The process for breaking a Guinness World Record involves applying for an official attempt, providing evidence of the attempt, and having the evidence verified by a Guinness World Record official. If the evidence shows that the attempt was successful, the record is updated.

Anyone can apply to break a Guinness World Record, provided the attempt is based on a single, measurable variable (like fastest, heaviest, or most). To begin, you must register on the official Guinness World Records website and submit an application. There are two paths: the Standard Application, which is free but can take up to 12 weeks for a response, and the Priority Application, which costs around $800 (£500) and guarantees a response within five working days. If your proposal is accepted, you will receive a set of strict "Record Guidelines" that you must follow exactly. You will need to provide extensive evidence, including high-quality video, time-stamped photos, and independent witness statements. In 2026, Guinness remains the global authority on records, rejecting subjective claims like "most beautiful" in favor of standardisable, universally verifiable feats.