What if I notice an officially closed record in the 1939 Register that I believe should be open?

Answer:

Records for individuals remain closed for 100 years from their date of birth (100-year rule). Records remain closed for people born less than 100 years ago until proof of death is verified. You can read more about this here.

We offer a free service to Findmypast subscribers who request that an officially closed record be opened through our online Evidence of Death form. 

Once you have located the record and are viewing the transcript, you will see the option 'Open a closed record'. Clicking this will take you to the online form where you can enter and complete all the relevant information. You will need to provide evidence that the individual has passed away, and we can only accept a copy of an official death certificcate (issued by the General Register Ofice or overseas equivalent) so please ensure you have this document before proceeding. If we do not receive this valid proof of death, we will be unable to proceed with the request.

If the death occurred abroad, then you will be required to scan and send a copy of the death certificate provided by the country.

This will need to be the equivalent of a GRO certificate in England & Wales, therefore, it must have fully certified information. A scanned copy is acceptable (files supported: .jpg, .png, .tiff) as opposed to the original and this must contain all required information. 

You can find more information about providing proof of death here

Additional information can be provided such as siblings, occupation, evacuee or any other relevant information that may help us to search the data.

You also need to provide your contact details so we can get in touch with you to confirm the status of your request and to request more information if required.

Findmypast reserves the right to limit the number of requests that a subscriber can request.

If you are not a Findmypast subscriber, please contact The National Archives to request a search of closed records within the 1939 Register.


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