Why can't I fix indexing or transcription errors?

Article Id: 1071
July 20, 2025
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Here are a few common reasons why you cannot correct a transcription error that you find.

  • The ability to edit indexed records can depend on language, location, account type, and the collection. 
  • The ability to edit additional fields is coming. 
  • Some of the indexed records on FamilySearch.org lack a corresponding image. We use the image to validate corrections. If the Edit button is inactive, you cannot edit the record. If you click the button, you see a message: "Edit Unavailable. Sorry, you need special authorization to edit this record." In some cases, image access is tied to account type.
  • FamilySearch does not own the index, and our agreement with the index owner does not allow for user-submitted corrections.

Important note

Some record collections on FamilySearch come from other organizations. If the Edit button is active, patrons can edit the record. A gray Edit button means the record is not yet correctable due to contractual or other reasons.

Please contact the organization that provided the data and report errors. Here are examples of collections on FamilySearch from other organizations:

  • United States Public Records, 1970-2009
  • Find A Grave Index
  • BillionGraves Index
  • The England and Wales census records
  • Alabama Civil War Service Records of Union Soldiers, 1861-1865

  • GenealogyBank

    Note: FamilySearch and GenealogyBank are working to expand record availability.  If you cannot edit a GenealogyBank record yet, please check back later, as the Edit button may become available.

Find the owner of a collection:

  1. Sign in to FamilySearch
  2. Click Search and then Records.
  3. In the Find a Collection search field, enter the name of the collection. Click the title as it appears below the box.

  4. In the description, look for words like these:

    1. Index courtesy of....
    2. This data has been provided by....
  5. Click How to Use This Collection and learn more about the collection and the owner of the data.

How do I correct transcription errors in partially-editable record collections?
Fix errors in historical record transcriptions or indexes

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