Benin Civil Registration

Online Collections

 * 1889-1918 - French Overseas Civil Registration, Dahomey - images, French Overseas National Archives
 * 1891-2014 - at FamilySearch — index and images
 * 1802-1902: Registres de l'état civil de Saint-Benin-d'Azy (Nièvre) 1793-1862; tables décennales 1802-1902,, FamilySearch Catalog

Offices to Contact
Certificates were recorded by the office in the location in which the event took place. If you know your ancestor's town, send your request to:  Mayor's Office of Prefecture (Town), Benin

For any additional questions or inquiries:

Archives Nationales du Bénin Address: Route de Missérété face Ecole Régionale Supérieure de la Magistrature, Ouando Porto-Novo Benin Mailing address: 629 Porto-Novo Benin Telephone: +229 20 24 66 07

Embassy of the Republic of Benin 2124 Kalorama Road, NW Washington, DC 20008 USA Telephone: 202-232-6656

Historical Background

 * Vital Registration (also known as Dahomey) began in Benin in 1933, but mostly pertained to French citizens and other foreigners.
 * By the year 1950, most residents within 15 miles of a registration center were included.
 * Benin became independent on 1 August 1960.

Coverage and Compliance
Population coverage: Estimated at 70% for the more recent time period.
 * Vital Registration (also known as Dahomey) began in Benin in 1933, but mostly pertained to French citizens and other foreigners.
 * By the year 1950, most residents within 15 miles of a registration center were included.

Information Recorded in the Records
Research use: They identify names of parents, prove other relationships, and are very useful for linking generations.

Record type: Births, marriages, and deaths.

Time period: 1893 to present.

Contents: Birth – name, birth date and place, parents’ names, father’s occupation and residence. Marriage – name of bride and groom, date and place of marriage, names of parents. Death – name of deceased, date and place of death, age and residence at time of death, occupation, cause of death.