The cost of a Birth Certificate from the GRO depends on the service type and whether you supply the GRO index reference number.

How Much Does a New Marriage Certificate Cost (2025 Prices)?

The cost of a Marriage Certificate from the GRO depends on the service type and whether you supply the GRO index reference number.

Send Your Certificate for Apostille Legalisation

After receiving your certificate from the GRO, send it to Ace Apostille for authentication.
We handle the entire process, ensuring your certificate is accepted by authorities in any country that is part of the Hague Apostille Convention.

What We Do:

• Verify your document’s authenticity and eligibility.
• Submit it to the FCDO for apostille certification.
• Return your document with the official Apostille Stamp via secure, tracked delivery.

👉 You can order online here: Order Apostille Online

Why You Need an Apostille for a GRO Certificate

Foreign authorities often require an Apostille Stamp to verify that your UK-issued certificate is genuine. This applies if you are:

• Applying for dual citizenship or residency abroad
• Registering a marriage overseas
• Handling inheritance, adoption, or visa applications
• Proving identity, family relationships, or nationality

Without an Apostille, your document may not be recognised outside the UK.

Do I need the original GRO certificate for an Apostille?

Yes. Only original certificates or official certified copies issued by the GRO or registrar can be apostilled. Scans and photocopies are not accepted.

How long does it take to get an Apostille on a Birth or Marriage Certificate?

Ace Apostille typically processes documents within 1–2 business days of receipt. If your GRO certificate is sent directly to us, this reduces total turnaround time considerably.

Can I get a digital Apostille (e-Apostille) for a Birth or Marriage Certificate?

Currently, GRO-issued certificates cannot receive an e-Apostille due to Crown copyrights. Only physical, paper-based Apostilles are accepted for civil registration documents.

How do I get a replacement marriage certificate if mine is lost?

You can request a replacement directly from the GRO using the same process as ordering a new one. If your record predates digital archives, additional verification may be required.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Ordering a short version of a certificate (not valid for apostille).
• Sending a photocopy instead of an original.
• Laminating the certificate, which invalidates it.
• Forgetting to include your reference or return address when posting.
• Assuming all documents qualify for electronic apostille (they don’t).

Conclusion

Getting your Birth Certificate or Marriage Certificate from the GRO and having it apostilled is a straightforward process — especially when you let Ace Apostille handle the legalisation for you.

By ordering the certificate online and having it delivered directly to our London office, you save time, avoid mistakes, and ensure your documents are ready for international use.

📍 Send your documents to:
Ace Apostille: 60 St. Martin’s Lane, London, WC2N 4JS

🔗 Order Your Apostille Online Now