Copenhagen: Civil Registration

Back to Portal: Copenhagen

Background
Prior to civil registration, vital data was recorded in the parish register. In 1924, Denmark implemented a nationwide civil registration of births, marriages, and deaths. Although nationwide civil registration did not begin until the 20th century, Copenhagen began much earlier. Civil marriage registration began in 1851, and death registration began in 1840. Births were not registered civilly until the 1924 nationwide date.

Tips
Civil registration should be used if no church records can be found or to supplement church records. Keep in mind that not everyone was recorded in these registers, especially in the marriage registers.

Access
Civil registration can be accessed at the Central office of Civil Registration in Copenhagen. (Privacy laws may restrict some access) Records are also available at the Family History Library. See Marriage Records Death Records