How to Search United Kingdom Records
United Kingdom provides 42 searchable databases across multiple government agencies. Use the portals below based on the record type you need.
Important: Access rules vary. Some United Kingdom records require registration, fees, or formal requests. Criminal records in most countries are restricted and require authorization.
SearchSystems.net has tracked international public record sources since 1997.
Aircraft
Official Government Source Free Access
Search this Landings.com service for United Kingdom Aircraft registration by G number, construction number, owner, or use the expanded search option.
British Antarctic Territory Legal Information
Official Government Source Free Access
Search for courts and case law legal information in the British Antarctic Territory by keyword or phrase.
Census - 1901 Britain & Wales
Official Government Source Free Access
Search Britain or Wales 1901 Census by name or specify criteria such as marital state, occupation, gender and age.
Company Register | Companies House
Official Government Source Free Access
Companies House provides this database of United Kingdom registered companies. Search by company name or company number.
Company Register | Disqualified Directors
Official Government Source Free Access
UK government information on how to search for disqualified company directors.
Corporate Name Availability
Official Government Source Free Access
IGP Corporate Ltd. search for corporate name availability in the UK.
Court Hearings
Official Government Source Free Access
Her Majesty's Courts Service (HMCS) daily court hearing lists.
Court Records
Official Government Source Free Access
England, Wales, Northern Ireland, Scotland, and the United Kingdom court record searches from the British and Irish Legal Information Institute.
Criminal Court Proceedings | London 1674-1913
Official Government Source Free Access
Searchable database of London's Old Bailey central criminal court records covering 1674 through 1913.
Criminal Records
Official Government Source Free Access
The UK doesn't provide an online searchable database, but here you'll find instructions on how to obtain Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks.
Deaths | Commonwealth War Graves
Official Government Source Free Access
United Kingdom and other World War I and World War II war dead index from Commonwealth War Graves Commission.
Disqualified Directors
Official Government Source Free Access
Companies House database (extracted from the UK Register of Companies and Register of Disqualified Directors) of UK Disqualified Directors.
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Guernsey | Government and Legal Information
Official Government Source Free Access
Search legal information for the UK Crown dependency of the island of Guernsey and access government resources for courts and case law, criminal law, government, law journals, lawyers, legislation, and other government and legal information.
Historical Directories
Official Government Source Free Access
University of Leicester database of England and Wales historical directories.
Hospital Records
Official Government Source Free Access
Search for information on the existence and location of hospital records of hospitals in the U.K.
Human Rights Caselaw
Official Government Source Free Access
The Commonwealth Human Rights Case Law Database provides summaries of recent human rights decisions from national courts in Commonwealth jurisdictions.
Jersey | Government and Legal Information
Official Government Source Free Access
United Kingdom Crown Dependency Search legal information for the United Kingdom Crown Dependency of Jersey and access government resources for courts and case law, education, government, law journals, law reform, lawyers, legislation, Parliament, criminal law, human rights, and other government and legal information.
Jewish Genealogy
Official Government Source Free Access
JewishGen collection of United Kingdom Jewish Genealogy vital records, business directories, Hebrew school records, births, deaths, marriages, census records, hospital and military records, insurance policies, and substantially more.
Legal Information
Official Government Source Free Access
British and Irish Legal Information Institute databases.
Legislation
Official Government Source Free Access
Searchable database of all United Kingdom legislation.
London Historic Photographs - Transport
Official Government Source Free Access
Search this London Transport Museum service for historic photographs.
Money Claims
Official Government Source Free Access
HMCS (Her Majesty's Courts Service) money claim search.
Most Wanted
Official Government Source Free Access
Crimestoppers UK gallery of most wanted fugitives.
National Archives
Official Government Source Free Access
United Kingdom Archives documents database covering over 1,000 years. Includes Wills, Probate records, political history, military records, court records, legal history, colonial history, migration, citizenship, health & social welfare, transportation & maritime history, medals, honors, and much more.
Northamptonshire Community Directory
Official Government Source Free Access
Use this Northamptonshire, UK service to search for Northamptonshire communities and services.
Patent Decisions
Official Government Source Free Access
UK Intellectual Property Office index of patent decisions.
Patents
Official Government Source Free Access
United Kingdom Intellectual Property Office index of patents patents and patent applications.
Patents | Images & Designs
Official Government Source Free Access
Designview search for Design and Image Patents in the United Kingdom.
Prisons
Official Government Source Free Access
Use this HM Prison Service database to search for United Kingdom prisons by location, keyword, category, or map.
Register Offices
Official Government Source Free Access
Find a Register Office in the UK by postcode. Access official United Kingdom government records and public data.
Saint Helena | Legal Information
Official Government Source Free Access
Saint Helena Island, Ascension Island and the island group of Tristan da Cunha are UK Overseas territories. Search legal information and access links to courts and case law, elections, government, cyberspace, and more.
Statistics
Official Government Source Free Access
United Kingdom Office for National Statistics searches such as alcohol related deaths, hours and earnings, mortality, marriages, acquisitions & mergers, and considerably more.
Trade Marks
Official Government Source Free Access
UK Intellectual Property Office trade mark search.
Trafalgar Ancestors
Official Government Source Free Access
Use this United Kingdom National Archives service to search for those who served in the Battle of Trafalgar.
Wills & Probate
Official Government Source Free Access
United Kingdom National Archives database of UK Wills & Probate. Searches are free, most document copies require a fee.
Property | Tax & Valuation
Official Government Source Free Access
Scottish Assessors Association searches by address or Postcode for rateable values or council tax bands.
Buildings
Official Government Source Free Access
Search this United Kingdom Environment and Heritage Service database of Northern Ireland Buildings by council, ward, HB Number, address, townland, or keyword.
Buildings at Risk
Official Government Source Free Access
Search this United Kingdom Environment and Heritage Service database of Northern Ireland Buildings at Risk by council, ward, HB Number, address, townland, or keyword.
Property Valuation
Official Government Source Free Access
Use this UK Valuation & Lands Agency service to search for Northern Ireland land valuation information.
Sites & Monuments
Official Government Source Free Access
Search this United Kingdom Environment and Heritage Service database by keyword or phrase for Northern Ireland sites and monuments.
Wanted Persons
Official Government Source Free Access
Click on a year to browse this Northern Ireland Prison Service database for prisoners who are currently unlawfully at large.
Register Offices
Official Government Source Free Access
Enter a postcode to find your local Register Office.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I search United Kingdom public records?▼
Use the databases listed above - these are the primary official sources for United Kingdom. International record systems vary - access methods and availability differ from U.S. systems.
Are United Kingdom criminal records publicly searchable?▼
In most countries, criminal records are NOT publicly searchable online. They typically require a formal background check with the subject).replace(u2018,s consent. This is different from the U.S., where many county court records are publicly accessible.
Why are there fewer databases than U.S. states?▼
Most countries do not make the same range of public records freely searchable online as U.S. states do. Many international records require registration, fees, or formal government requests. What is listed here represents the best available free online access.