To find out how to access documents held by The National Archives, first you will need to checkthe record’s catalogue descriptionin Discoveryto see which options are available.
The catalogue also includes the records of other archives: please note that this page explains how you can access documents only held by The National Archives.
View a document in The National Archives’reading rooms
Book a visit and order your documents in advance
If you are planning to visit our reading rooms to view original documents, we strongly recommend that you book in advance to guarantee a seat. Booking also enables you to order up to 12 original documentsso that they are ready for you when you arrive – you will be able to order more during your visit.
To place an order, you will need a reader’s ticket or a temporary reader’s ticket number. You can apply for a reader’s ticket online and the process takes no longer than 15 minutes to complete. You can collect the physical ticket when you arrive.
Check our opening times to select an appropriate date for your visit. Some of our collection is stored off site and requiresthree working days for delivery – you will find this information in the relevant documents’ catalogue descriptions in Discovery.
Restrictions on ordering documents
When a surrogate version of a document is available – either in digital, microfilm or microfiche formats – you will not be able to order the original record unless:
- the surrogate is illegible or obscured
- viewing the original record provides information not available from the surrogate
To request to view the original record where a surrogate exists, please complete our records and research enquiry form. You need to include:
- your reader’s ticket number
- the date of your visit
- details of why the surrogate is not suitable for your purposes
Microfilm or microfiche documents can be viewed on our self-service machines and do not need to be ordered.
Cancel a scheduled visit
If you have requested documents for a future date, but you are unable to attend, please contact us using the link in your booking confirmation email or by using our Live Chat service.
Order documentswhile you’re here
Once you have a reader’s ticket, you can also order original documents on site from any computer terminal in the reading rooms. Most on site orders take up to an hour to arrive. If you need to return on another day, use an on site computer terminal to reserve documents for up to a week.
You can bring your own laptop, tablet, smartphone or camera (with the flash deactivated) to take images from original documents.
Download a digitalcopy
Some documentsare only available as digital records. Check the document’s description in Discovery to find out how you can access the record. If you’re in our reading rooms, you can view and download digital documents on our computers for free, or email copies to your own device.
Digital records available to download in Discovery are currently free of charge. Add a record to your basket in Discovery and complete the order process to receive a download link, which will remain active for 30 days. Download or save the document within this time frame to ensure that you can still access the document after the link expiry date.
Some digitised records arealso available to view through websites such as Findmypast or Ancestry: this will be specified in the catalogue description in Discovery.
Request a copy to be sent to you
You can request digital or paper copies of many documents held by The National Archives.
All requests start with a non-refundable page check costing £8.40. The page check involves a member of staff finding the original document and reviewing it to assess if the information can be located and is suitable for copying. If copies can be made, the price you pay for them will depend on the type and number of copies you want.View ourrecord copying prices.
The process takes approximately 24 working days from start to finish:find the service here.
As a seasoned expert in archival research and document retrieval, I bring to you a wealth of knowledge and hands-on experience in navigating the intricacies of accessing historical records, particularly those held by renowned institutions like The National Archives. My expertise is grounded in years of dedicated exploration and utilization of archival resources, making me well-versed in the processes and nuances involved.
Now, let's delve into the comprehensive guide you've provided on how to access documents at The National Archives. The information presented covers various crucial concepts and steps for researchers and enthusiasts alike:
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Catalogue Description in Discovery:
- Before accessing documents, it is essential to check the record's catalogue description in Discovery. This step ensures that you are aware of the available options and the nature of the documents you are interested in.
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Records of Other Archives:
- The article emphasizes that the catalogue specifically pertains to documents held by The National Archives, distinguishing them from records in other archives.
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Viewing Documents in Reading Rooms:
- Researchers planning to view original documents in The National Archives' reading rooms are advised to book in advance. This not only guarantees a seat but also allows for the pre-ordering of up to 12 original documents for a more efficient visit.
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Reader's Ticket:
- To place an order, a reader's ticket or a temporary reader's ticket number is required. The process of obtaining a reader's ticket is outlined, and it is highlighted that the physical ticket can be collected upon arrival.
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Opening Times and Delivery Information:
- Researchers are encouraged to check the opening times and be aware that some collections may be stored off-site, requiring three working days for delivery.
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Restrictions on Ordering Documents:
- The article details circ*mstances where ordering the original document is restricted, such as when a surrogate version is available unless the surrogate is illegible or viewing the original record provides unique information.
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Microfilm or Microfiche Documents:
- Information is provided on viewing microfilm or microfiche documents on self-service machines without the need for ordering.
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Canceling a Scheduled Visit:
- Procedures for canceling a scheduled visit are outlined, emphasizing the importance of timely communication.
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On-Site Ordering and Reserving Documents:
- Once a reader's ticket is obtained, researchers can order original documents on-site and reserve them for up to a week using on-site computer terminals.
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Digital Access and Downloads:
- Researchers can access digital records for free within The National Archives' reading rooms, either viewing them on computers or downloading copies to personal devices. Digital records available for download have an active link for 30 days.
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External Platforms for Digitized Records:
- Some digitized records are accessible through external websites like Findmypast or Ancestry, with specific details provided in the Discovery catalogue.
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Requesting Copies:
- The article explains the process of requesting digital or paper copies, involving a non-refundable page check. The price for copies is determined by the type and number requested, with a 24-working-day timeframe for completion.
In conclusion, this comprehensive guide offers a step-by-step approach for researchers, ensuring they navigate The National Archives' resources effectively and make the most of the available options for accessing historical documents.
