About the U.S. Heraldic Registry
The U.S. Heraldic Registry is a private enterprise that offers free registration of contemporary and historical heraldry as well as affordable heraldic artwork and design consultation.
The primary mission of the Registry is to compile and offer to the public a comprehensive database of personal, corporate, civic, military, academic, organizational, and ecclesiastical arms. Although the Registry's focus is on American heraldry, registration is open to citizens and entities of all countries.
Why register a coat of arms?
- Registration allows a person or organization to record and display their coat of arms in a publicly accessible database.
- Registration distinguishes inherited and original heraldic designs from bogus "surname coats of arms" and "family crests."
- Registration can prevent others from unintentionally assuming the same coat of arms.
- Registration creates a documented date-certain for the use of the arms, which can settle disputes if someone later claims the same design.
- Registration allows the arms to be stored in standardized, written form, called a "blazon," which stabilizes the design and allows it to be more easily preserved and transmitted and to be found in an electronic search.
- Registration entries can include the design rationale and history of the arms, preserving the information for the public and future generations.
- Registration of a personal coat of arms in honor of a parent or grandparent creates an enduring memorial and a symbol of family identity to all the honoree's offspring.
- Registration of non-personal arms helps promote the organization's visibility on the internet.
Who may register?
Anyone may submit an application for registration. Registration is free. Simply complete the appropriate on-line application form. Applications are typically reviewed within three weeks. Registrants receive a unique registration number and the information is placed in the online database.
Publication of registered arms
All registrations are published as blazons (descriptions) on this website. A drawing of registered arms is published if the armiger (owner of the arms) purchases a certificate. A bound compilation of registrations is sent to the LDS Family History Center in Utah and to the Library of Congress.
Other services available
In addition to free registration, the Registry provides a range of fee-based heraldic services. These services include certificates, heraldic artwork, and design consultation.
Image policy
The Registry sells certificates to individuals containing only the heraldic images owned by that individual. We do not sell, in any form, any images to persons or entities that do not own the images. Nor do we display or store any images unless they are conveyed to us with permission to display them by the owner of the images. Armigers must purchase a certificate or commission artwork from the Registry in order to have their images displayed on this website or in its publications.