Registering to use the Record Office
We are part the CARN (County Archives Research Network) registration scheme.
This is a national network of record offices that share one standard ticket system.
You can use a CARN ticket at any participating office within the CARN network without the need to provide further proof of identity.
If you are a currently registered as a user with us, we will need to ask you to re-register with us. However, if you already have a CARN ticket, please show it when visiting and you will not need to re-register.
These tickets are free; they are valid for four years and will give you access to any record office that belongs to the Research Network.
To get a CARN Readers' Ticket, you can apply in person by showing us official documentation containing:
your full name, printed address and signature. All these elements are found on a driving licence.
If you do not hold a driving licence, then you can bring:
One item with your signature, such as a passport or a debit / credit card
Plus one item with your current printed address, for example:
Bank statement
Gas, electric, water or telephone bill
Medical card
Council tax statement
Social security book
Please remember:
All users wishing to access archival documents will need a CARN ticket, and to abide by the searchroom regulations by signing the visitors' book.
You will need to present your CARN ticket to receive your documents, so please do not forget your ticket.
Lost, stolen or damaged tickets should be reported by the ticket holder as soon as possible.
You can find out more about the CARN scheme and other participating record offices on the Archives and Records Association website.