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CARN tickets

We operate the County Archives Research Network (CARN) ticket system at Walsall Local History Centre. If you do not already have a CARN ticket you will need to register on your first visit.

What is CARN?

The County Archives Research Network is a network of different record offices which have come together to have one standard ticket system. This means that when you get a CARN ticket from this office you can use it at any of the other offices that are part of the network. If you already have a CARN ticket issued at one of the other offices you can use that here.

What identification do I need to get a CARN ticket?

Since your ticket can be used at any one of the participating offices it is important that there is a standard way of issuing tickets. For this reason, we have to ask to see certain sorts of identification. This should be something official with your name, printed address and signature e.g. a driving licence.

If you do not have a driving licence please bring something with your name and signature on it (e.g. passport, cash card, credit card) as well as something with your address printed on it, such as a recent bank statement, utilities bill, medical card, council tax demand, or social security book.

If you do not have the correct ID with you then we cannot issue you with a CARN ticket. However, it may be possible to issue you with a temporary ticket, but if you are going to visit this office regularly we would like you to get a CARN ticket. Temporary tickets can only be used for three visits.

Other offices have different systems and some will not allow you access without the correct identification.

List of acceptable proofs of ID

For both address and signature:

  • Driver’s Licence

For address only:

  • Medical Card (with address)
  • Bank statement
  • Household bills
  • Official letter
  • Pension Book
  • UB40
  • Building Society Passbook
  • Disabled Person’s Registration
  • Post Office Savings Book
  • Vehicle Registration Documents
  • Foreign Passports (if they have address, must also provide address in this country)
  • Official ID cards (with indication as to how you may be contacted and address)
  • Correspondence with Walsall Local History Centre

For signature only:

  • Credit card
  • Debit card
  • Cheque guarantee card
  • National Insurance card
  • National Trust card
  • Passport

N.B. You need to bring proof of both address and signature.

How do I use my CARN ticket?

Each time you visit Walsall Local History Centre, you will need to sign in and note your CARN ticket number on the signing in sheet. When you order records out on the order slips in the research room, you will need to note your ticket number again, and surrender your ticket. Once all records have been returned and checked, your CARN ticket will be returned to you.

How long does the ticket last?

CARN tickets are valid for 4 years.

How do I renew my CARN ticket?

To renew your ticket you will have to bring identification with you as is required for a new ticket (see above). If you change your address the same thing applies – please bring the required identification including your new address.

What do I do if my ticket is lost or stolen?

If your ticket is lost or stolen it is important to let us know without delay. If you wish to get a new ticket then you will need to bring your identification with you. There is a charge of £1.50 for replacement of lost tickets.

Where can I use my CARN ticket?

Berkshire Record Office
Birmingham City Archives
Buckinghamshire Record Office
Bury Archives Service
Cambridgeshire Archives Service
Ceredigion County Record Office
Chester and Cheshire Archive Service
Cornwall County Record Office
Coventry City Archives
Cumbria Archives Service
Denbighshire Record Office
Devon Record Office
Dudley Archives and Local History
Essex Record Office
Greater Manchester County Record Office
Gwent Record Office
Gwynedd Archives and Museum Service
Hampshire Record Office
Herefordshire Record Office
Hertfordshire Record Office
Isle of Wight County Record Office
Kent Record Office
Canterbury Cathedral Archives
Lancashire Record Office
Leicestershire Record Office
Norfolk Record Office
Nottinghamshire Archives
Oxfordshire Archives
Plymouth and West Devon
Portsmouth City Museums and Records Service
Powys County Archives Offices
Somerset Archive and Record Service
Southampton Archives Service
Suffolk Record Office
Surrey Record Office
Sussex Record Office
Teeside Archives
Warwickshire
Wiltshire Record Office
Wolverhampton Borough Archives
Worcester Record Office
Worcester History Centre
Ynys Mon / Anglesey