Description: This page details the required process for obtaining a birth certificate. Here you will find locations where this service may be obtained, an overview of required information, expected turnaround in processing the birth certificate application and a description of associated fees. For your added convenience you can download from this page the required application form for obtaining a birth certificate.

New Information About Newfoundland and Labrador's New Birth Certificate

Effective February 18, 2008, Newfoundland and Labrador will launch a new highly secure and durable birth certificate. The certificate, which is the new Canadian standard, is the most secure birth certificate in the world.
New Newfoundland and Labrador Birth Certificate - Frequently Asked Questions
Protect your identity - Your Birth Certificate

Vital Statistics has birth, marriage and death records from 1892 to the present. For records prior to 1892, please contact the provincial archives at (709) 757-8088.

How Can I Acquire a Birth Certificate?

To enhance the privacy and security of a person's identity, entitlement restrictions apply for birth certificates. See "Who is Entitled" section below.

As well, persons applying for birth certificates are required to provide identification:

one piece of photo ID; or
two pieces of other ID, at least one of which contains signature or address.

You may apply in person at any of the following Government Service Centres or departmental offices:

5 Mews Place, St. John's, NL.
7-9 Roddick Crescent, Harbour Grace, NL.
2 Masonic Terrace, Clarenville, NL.
Buffett Building, Main Street, Grand Bank, NL.
Fraser Mall, 230 Airport Blvd., Gander, NL.
9 Queensway, Grand Falls-Windsor, NL.
The Noton Building, 1 Riverside Drive, Corner Brook, NL.
35 Alabama Drive, Stephenville, NL.
Viking Mall, St. Anthony, NL.
Thomas Building, 13 Churchill Street, Happy Valley-Goose Bay, NL.
118 Humphrey Road, Bruno Plaza, Labrador City, NL.

If you apply for the birth certificate in St. John's, there is approximately a 20 minute waiting period. If you apply in Gander, Corner Brook, Clarenville or Grand Falls, you are still able to get them in the same day. If you apply at any of the remaining offices, there is approximately a three day waiting period.

You may also apply for a birth certificate by sending a signed letter or application.

Click here to display an application form (PDF: 294 KB) which you may print.

Send letter or form to Vital Statistics at the following mailing address:

Vital Statistics
Government Service Centre
Department of Government Services
5 Mews Place
P.O. Box 8700
St. John's A1B 4J6

Who is Entitled to Apply for a Birth Certificate?

You, if you are the subject of the birth certificate. You must be at least 16 years of age.
A parent of a child (as established by registration documents or by court documents) until the child reaches the age of 19 years or if the child is incapable because of physical or mental incapacity.
A custodial guardian (if no parent is capable) - proof of guardianship is required.
A person with written authorization from one of the above.
A person with a court order.
A person who requires it to comply with a specific Act or regulation - proof is required.
When the individual is deceased - proof of death is required:
- next of kin
- the executor, trustee or administrator of the estate; or
- a person with written authorization from one of the above.

Be sure to include the following:

Name
Date of Birth
Place of Birth
Sex
Name of Father and Name of Mother (including her birth or maiden surname)
Your complete mailing address and telephone number and state your relationship to the person named on the certificate if, for any reason, you are not that person.
Reason certificate is required
State whether the subject of the birth certificate is deceased. If yes, provide proof of death
Photocopies of ID as outlined above.

Birth Certificates are available in short form and long form, framing size. Short form certificates do not contain parent's names. Please be sure to specify the number and type of certificate you require.

Birth certificates cost $20.00. Cheques or money orders may be made payable to the Newfoundland Exchequer Account. If you are paying by credit card, we accept only Visa and MasterCard. We require the card number, expiry date and signature of the cardholder.