Documents from the registry of births, deaths and marriages – copy or extract

Published: 14 July 2011 Modified: 15 March 2012

The registry of births, deaths and marriages draws up documents of all major events in a person’s life – a birth or marriage, for example. The certificates provide evidence of these events. Occasionally a public authority will ask you for proof of a certificate. To this end, you can use a certified copy or extract. You can apply for these documents at the municipality where the certificate was drawn up.

A certificate is written proof of a major event in your life – such as an unmarried partnership or a death. A certificate is drawn up only once.

Sometimes you will need a copy or an extract of a certificate. For example, when applying for a pension or marrying. You can request a copy or extract of a certificate from the registry of births, deaths and marriages. Please note: you can only request such a document from the municipality where the certificate was drawn up. Were you married in a different city to The Hague, for example? In that case, you will only be able to apply to that municipality for a copy or extract of your marriage certificate.

Extract or copy?

A copy is a photocopy of a certificate with a stamp and a signature of the registrar of births, deaths and marriages. This document is also called a ‘certified copy’.

An extract from the registry of births, deaths and marriages contains only the personal data recorded on the certificate.

Multilingual

A number of documents are available in several languages. A multilingual extract includes information in Dutch, English, French, German, Spanish, Greek, Italian, Portuguese, Turkish and Serbo-Croatian. Is a specific extract unavailable in multilingual form or is the document not accepted by a specific country? In that case, you will need to arrange for the copy to be translated by a sworn translator.

Which documents can I apply for?

You can apply for an extract or copy of the following certificates:

What will I need?

You can apply:

Digitally: DigiD. Please note: this option is for residents of the Netherlands only.
In person: proof of identity. Are you requesting a copy or international extract on behalf of someone else? You will also need to bring along this person’s proof of identity (original or copy). You will also need the person’s written authorisation.
In writing: a letter signed by you and (a copy of) your proof of identity. Please state your reason for requesting the copy or extract.

Please note: In all cases, you will need to prove legitimate interest. Examples include for a legal procedure or to register a partnership or marriage.

You may submit the application:

for yourself
as an authorised representative
as a blood relative (parent or child)
as a beneficiary
as a registered partner or spouse
as a legal representative

How do I apply for a document?

Digitally: via DigiD

At the desk of one of the sub-municipal offices. Please note: If the birth certificate was issued more than 100 years ago, then you need to apply at the Municipal Archives. For a marriage certificate, the relevant period is 75 years, and for a death certificate it is 50 years.
In writing: use one of the application forms
By fax: fax one of the application forms to (070) 353 28 21

Foreign certificate

Do you want to apply for a copy of a foreign certificate? This is only possible if you have had this certificate registered with The Hague municipality’s registry of births, deaths and marriages.

How much will it cost?

A copy or extract of a certificate from the registry of births, deaths and marriages costs € 11.50 (excluding postage costs for a request in writing, for which you will receive an invoice).