How long are GRO certs taking?

[SWar]

I think the GRO offices are in a bit of a frenzy - one of my death certs. arrived printed on a birth cert. form.  They were most apologetic when I phoned them and asked that I return it in a pre-paid envelope they will sent with the correct cert.

Sue

[richarde1979]

My certs are taking much longer to arrive--and I've received three cert that weren't the ones I ordered.  One cert was completely wrong: Christopher Meade instead of Ann Kelly!--and two certs that had the wrong father's name, though I asked for reference checking using the father's name.

Sadly I've also had this experience, and heard this tale repeatedly on boards. It appears all too common. If they perhaps concentrated their efforts on running more efficiently they might just make a bit of money, and wouldn't need to have to be rising their prices in order to just break even.

[clarkerwin]

I may be impatient but I find the GRO waiting times exasperating, although I do appreciate being able to order online.

They seem to have under-estimated the effect that a substantial increase in price from 6 April would have on their customers. 

They can comfort themselves with the idea that business is likely to decrease from 6 April as I would think people will be less likely to take a 'chance' on identity for £9.50, than for £7.  Prices may not have increased since 2003, as they are anxious to tell us, but perhaps a lesser increase might have resulted in less of a problem.

As suggested by others, I look forward to an instant DIY download for BMD documents, as with many NA records.

Two days to go ...

[Gaille]

I ordered 2 Certs from Cheshire register office 2 weeks ago & they were delivered exactly a week from the date I ordered them.

I needed to get 3 more marriage certs before the prices go up 2 from Lancs & 1 from Cheshire so I decided to use the lancs & Cheshire RO site last night, but I am guessing they have also been overwhelmed by the GRO pice increase too as the online service wouldnt work.

I ended up having to order from the GRO .............and it says the dispach date will be 12 April so I will just have to try n be patient (which isnt easy for me lol)

Gaille

[MagicMirror]

I ordered 4 certificates on the 19th March. The one where I asked for a reference check arrived on 29th March. 2 more arrived on the 31st and the last one came this morning. That one had been typed out which I gather means there was a problem with the image. I'm not holding my breath waiting for the 3 I ordered on 30th March.

[ozlady]

I ordered a cert on 23rd March by priority, despatch date given as 24th March. Still waiting!!!

[Sloe Gin]

I applied for about a dozen during March, all from local ROs.  The longest delay for receipt was three days ..... that one was ordered by phone, for the others I posted a letter enclosing a SAE with first class stamp.  They all came back by return of post. 

[Jean McGurn]

 

Judging by the number of posts from folk saying they have ordered before the price increase I'd say the GRO staff could be in for a bit of overtime!

Think it's not only the GRO staff inudated as they use TNT post which would also have to be sorted before the Postman actually gets the envelopes for popping through our doors 
Perhaps it will be better later this month after the prices have gone up 

Jean

[Annie65115]

You can all blame me for the delays - I've ordered over 50 certificates this week