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Research codes

Part of the Family history research topic

Learn about research codes and how to use them in the family history research service.

Registration numbers

Registration records have a unique registration number which has 3 parts:

  • year of registration
  • index prefix letter/s
  • registration number.

Not all records will display an index prefix and prefixes used have changed over time.

Regional codes

Regional codes are assigned based on the boundary of the Greater Brisbane at the time of registration. The codes are correct at the time of registration.

Example: Windsor became part of Greater Brisbane in 1925. Before 1925 it was classed as a country location on life event records. This means:

  • a couple married in Windsor in 1924 or earlier, would have the prefix 'C', for a country marriage
  • a couple married in Windsor after 1925 would have the registration prefix 'B', for a Brisbane marriage.

Code

Meaning

B

The event took place in Brisbane

C

The event took place outside of Brisbane

M

Marine event—a birth or death at sea that was registered at the first port of call in Queensland

Birth codes

Code

Meaning

O

Memo birth—registered more than 60 days after the birth. This was sometimes referred to as a late registration.

R

Late registration—registered more than 60 days after the birth.

BBP

Church record of baptism—transcribed from church records from 1829 to 1855. These are baptism records may not have the same information as a birth registration.

Death codes

Code

Meaning

F

Australian Imperial Forces death—World War I death. Service personnel who enlisted in Queensland and died overseas. Not all records will have burial details.

S

World War II death. Service personnel who enlisted in Queensland and died overseas. Not all records will have burial details.

BBU

Church record of burial—transcribed from church records from 1829 to 1855. These are burial records may not have the same information as a death registration.

Marriage codes

Code

Meaning

BMA

Church record of marriage—transcribed from church records from 1829 to 1855.

Managed by: Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages