Understanding the BMD index reference number

From 1837 to 1984 the index information for each year is divided into quarters. The quarters are split as follows:

• March quarter – events registered in January, February and March
• June quarter – April, May and June
• September quarter – July, August and September
• December quarter – October, November and December

The earliest index is for September quarter 1837. After 1984 the indexes are organised by year only.

The indexes are arranged in year order, and in each quarter or year the entries are listed alphabetically by surname, and then by forename.

To search marriage records, you can use either the surname of the married man or maiden surname of the married woman.

Adoptions records start from 1927, and are listed alphabetically by surname and then by forename.

Civil partnership records start from December 2005 and are listed by surname, together with the surname of partner, year of formation, registration authority and registration entry number.