Registration of Births

All Alberta births must be registered. It is the responsibility of the mother, or if the parents are married, either parent to complete a Registration of Birth form. In some circumstances, a person who has full knowledge of the facts surrounding the birth may also complete the Registration of Birth form.

The birth registration should be left with the hospital where the child was born, so that the document can be forwarded from there to Vital Statistics. The birth registration must be sent to the Vital Statistics office within 10 days of the date of the child's birth. Only under special circumstances can the parent(s) mail this registration directly to Vital Statistics.

The Registration of Birth form becomes a permanent legal record of the birth event. It is very important that it be completed fully and accurately. The information recorded on the Registration of Birth is used to produce birth certificates, when ordered.

Alberta's laws allow the parent(s) various options when choosing the child's last name. The last name of the child is based on the relationship and marital status of the parents. Some restrictions may apply. Refer to Choosing a Last Name for Your Child as well as Guidelines for Choosing a Given Name or Last Name for Your Child.

Once a birth is legally registered, corrections or alterations may only be completed with the appropriate documentation and statutory declarations. If an amendment is requested within 90 days from the date of event (birth, marriage, death), there is no fee. Fees may be applicable on amendments requested after the 90 days.