In the United Kingdom, a Birth Certificate Reference Number (BCRN) is a separate identifier assigned to a person’s birth certificate. It is a combination of letters and numbers used to locate and identify a specific birth certificate record in the national database maintained by the General Register Office (GRO).
The BCRN is typically included on the physical copy of the birth certificate itself and any digital copies or certified copies obtained from the GRO. Keeping this reference number safe and secure is essential. It may be needed for various purposes throughout a person’s life, such as applying for a passport or proving their identity.
It’s also worth noting that the BCRN differs from the National Insurance number, a separate unique identifier used in the UK for tax and social security purposes.
Purpose of the Birth Certificate Reference Number
One of the primary purposes of the BCRN is to prevent fraud and identity theft. Since the BCRN is a unique identifier only associated with an individual’s birth certificate, it can be used to confirm that the person presenting the document is the same person named on the certificate. This helps prevent unauthorised access to personal information and protects individuals from stealing their identity.
The BCRN is critical information necessary for many important life events. Keeping this number and other personal identification documents safe and secure is essential to ensure they can be accessed when needed.
Importance of Birth Certificate Reference Number
The BCRN is essential because it is often required for various purposes throughout a person’s life, such as applying for a passport, enrolling in school, or proving identity for legal or employment purposes. It is also necessary for genealogical research and tracing family history.
Without a BCRN, accessing crucial personal information may be difficult or impossible, and this can cause various complications in everyday life. Therefore, keeping the BCRN safe and secure as other important personal documents is crucial.
How to locate the reference number on a birth certificate?
Locating the Birth Certificate Reference Number (BCRN) on a UK birth certificate is relatively easy. The BCRN is usually found on the top right-hand corner of the certificate. It is a long string of letters and numbers printed above the registration number and the registration date.
If you have a digital copy or a certified copy of the birth certificate obtained from the General Register Office (GRO), the BCRN should be included in the document. In some cases, the BCRN may also be listed on any accompanying paperwork or correspondence from the GRO.
If you need help finding the BCRN on a physical or digital copy of the birth certificate, contact the GRO for assistance. The GRO’s website provides contact information and instructions on requesting a copy of a birth certificate and obtaining a copy of the BCRN if it is missing.
It is essential to keep the BCRN safe and secure, along with other personal identification documents, as it may be required for various purposes throughout a person’s life, such as applying for a passport or enrolling in school.
Uses of the reference number
The Birth Certificate Reference Number (BCRN) is crucial information with several important uses. Here are some of the main ways the BCRN is used:
- Proving identity: The BCRN is often required to prove an individual’s identity for various purposes, such as applying for a passport, opening a bank account, or enrolling in school.
- Genealogy research: The BCRN can be used for genealogy research to trace family history and ancestry.
- Legal purposes: The BCRN may be required for legal purposes, such as applying for a marriage license or obtaining a copy of a will.
- Government services: The BCRN may be required to access government services and benefits, such as applying for a National Insurance number or registering to vote.
- Record-keeping: The BCRN is used by the General Register Office to keep track of birth certificate records and ensure the accuracy and security of personal information.
The BCRN is critical information necessary for many important life events. It is essential to keep the BCRN safe and secure, along with other personal identification documents, to ensure that it can be accessed when needed.
How to obtain a reference number from the General Register Office?
You must follow a few simple steps to obtain a Birth Certificate Reference Number (BCRN) from the General Register Office (GRO). Here’s what you need to do:
- Visit the GRO website: The GRO provides an online search facility to locate birth, marriage, and death records. Visit the GRO website and search for the birth record you are interested in.
- Request a certified copy of the birth certificate: Once you have located the birth record, you can request a certified copy. This will include the BCRN.
- Wait for delivery: The GRO will process your request and deliver the certified copy of the birth certificate to your preferred address. This may take several days, depending on the delivery method you choose.
If you already have a physical copy of the birth certificate, the BCRN should be listed on the top right-hand corner of the certificate. If the BCRN is missing or you have difficulty finding it, you can contact the GRO for assistance.
It is essential to keep the BCRN safe and secure, along with other personal identification documents, as it may be required for various purposes throughout a person’s life.
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Conclusion
A Birth Certificate Reference Number (BCRN) is a unique identifier assigned to each birth certificate record. It is an essential component of the birth certificate, which helps track and maintain accurate and secure personal information. The BCRN can be located on the top right-hand corner of the birth certificate. It is used for various purposes, such as obtaining passports, enrolling in schools, and obtaining other legal documents. If you are still looking for your BCRN, you can contact the General Register Office (GRO) for assistance. Obtaining a certified copy of a birth certificate to obtain the BCRN may take several days or weeks, depending on the method used and can incur a cost.
