Find frequently asked questions and answers on the following topics:

Birth

I ordered two certificates. Why did I receive only one certificate?

If you order both small and large certificates, these will likely be mailed separately. Typically, you will receive the small certificate followed by the large certificate a few days later.

Marriage

Which surname can I use after marriage? How do I change my surname after marriage?

After marriage, you can choose to use your own or your spouse's surname. Getting married does not result in a legal change of name or automatic change to your identification or records. To use hyphenated surnames, a legal Change of Name is required. To change your identification, please contact each Agency directly.

My marriage ceremony was not held in British Columbia. Do I have to register my marriage in British Columbia?

The Vital Statistics Agency only registers marriages that take place in this province. The Agency does not record any marriages that take place outside British Columbia.

You can obtain a legal marriage certificate from the jurisdiction where you were married. This can be used to provide proof of marriage as required.

Can the Vital Statistics Agency appoint my friend as a Marriage Commissioner for my ceremony?

Unfortunately, due to the legal procedures and training for granting Marriage Commissioner appointments, we are not able to provide temporary appointments.

Death

Can you tell me if he/she is deceased?

Vital Statistics legislation requires an application, along with the fee, before searching records for an event.

Am I eligible to receive a death certificate?

Anyone may order and receive a death certificate for someone who died in British Columbia. Release of death certificates is not limited to immediate family.

I do not want to pay for a death certificate; I just want to know if a person is deceased.

Legislation requires an application and/or certificate, along with a fee, for Vital Statistics to search records. A death certificate provides confirmation that the person died in British Columbia. If no death record is found, you will receive a letter advising you that a record is not available.

Wills Notice

Is it mandatory to file a Wills Notice?

No, you are not required by law to file a Wills Notice; however, the courts require that a Will Search be conducted before an estate can be probated.

Does Vital Statistics file a copy of the Will?

No, Vital Statistics does not file a copy of the Will with the Wills Notice.

Legal Change of Name

Is it necessary for me to have fingerprints done if I do not have a criminal record?

Yes, legislation now requires that anyone over 18 years old must provide fingerprints with the legal Change of Name application.

Do you notify my birth province of my new name?

If you were born in Canada, we will notify your birth province of your new name.

Will you send me a new birth certificate with my new name?

You receive a change of name certificate that shows your previous and new names, as part of your legal change of name application and fee.

For a birth certificate with your new name, you need to complete and submit an application form and fee.

Genealogy

How long will it take for me to receive my Genealogy Certified Registration Copy?

It takes 20 business days for us to produce a Genealogy Certified Registration Copy.

For eligibility, who is immediate family?

An immediate family member or relative is a grandparent, grandchild, mother, father, spouse, brother, sister, daughter or son.

I require further genealogical information. Is there another way to get this information?

Visit BC Archives' website at http://www.bcarchives.gov.bc.ca/index.htm and search for genealogy information free of charge. On this website, historical records are available for events, such as births more than 120 years ago, marriages 75 years ago, and deaths 20 years ago.

Commemorative Certificates

Can a Commemorative Certificate be used as a legal document?

No, a Commemorative Certificate is not a legal document and is for keepsake purposes only.

Other Questions

I have lost track of a friend who was living in British Columbia, can you help me find an address for this person?

The Vital Statistics Agency registers vital events that take place in British Columbia, such as births, marriages and deaths. Vital Statistics does not have any records of people's addresses.