British Columbia
Birth Certificates
How to Order a Birth Certificate
You can apply for a birth certificate at any Vital Statistics Office or Government Agent office. Get a copy of the application form at these locations or download the form here.
Complete and mail the form with the fee to Vital Statistics, and pay by cheque, money order or credit card.
A birth certificate may be ordered by the following:
- The person who is the subject of the certificate.
- A parent of a child under 19 years of age, or if the child is incapable.
- A custodial guardian if the parent is incapable
- A person with written authorization from one of the above.
- An officer of any provincial government or the government in Canada who requires the certificate for discharge of official duties.
- Any other person who satisfies the Chief Executive Officer of the good faith of the person's cause for requiring the certificate.
Certificates and Samples
The small certificate contains the individual's name, gender, birth date, birth place, registration number, and registration date. The size is 9.5 cm x 6.4 cm
The large certificate contains the individual's name, gender, birth date, birth place, registration number, and registration date, as well as the parents' full names and province, state or country of birth. The size is 21.6 cm x 17.8 cm
The genealogy certificate contains all of the above information, plus time of birth and birth weight. These certificates are not intended for use as official identification.
Commemorative certificates - These certificates are available in five styles with the child's name, date and place of birth, birth weight and relevant information. These certificates are not intended for use as official identification. Click here to find out more about Commemorative Birth Certificates.
You can celebrate your child's birth with a unique commemorative birth certificate. These large, decorative certificates are available not only for newborns but for anyone born and registered in British Columbia. If you are the person named in the certificate, or the parent in custody of the child, you can apply for a commemorative certificate.
How to Register a Birth
In British Columbia, the birth of every newborn in the province must be registered with the Vital Statistics Agency.
Either parent is responsible for registering the birth of the child. Another individual standing in place of the parents may register the birth, if the parents are incapable.
To register a child's birth, complete and return the Registration of Live Birth form to the Vital Statistics Agency within 30 days of the date of birth. This form is contained in the birth package given to parents during their stay in the hospital. It is also available at any Vital Statistics Office.
If only one parent is being named on the registration, different rules apply. A mother applying on her own must complete the form and sign the statement at the bottom of the form. In instances where the father does not sign the registration form, there will be no information about the father on the birth registration or birth certificate. Fathers or third parties applying to register a birth should contact a service representative at 250 952-2681 for further information.
When registering the child's name, be sure to follow the guidelines given here. If only one parent completes the registration, the surname must be the one chosen by the parent. If both parents register, the child's surname may be any surname chosen by the parents. If the parents do not agree on the name, the Agency will register the child's birth using both parents surnames.
If the parents do not have the capacity another individual may register the birth for them. This individual should call the Agency for instructions on how to register the birth.
The information on the birth registration form is collected under the Vital Statistics Act to register a birth and produce a birth certificate. It also provides statistical information for British Columbia. If you have any questions, contact Vital Statistics or a representative at 250 952-2681 in Victoria or 604 660-2937 in Vancouver.
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