How common is it that the WA BDM Index and records are incorrect?

Question

I'm reaching out to share some recent challenges I've encountered with indexed records for my ancestors in Western Australia (WA) and to seek advice from fellow researchers.

Recently, I discovered discrepancies in the indexed records for one of my ancestors' marriages. Unfortunately, I only managed to have the error corrected with the registrar after I had ordered the marriage certificate, which also contained the same error appeared on the index. This experience has made me hesitant to order additional certificates, fearing that similar errors may be present.

As I delve deeper into my research, I've noticed inconsistencies in the index that cast doubt on the accuracy of certain records and whether they truly belong to my ancestors. Additionally, I have not found a way to obtain original copies of certificates in Western Australia.

I'm curious to hear from others in the community who may have faced similar issues with the Western Australian index:

1. Is it common for indexed records to contain inaccuracies in Western Australia, and how do you work around it?
2. Is it possible to obtain original copies of certificates in Western Australia, and if so, how? Thanks in advance for any insights, or advice. :)

Comments

I am not sure about the WA BDM index, but the NSW BDM index is rarely incorrect. This may not help, but I would hope all of the Australian states have great indexes!

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I did find this on the website, apparently they are not available for family history research?

Uncertified plain paper copies of original handwritten or typed WA records are available for:

• Births that occurred 100 years or more ago
• Deaths between 1841 to 1983 (original handwritten or typed records are not available for deaths from 1984 as they have all been digitised)
• Marriages that occurred 75 years or more ago

These cannot be used for official or legal purposes such as proof of identity and can only be obtained from the Perth Registry Office. Applications will not be accepted at courthouse locations.

Uncertified copies of original records may be of varying quality and legibility, handwritten or typed. Every effort is made to provide the best image quality possible but where the image is difficult to decipher the Registry is unable to transcribe the document of provide a refund.

Please note some words in Open Era records may cause offence. In order to avoid causing offence, the copy you receive will be redacted unless you specifically ask for an un-redacted copy. By asking for an un-redacted copy, you accept that the copy you receive could contain words that may cause, or be capable of causing, offence to you or someone else who is aware of it.

Original records held at the Registry are confidential and are not available for viewing for family history research by members of the public or professional genealogists.

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Depending how old it is. You Can Go to bdm wa in Perth, or go to the local court house Joondalup for one and get copies of the originals. I have done this as i live in WA Merrilyn.

You have to pay for it though depending how old it is, also you need ID.

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Thanks Kerrie saves a trip to Perth, getting them online sound great. Some marriage records you can get on reverse marriages wa.  Or bdmwa. They have different  registration numbers though i found out while working on some Carson family today. I have found it quicker to go into Perth if current stuff, or you can get it same day at the court house Merrilyn

Answer 1

Hi Eden

There are certainly errors in the WA indexes but I wouldn’t describe them as common. Can you provide a bit more detail about what you mean?

They updated their indexes a year or so ago and there are definite differences between the old and current indexes. This shouldn’t affect what’s on the certificate though, and I’ve not had any issues with them.

With certificates, for a while there you could only buy a transcription, which it seems you’re complaining about (it bugs me too).

But in someone else’s answer it looks like you can now buy a copy of the original entry which is much better. It looks like you can even order online now, rather than having to print out and mail a paper form, which was the case not that long ago.

Definitely ask for an unredacted copy. A few years ago they were in the news for not including the word “aboriginal” because it might be offensive. I kid you not.

You’ll have to contact the office to make sure you can get what you want to order. They have in the past been extremely slow, bureaucratic and unresponsive but have definitely improved in recent years.

Answer 2

Hi Eden

I often buy the original certificates from here as an uncertified copy. There is a Form on the website - Form F, I think - that you fill in and it only costs 20 dollars for this version, rather than 35 for the certified one.

Kind Regards

Kerrie

Answer 3

Hi Eden,

I haven't found any inaccuracies in the index, except for a marriage year which turned out to be because they were married at the end of December so registered in January of the next year.

I haven't ordered any certificates, but that's mainly because I use the index more for narrowing my search on Trove. The newspaper articles back in those days give way more information than the BDM records! And it's free!