There are a variety of reasons to use a Scottish Registration document abroad. For example, you can use them to:
- get married abroad
- take up residence abroad
Sometimes foreign authorities may request that a Scottish registration document is authenticated.
Authentication is when our team apply an officially signed and authenticated stamp or seal to a document. This confirms that a record created by us is valid and authentic.
Requesting authentication of a birth certificate
If you require an authenticated birth certificate, contact us and provide the following information.
You’ll need:
- the full name as recorded on the birth certificate
- the date of birth as recorded on the birth certificate
- the date of parent’s marriage or civil partnership (if applicable)
- a contact telephone number, in case we need to reach you about your request
- a reason for authentication
Please note that an authentication may not be accepted by every foreign government. Some foreign governments will require an Apostille, where your certificate is officially stamped by the Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office. If you require an Apostille, contact the Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office.
Requesting authentication of a marriage or civil partnership
Our Combined Registration Service team can provide a ‘To Whom It May Concern’ letter.
If you require a letter, contact our Combined Registration Service team. You’ll need to provide us with:
- your full name and postal address
- your date and place of birth
- your mother’s maiden name
- if you were born outside Scotland, the date you became resident in Scotland or your age if you’re under 16
We need different information from you depending on your circumstances.
Information we need from you
