Advice on obtaining original birth certificate

Do I have a right to obtain a copy of my original birth certificate?
Adopted adults have had the right to apply for information to enable them to obtain a copy of their original birth certificate since 1975.  This right continues under the Adoption and Children Act 2002 (Schedule 2). 

Do I need to obtain a copy of my original birth certificate before applying for information from the adoption agency’s records?
No, you do not have to obtain your original birth certificate before obtaining further information from your Adoption Agency’s records.  In any case the information from the Agency’s records often contain a copy of your original birth certificate.

If I wish to have an official copy of my original birth certificate, how do I obtain this?
If you wish to and you already know your birth name, your birth mother’s name and your place of birth you can purchase your birth certificate from the Register Office local to where you were born or from The Registrar General, The General Register Office, Smedley Hydro, Trafalgar Road, Smedley Hydro, Trafalgar Road, Southport, Merseyside PR8 2HH.  If you do not already know it, you will be given the information you need to be able to get a copy of your original birth certificate, if you apply to us to obtain information from your adoption records.

What can I do if I do not know which Agency arranged my adoption?
For adopted adults who do not know which Agency arranged their adoption, they may apply to the Registrar General for the information needed to obtain a copy of their original birth certificate.  If adopted before 12th November 1975, this information must be disclosed personally by an adoption counsellor.  If adopted after that date, counselling is optional but recommended.