Can I order copies of records?

Yes.

The document copying service provides copies of all material held by The National Archives. Our state of the art digital scanning equipment can produce paper copies of records, of a variety of sizes and conditions, and we can also supply images in a range of electronic formats.

Using the document copying service:

For more information on how to order copies of records please see the record copying service section. This includes an online order form for requesting copies.

A number of digitised public documents are available for download in PDF format from DocumentsOnline. These can then be printed directly from your PC.

Any enquiries relating to the provision of copies for website use, publication or any form of commercial exploitation should be referred to the image library.

Using the document copying service

Why do I need an estimate?

In order to calculate the costs of copying it is necessary to draw the documents from our repository to:

  • Quantify the amount of work to be done
  • To determine the correct copy procedure to use to carry out such work
Top of page

The record copying process

The process of requesting an estimate and placing orders for copies is as follows:

  1. First you complete a request for an estimate
  2. On receipt, we will complete the estimate details for your request (please allow up to ten days for this)
  3. On completion of the estimate you will be notified, by email, that it is ready and a link provided to take you to view your particular details
  4. Whilst viewing your estimate you can place orders for copies for all or part of the estimate
Top of page

Delivery Medium

Digitally scanned images, in greyscale or colour, can be delivered as:

  • Paper copy — prints will be approximately size for size at 150 dpi resolution. Other resolutions are available for an additional charge
  • CD-ROM or DVD ROM — images will be at 150 dpi resolution in TIFF format. Other resolutions / formats are available for an additional charge. All images up to A0 size will be single images
  • Scanning on demand — images are downloadable from our website within 21 days of us notifying you by email. This method is only available at 150 dpi resolution in PDF format. A1 size images will usually be split into 2 overlapping images. A0 size images will usually be split into 4 overlapping images
Top of page

Ordering documents in a range

Ordering documents in a range If you're requesting an estimate for copies of documents on microfilm, it is possible to specify a range of document references and have all documents within that range copied. You can request documents in a range by entering a start and end reference in the boxes provided. There are some restrictions on ordering ranges of documents:

  • Both references must be either for a range of pieces or a range of items
  • Both must have the same parent - i.e. department, series, and, optionally, series sub-number and/or piece must be the same for both documents
  • The starting reference must occur before the ending reference in its sequence
Top of page

Registration

You need to register to track your order and to access your estimate.

You can sign in at any time to check the status of your estimates are displayed in the box on the left hand side of your screen.

We also email you when your estimate is ready. You can follow the link in your email and then sign in to view your estimate.

Top of page
Utility Menu: