This service may be useful for those who are unable to conduct the search themselves or visit us in person.
Our paid search service can help you to identify if a document, or information within a document, exists.
We can search for:
- Details of people and places in specific documents
- Online versions of our records
We cannot search for:
- Everything we may hold on a person, place or subject
- Speculative information within unidentified documents
How to identify records yourself
- Our research guides are designed to help you navigate our collection and locate a relevant series of documents.
- You can search Discovery, our online catalogue using keywords and dates. Use Discovery help for guidance on searching.
How our paid search service works
Step 1: Click ‘Request a paid search’ at the bottom of this page and fill out the online form.
Step 2: We will consider the request and identify, in agreement with you, the documents or information to search.
Step 3: Once agreed, we will send you a quote for the cost of the search and instructions on how to pay.
Step 4: When we have received payment, we will carry out the search. If information is found, we will provide a written report and a quote for copies if required.
You will receive the results of the search within 20 working days of receipt of your request. This does not include any time taken to clarify information with you and any time between the issuing of a fee and receipt of payment. If nothing is found, we will confirm this with you.
We do not provide refunds for unsuccessful searches.
Fees
- The cost of a search is £38.95 per 15 minutes. This does not include any fees required for copying documents.
- If copies can be made, the price you pay for them will depend on the type and number of copies you want. View our current copying fees.
- The prices we charge are set out by the Fees Regulations under the Public Records Act (1958) and are based on recovering the costs of providing the services.
- Alternatively, you can use an independent researcher who may offer more competitive rates.
Request a paid search
Remember to give as much detail as possible about what documents you would like us to search.
Alternatively, write to us at: Collections Expertise and Engagement, The National Archives, Kew, Richmond, Surrey, TW9 4DU.