Benin Civil Registration

Online Collections

 * 1802-1902: Registres de l'état civil de Saint-Benin-d'Azy (Nièvre) 1793-1862; tables décennales 1802-1902, (*) at FamilySearch Catalog
 * 1889-1918 French Overseas Civil Registration, Dahomey - images, French Overseas National Archives
 * 1891-2014 at FamilySearch — How to Use this Collection; index and images

Offices to Contact
Certificates were recorded by the office in the location in which the event took place. If you know your ancestor's town, send your request to:
 * Mayor's Office of Prefecture
 * (Town), Benin

For additional questions or inquiries:

Archives Nationales du Bénin Route de Missérété face Ecole Régionale Supérieure de la Magistrature, Ouando Porto-Novo Benin Mailing address: 629 Porto-Novo Benin Telephone: +229 20 24 66 07

Embassy of the Republic of Benin 2124 Kalorama Road, NW Washington, DC 20008 USA Telephone: 202-232-6656

Historical Background

 * Vital Registration (also known as Dahomey) began in Benin in 1933, but mostly pertained to French citizens and other foreigners.
 * By the year 1950, most residents within 15 miles of a registration center were included.
 * Benin became independent on 1 August 1960.

Coverage and Compliance
Population coverage: Estimated at 70% for the more recent time period.
 * Vital Registration (also known as Dahomey) began in Benin in 1933, but mostly pertained to French citizens and other foreigners.
 * By the year 1950, most residents within 15 miles of a registration center were included.

Birth Records

 * Name
 * Birth date and place
 * Parents’ names
 * Father’s occupation and residence

Marriage Records

 * Names of bride and groom
 * Date and place of marriage
 * Names of parents

Death Records

 * Name of deceased
 * Date and place of death
 * Age
 * Residence at time of death
 * Occupation
 * Cause of death