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The Urząd Stanu Cywilnego (USC) is a Polish term that translates to the "Registry Office" or "Civil Registration Office" in English. It is a crucial institution responsible for recording vital events of Polish citizens, including births, marriages, and deaths. The history of the USC is closely tied to the development of civil registration systems in Poland.

The concept of civil registration dates back to the late 18th century, during the times of the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth. However, it was only with the introduction of the Napoleonic Code in the early 19th century that the idea of a centralized civil registration system gained significant traction.

Under the Napoleonic Code, which was implemented in the Duchy of Warsaw (1807-1815), the registration of vital events became a state function rather than a religious one. This marked a significant departure from the earlier practice, where churches and religious authorities were primarily responsible for recording births, marriages, and deaths.