Civil Records for United Kingdom citizens in the United States — 2026

Civil records registration means registering births, marriages and deaths that occurred in the United States with the United Kingdom authorities. Essential for citizens of United Kingdom living abroad whose family events happen in the U.S.

United Kingdom consulates processing civil records

What can be registered?

• Birth registration: children of United Kingdom parents born in the U.S. can be registered as United Kingdom nationals
• Marriage registration: marriages of United Kingdom citizens (or mixed marriages) celebrated in the U.S.
• Death registration: death of United Kingdom nationals in the U.S.
• Divorce registration: U.S. divorce decrees for those married in United Kingdom

Required documents

• Original U.S. vital record (birth/marriage/death certificate)
• Apostille from the Secretary of State of the issuing state
• Certified translation to the official language of United Kingdom
• Passport and ID of the United Kingdom citizens involved
• Application form completed

How to register

Most United Kingdom consulates require an appointment to file civil records. The consulate then forwards the registration to the United Kingdom civil registry office.

Some consulates accept mail-in applications for civil records. Check the official site of your consulate.

Costs and processing times

Registration fees: typically free or $10-$50 per record. Processing time at the consulate: 2-4 weeks; final registration in United Kingdom can take additional months.