Reader's Tickets

Records open to public inspection are made available without charge, for the purposes of historical research, to holders of a Reader’s Ticket. A Reader’s Ticket is valid for up to three years; then it must be renewed.

How to Apply for a Reader's Ticket

A Reader's Ticket must be applied for in-person on your first visit to the Historical Search Room and can also be issued in the Maps and Plans search room.

Please ensure you bring the following documentation with you on your first visit, or when renewing your Reader’s Ticket:

1. Two recent physical passport-style photographs of yourself - these must be passport size, in colour and printed on photographic paper.

2. Proof of name, one of the following:

• Passport
• Driving licence
• Expired NRS Readers Ticket
• Bank/credit card
• National ID card
• Government/Government agency ID card
• Student ID card
• Police/Customs or Home Office warrant card
• Forces ID card
• Sea or Air Masters licence
• Blue Badge 
• Freedom pass photo card
• Any travel passes issued in the UK for concessionary travel
  including a 60+, disabled, Blind SmartPass, or under 22s bus pass

3. Proof of address, one of the following.  Please note that all bills and statements must have been issued within the last twelve months.

• utility bill
• council tax bill
• bank/building society statement
• credit card statement
• HM Revenue and Customs statement
• passports with address (where the address has been officially entered by the issuing authority)
• national ID card with address
• driving licence with address
• Home Office permit to stay
• university certificate for hall of residence (stamped and signed by institution)
• firearms licence
• home insurance policy
• international student photo card
• pension, Benefit Agency or family credit letter statement
• Student Loans Company letter

You must bring the original document with you as proof of your name. We are not able to accept copies, images or prints for proof of your name. Proof of name must include either your signature or a photograph of you.

We will accept an electronic proof of address where the issuing body has issued it in this format. A photograph or screenshot of an official physical or digital document containing your address will not be accepted. If you use an electronic proof of address you must use a photographic proof of name.

Please note that it is your responsibility to provide official translations for foreign documents, where necessary. If you are unable to provide any of the above documentation, please contact us in advance of your visit.

Rules on use of your Reader's Ticket

The following rules/procedures apply to the issue and usage of all Reader's Tickets:

• Reader’s Tickets are only issued to people aged 16 years or older
• When entering the Historical Search Room, you must show your Reader’s Ticket to reception staff
• A Reader’s Ticket must not be loaned to anyone else. Any change of the details recorded on it, or any loss of the ticket, must be reported immediately
• A Reader’s Ticket remains the property of NRS. We reserve the right to charge for a replacement or withdraw a Readers Ticket if Conditions of Access are not adhered to
• Unreasonable behaviour towards other readers or staff may result in the withdrawal of a Reader’s Ticket
• If you lose or mislay your Reader’s Ticket, you will need to supply identification and photos as above to have it replaced