Civil registration in Brazil began in 1889, following the establishment of the republic and the separation of church and state. Prior to that, Catholic parish records served as the primary source for births, marriages, and deaths. Civil records are maintained by local cartórios de registro civil (civil registry offices) and typically include detailed information such as full names, parents, dates, and locations.
Because coverage varies by state and region, genealogists often need to consult both civil and ecclesiastical records to build a complete family picture. Many older records have been digitized by archives and online platforms. For researchers tracing Brazilian ancestry, civil registration is essential for accessing post-1889 family details and confirming relationships across generations.
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Birth, Marriage & Death
Civil Registrations
- Brazil, Rio de Janeiro, Civil Registration, 1829-2012 305,998 records
