Family history search

Start your ancestry research for free.

Access NSW births, deaths and marriages records dating back to 1788. 

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Online certificate ordering and online registrations systems unavailable

Due to scheduled maintenance, our online certificate ordering, birth registration system and family history services will be unavailable from 7pm to 12am, Monday 9 December 2024. We apologise for any inconvenience. 

Search your ancestry for free

wooden archive drawers

Use the Registry tool to start searching

Explore your family story by using the free search of the NSW Registry records.

Once you’ve found the historical records you’re after, you can purchase print or digital copies.

Search my ancestry

Guide to searching your family history

Find out what you can search, about the results, how to order certificates, further paid ancestry search services and who to contact for support.

Go to the guide

Records and certificates

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Inside St Mary's Cathedral Sydney

Early church and district codes

Use our list to match the code on a record with the church or district where the birth, death or marriage occurred.

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woman searches through old archive shelf for item card

Registry records

Find detailed descriptions on the information included on certificates issued before and after 1856, and how we kept records.

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Online services

Adoption certificates

How to request searches and certificates for an adopted person and their parents.

Family history search enquiries

If you have a question about our historical records, email us at bdm@yourfeedback.nsw.gov.au

Make sure you include your:

  • Full name
  • Telephone number
  • Brief description of your enquiry.

We’ll respond within 10 business days.

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