Ordering certificates locally

[JudithFW]

Do you have to order birth, marriage or death certificates from the GRO or can you order from the local area.
I need a couple of certificates from Plymouth. They don't appear to have an online index but there is a web address so can I just write and request certificates?
Is it cheaper and or quicker to do this than go through the GRO which seems to take an age?

[Devonmade]

You could give the Plymouth Record Office a ring on the following No:- 01752 305940 I'm sure that a cousin of mine did just that and ordered a certificate from them.

Sue

[British Viking]

You should have no probs there.

I'm only speaking from my own experience because last year I popped in person at the Registry Office at Paddington and only had to wait approx 20 mins before I got the birth certificate I needed then.

My flabber had never been so ghasted........(at the sppedy service)!!

[JudithFW]

You should have no probs there.

I'm only speaking from my own experience because last year I popped in person at the Registry Office at Paddington and only had to wait approx 20 mins before I got the birth certificate I needed then.

My flabber had never been so ghasted........(at the sppedy service)!!

Well that is quick.
Unfortunately the trip from Hertfordshire to Plymouth would add quite a bit to the trip, but I might try the phone if I'm feeling brave!

[AnnR]

I've ordered direct from the Plymouth register office. The price is the same, but the service is usually quicker. You can request by email and then follow up with a telephone call to pay by credit or debit card. Usually very efficient. They don't need the GRO ref no, just Year and Quarter and Registration District. There's an email link on their website but it's "regoff at plymouth.gov.uk" just put @ instead of at

[blue eyes]

I might be wrong on one point. A few years ago I sent for a marriage ceritifcate from a local RO, the money was returned because the name of the church was needed.

[Pam Downes]

I might be wrong on one point. A few years ago I sent for a marriage ceritifcate from a local RO, the money was returned because the name of the church was needed.
Marriage certificates ordered locally do need the church/chapel/ register office at which the event happened. For the reason why, see the section headed 'ordering certificates' on Barbara Dixon's excellent website.: dixons.clara.co.uk/Certificates/indexbd.htm (put www. in front)
As Barbara says, usually ordering birth and death certificates locally isn't a problem.
Pam

[JudithFW]

Thanks to all who replied. Your advice is much appreciated and I will have a go.
Judith