Readers’ tickets

The Reading Room of the National Archives may be used by any member of the public who holds a valid reader’s ticket. Members of the public may apply for a reader’s ticket on the day of their first visit to the National Archives, provided they have photographic identification as well as proof of address with them. The tickets which are free of charge, are issued for periods of up to three years and are not valid in other research institutions.

Visitors are requested to bring with them photographic identification to facilitate the ticketing procedure – acceptable photographic identification includes the following: passport; driver’s licence; (international) student card; social security card; travel pass and employment ID. Proof of address may include a utility bill and must not be older than six months. Readers are required in their application form to sign an undertaking agreeing to abide by the National Archives’ Rules for Readers and failure to observe these may result in the cancellation of the person’s reader’s ticket. Readers are also required to sign the Emergency Evacuation Notice.

A reader’s ticket application form may be downloaded and completed in advance of a first/future visit to the National Archives. The form must be presented in the Duty Archivist’s office in order to process your application with the minimum of delay.

Replacement of readers’ tickets

Where a replacement reader’s ticket is required – valid for the same period as the original ticket - a charge of € 5.00 per replacement ticket will be levied once photographic identification and proof of address have been submitted. The issue or renewal of a reader’s ticket will incur no cost, as at present. Please remember to have your reader’s ticket with you at all times. You will be unable to order documents or microfilms without it.