The process of transporting the records from the department to The National Archives is also known as ‘uplift’. It involves arranging with The National Archives the delivery of the records and planning their movement.
The National Archives accepts paper transfers on either a Monday, Wednesday or Friday, with a maximum load per delivery of either four pallets or 10 cages. All deliveries should either be secured in cages or palletised. All transfer documentation (including catalogue lists, transfer summaries and delivery forms) must be received with sufficient time for them to be signed off at least one week before an agreed uplift date. In practice, we would expect to receive the first submission of the transfer template a month in advance of a delivery date. To arrange a delivery or if you have any questions or concerns please contact governmenttransfers@nationalarchives.gov.uk.
If you transfer records to a place of deposit the same arrangements should apply. The public record creating body is responsible for transporting records to the place of deposit and should consult with staff at the place of deposit on planning delivery.
There is a quick reference guide covering the key elements. We have published more detailed guidance on cataloguing and physical preparation.
Please see additional guidance for the delivery of digital records.
Guidance and forms for transfering paper records
A guide to transferring records to The National Archives – transfer aide memoire (PDF, 0.48 MB)
Transfer template (XLSX, 0.03 MB)
Access Updates Form (DOC, 0.05 MB)
Delivery form for transfer of paper records (XLS, 0.02 MB)
Process for sending previously retained pieces or extracts to The National Archives (PDF, 0.26 MB)