Many countries still have official bodies that oversee heraldry, though how much they manage can vary. Places like the United Kingdom, Canada, Ireland, South Africa, and Belgium all have state-supported organizations that handle the design and registration of coats of arms—for individuals, cities, corporations, and even the military. These authorities help keep things consistent with tradition and maintain records of who was granted what. For example, England has the College of Arms, and Canada has the Canadian Heraldic Authority doing precisely that work.
In other countries—like Sweden, Norway, and the Netherlands—the focus is mostly on civic and government arms. They regulate the coats of arms used by towns, public institutions, and official agencies but don’t get involved with personal heraldry. People in those countries can create and use their designs if they don’t copy existing ones. It’s a more relaxed approach that opens the door to creativity but also means those personal arms don’t have formal recognition.
The U.S. has no national heraldic authority for individuals or families. The U.S. Army Institute of Heraldry does handle military and government symbols, but heraldry is a do-it-yourself project outside of that. People often turn to private groups or genealogical societies to design and register their coats of arms. For Americans, heraldry tends to be more of a personal or cultural tradition than something run by the state.
One prominent heraldic authority is the College of Arms in the United Kingdom. Established in 1484, the College of Arms manages coats of arms and official symbols. Based in London, the College oversees arms’ design, granting, and regulation, ensuring each design is unique and adheres to centuries-old heraldic traditions. The College is also responsible for genealogical research and maintaining records of armorial bearings, family histories, and official royal ceremonies.
Heralds at the College of Arms specialize in heraldry and genealogy, handling everything from designing coats of arms to tracing family histories. The Garter King of Arms leads the College and ensures all heraldic work follows established traditions and rules. The team grants new arms, verifies existing ones, and offers guidance on ceremonial matters. Unlike many state-funded heraldic authorities, the College funds itself through fees paid by individuals, families, and organizations seeking heraldic or genealogical services. It continues to actively preserve and promote England’s heraldic heritage.
For more information on the College of Arms, visit the following URLs:
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