What happens when I arrive?
If you are visiting the Public Record Office of Northern Ireland (PRONI) to carry out research, you must first register as a PRONI visitor (if you are attending a talk or event you may register if you wish, but it is not essential).
Registration (first time visitors)
To register, you will need to complete a registration form and have your photograph taken for your Visitor Pass. Photographic proof of identity and a permanent address will be required. Your Visitor Pass will then be printed out for you in a matter of minutes.You will receive a ‘Welcome’ leaflet when you register, outlining the key dos and don’ts for using PRONI. You should read this leaflet carefully before starting your research. Please note that in completing the registration form, you are agreeing to abide by our guidance for public consultation of PRONI records (112KB) 
. the full text version of which is also available at the reception desk on request. We would advise customers to read through this also.
. the full text version of which is also available at the reception desk on request. We would advise customers to read through this also.You will also be asked to write your name and visitor number the visitors’ book so that we know who is in the building in the event of an evacuation.
The visitor pass has a visitor number that is unique to you and you will need it to order documents. Your visitor pass will also serve as a means of identification on future trips to PRONI, so you should bring it with you each time you visit.
Your visitor pass will need to be renewed each year.
Signing in (registered visitors)
If you have already registered as a PRONI visitor you will need to show your visitor pass to the reception staff, who will then log you into the computerised document ordering system.You will also be asked to write your name and visitor number in the visitors’ book so that we know who is in the building in the event of an evacuation.
Security and preservation information
The documents you consult in PRONI are unique and irreplaceable and therefore PRONI must take all necessary steps to protect and preserve the information for present and future generations.As a PRONI visitor you have an important role to play in safeguarding Northern Ireland’s archival heritage. That is why it is so important that you observe the dos and don’t’s for using PRONI, even when they appear to be inconvenient.
You should be aware that closed-circuit TV cameras operate in the public areas of the building, including the reading room (where the documents are consulted) and self-service microfilm room.
Securing your belongings
Once you have registered and signed in, you will be allocated a locker key and directed to the lockers. There, you will be expected to leave outdoor coats, briefcases, handbags, laptop cases, bulky items, newspapers and magazines etc. – for a full list see guidance for public consultation of PRONI records (112KB) .Clear plastic bags are available to hold essential items only - pencils, reading glasses, notepad - but nothing else.
What do I do next?
New visitors should go to the search room where a member of staff will meet with you briefly to discuss your research needs. They will help you to get started, showing you how to use the catalogues, guides, indexes and leaflets and how to order a document. For further information on beginning your research, read using the archives.
