England and Wales National Register, 1939 - FamilySearch Historical Records

England

Wales

What is in This Collection?
This collection contains records from the 1939 National Register, taken in England and Wales on September 29, 1939. Details of around 40 million people were recorded in more than 65,000 transcript books, now held in record series RG 101.

The register was used to issue identity cards, organize rationing and more. While the 1939 Register is not a census, it is arranged along similar lines and includes similar information. It does, however, show exact dates of birth, while census returns simply give a person’s age. Individuals’ records remain closed for 100 years from their date of birth or until proof of death is produced. The index was provided by Findmypast.

What Can These Records Tell Me?
The Register includes the following:
 * Name
 * Gender
 * Age
 * Place of birth

How Do I Search This Collection?
Before searching, it is best to know the following information:
 * Name of the person
 * Approximate date of the event

How Do I Analyze the Results?
Compare each result from your search with what you know to determine if there is a match. This may require viewing multiple records or images. Keep track of your research in a research log.

I Found the Person I Was Looking For, What Now?

 * If possible, look at an image of the original record. The original may contain information that was not recorded in the index
 * Use the birth date and place to search for a birth information in church or civil records
 * Use the birth and age to search for the individual in censuses

I Can’t Find the Person I’m Looking For, What Now?

 * If your ancestor does not have a common name, collect entries for every person who has the same surname. This can help you find possible relatives
 * Search the records of nearby areas
 * Check for other names. An individual might have been listed under a middle name, a nickname, or an abbreviation of their given name

Research Helps
The following articles will help you in your research for your family in England.
 * England Guided Research
 * England Record Finder
 * Research Tips and Strategies

Citing This Collection
Citations help you keep track of places you have searched and sources you have found. Identifying your sources helps others find the records you used.