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The National Archives

Registering for a Reader's Ticket

Do I need a Reader's Ticket?

You need a Reader's Ticket to look at original documents in the Document Reading Room or Map and Large Document Reading Room.

You do not need a Reader's Ticket to look at copies of documents in the Open Reading Room or to use the restaurant, cyber café, shop and museum.

The Open Reading Room meets the needs of many visitors since it contains online and microfilm/fiche copies of many of our most popular records, and a wide range of other sources, particularly relating to family history.

You should bring proof of identity and address (see below) with you when you visit, in case you need a Reader's Ticket.

Who can get a Reader's Ticket?

Anyone over the age of 14, subject to proof of identity and address (see below).

How do I get (or renew) a Reader's Ticket?

You must bring proof of identity and address (see below).

Reader's Tickets are available from the registration desk in the Open Reading Room at Kew. The process takes a few minutes. It includes us taking your photograph (a Reader's Ticket is a photo card). The photograph must show your full head without any head covering (unless worn for religious or medical reasons) and with nothing covering your face.

Proof of identity and address

To get a Reader's Ticket you must bring two documents – one to prove your identity and one to prove your address – and show them to staff at the registration desk (except students - see below). Acceptable documents are:

Proof of your identity (including a valid signature)

Proof of your address (internet printouts or online statements are not accepted)

If you are not sure that you have acceptable proofs you should contact The National Archives before your visit.

Can I register in advance for a Reader's Ticket?

You can pre-register up to four weeks before your visit to The National Archives by using one of the links below. Your details will be available at the registration desk in the Open Reading Room after about an hour, and will be held on our system for four weeks before being deleted. During this time you can complete your registration process by bringing proof of identity and address (see below) when you visit.

For UK residents:

If you are a UK resident please enter your details here:

For non UK residents:

If you are not a UK resident you can enter your details here:

Proofs for students

If you are still at school or college, aged 14 or over, you should bring a letter on headed notepaper, signed by your teacher or tutor, together with some evidence of your age, such as a birth certificate or passport. We only accept the birth certificate as proof of age, not ID, in support of the letter from the school.

Renewing or replacing your Reader's Ticket

Readers' Tickets are valid for three years from the date of issue. They are automatically cancelled after this period. A new ticket will be issued on proofs of identity and address.

If you forget or lose your Reader's Ticket a new one can be issued. You will be required to produce proofs of identity and address and pay a fee of £5.00.

Stolen tickets will be replaced without charge, upon production of a police crime reference number, along with acceptable identification.