England and Wales, National Register, 1939

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.

Additional records and/or images may be added to this collection in the future.

What Can These Records Tell Me?

The Register includes the following:

• Name
• Gender
• Age
• Place of birth