Civil Partnership Certificate UK: Complete Guide 2025
A civil partnership certificate is the official legal document that proves your civil partnership registration in the UK. Whether you’re in a same-sex or opposite-sex civil partnership, this certificate provides the same legal recognition as marriage. Learn everything about civil partnership certificates, from what they contain to how to order copies.
📋 Quick Facts
- Legal Status: Same legal recognition as marriage certificate
- Cost: £12.50 standard, £38.50 priority
- Issued By: General Register Office (GRO)
- Available to: Same-sex and opposite-sex couples
- Format: A4 paper with security features
Since December 2019, opposite-sex couples can also enter into civil partnerships in England and Wales. Previously, civil partnerships were only available to same-sex couples.
What is a Civil Partnership Certificate?
A civil partnership certificate is the official government document that provides legal proof that two people are in a registered civil partnership. It offers the same legal rights and responsibilities as marriage, including inheritance rights, tax benefits, and recognition for visa purposes.
Key Characteristics
- Legal equality: Same legal status as marriage
- Official document: Government-issued with security features
- Comprehensive information: Details about the partnership and both partners
- International recognition: Valid for legal purposes worldwide
Civil Partnership vs Marriage Certificate
| Aspect | Civil Partnership Certificate | Marriage Certificate |
|---|---|---|
| Legal Rights | Identical to marriage | Identical to civil partnership |
| Terminology | Civil partners | Husband/wife or spouses |
| Ceremony Type | Civil ceremony only | Civil or religious ceremony |
| Available to | Same-sex and opposite-sex couples | Same-sex and opposite-sex couples |
| Vows | Optional | Required |
| Cost | £12.50 | £12.50 |
What Information is on a Civil Partnership Certificate?
UK civil partnership certificates contain comprehensive details about the partnership and both partners:
Partnership Details
- Date of registration: Exact day, month, and year
- Place of registration: Specific venue name and location
- Registration district: Official area where partnership was registered
- Registration number: Unique reference number
Partner Information (Both Partners)
- Full names at time of registration
- Ages at time of registration
- Dates and places of birth
- Occupations
- Addresses at time of registration
- Previous relationship status (single, divorced, widowed)
- Fathers’ names and occupations
- Mothers’ names and occupations (since 2021)
Additional Information
- Witness details: Names of two witnesses
- Registrar information: Name and signature of officiating registrar
- Registration confirmation: Official seal and certification
Types of Civil Partnership Certificates
Full Certificate
- Contains all information from the civil partnership register
- Includes partners’ addresses at time of registration
- Required for most official purposes
- Cost: £12.50
Extract Certificate
- Same information as full certificate
- Excludes partners’ addresses
- Available in some local authorities
- Cost: £12.50
How to Obtain a Civil Partnership Certificate
🖥️ Online Application (Recommended)
- Visit the official GRO website
- Create an account and log in
- Select “Civil Partnership Certificate”
- Enter partnership details and your information
- Pay by debit or credit card
- Receive instant confirmation
📞 By Phone
- Phone: 0300 123 1837
- Hours: Mon-Fri 8am-6pm, Sat 9am-1pm
- Payment: Credit/debit card
- Same processing times as online
📮 By Post
- Download application form from gov.uk
- Complete and send with payment
- Post to: General Register Office, PO Box 2, Southport, PR8 2JD
- Allow extra time for postal processing
🏢 Local Registry Office
- Visit where civil partnership was registered
- Often same-day collection available
- Bring identification and payment
- Personal assistance available
Costs and Processing Times
| Service Type | Cost | Processing Time | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard (with GRO reference) | £12.50 | 4 working days | Non-urgent needs |
| Standard (without reference) | £16.00* | 15 working days | When details uncertain |
| Priority Service | £38.50 | Next working day** | Urgent requirements |
| Local Registry | £12.50 | Same day | Immediate collection |
* Includes £3.50 search fee
** If ordered before 4pm on working days
Common Uses for Civil Partnership Certificates
Legal and Administrative Purposes
- Name changes: Updating passport, driving licence, bank accounts
- Visa applications: Proving relationship status for partner visas
- Insurance policies: Adding partner to health/life insurance
- Benefits claims: Partner allowances and entitlements
- Banking: Joint accounts and mortgage applications
- Legal proceedings: Dissolution, inheritance, and property matters
Financial and Tax Purposes
- Tax benefits: Marriage allowance and inheritance tax exemptions
- Pension rights: Survivor benefits and pension sharing
- Property ownership: Joint ownership and tenancy rights
- Financial planning: Investment and savings accounts
Converting Civil Partnership to Marriage
Same-sex couples in civil partnerships can convert to marriage in England and Wales:
Standard Conversion
- Process: Simple administrative appointment
- Cost: £45 (free for partnerships before March 2014)
- Time: Single appointment at registry office
- Documents needed: Identity proof and civil partnership certificate
Two-Stage Conversion
- Process: Administrative conversion plus ceremony
- Cost: £45 plus ceremony fees
- Benefits: Formal ceremony with guests
- Outcome: Marriage certificate issued
Opposite-sex civil partners cannot convert their civil partnership to marriage. They would need to dissolve the civil partnership and then marry.
International Recognition and Apostille
For using your civil partnership certificate abroad, you may need additional authentication:
Apostille Requirements
- Apostille countries: Most countries accept apostilled certificates
- Cost: Approximately £46-£82 for apostille service
- Processing: 2-4 weeks through FCDO
- Purpose: Validates certificate for international use
When You Need an Apostille
- Partner visa applications
- International property purchases
- Working abroad
- International adoption
- Overseas legal proceedings
- Immigration applications
Security Features and Authenticity
UK civil partnership certificates include several security features:
- Raised seal: Official GRO seal embossed into the paper
- Watermark: Visible when held up to light
- Special paper: Unique pattern difficult to replicate
- Crown logo: Official government branding
- Certificate number: Unique identifier for verification
- Registrar signature: Official signature and stamp
Frequently Asked Questions
A civil partnership certificate is the official legal document that proves two people are in a registered civil partnership. It’s issued by the General Register Office and provides the same legal recognition and rights as a marriage certificate.
A civil partnership certificate costs £12.50 for standard service (4 days with GRO reference, 15 days without) or £38.50 for priority next-day delivery. Additional copies in the same order cost £12.50 each.
Both certificates provide identical legal rights and recognition. The main differences are terminology (civil partners vs spouses), ceremony requirements (vows optional vs required), and ceremony type (civil only vs civil or religious).
Yes, since December 2019, opposite-sex couples can enter into civil partnerships in England and Wales and receive civil partnership certificates. This was extended to Northern Ireland in January 2020 and Scotland in June 2021.
Most couples need 3-5 copies for various purposes including name changes, visa applications, insurance, banking, and legal matters. It’s more economical to order multiple copies in one application.
Same-sex couples can convert their civil partnership to marriage through a simple administrative process (£45) or with a ceremony. Opposite-sex couples cannot convert and would need to dissolve the partnership and marry separately.
Need Your Civil Partnership Certificate?
Order your official civil partnership certificate online for the fastest service, or visit your local registry office for same-day collection.
Related Marriage & Civil Partnership Guides
📞 Need Help?
- General Register Office: 0300 123 1837
- Hours: Mon-Fri 8am-6pm, Sat 9am-1pm
- Email: certificate.services@gro.gov.uk
- Online Service: gro.gov.uk