You can make application for a birth certificate:

• in person at any Vital Statistics Office or Government Agent Office,
• on-line using our new secure electronic ordering system,
• by mail by completing and submitting an order form with the fee to Vital Statistics (download the form here),
• or, by fax by completing and submitting an order form with payment by credit card (download the form here).

To order certified photocopies of registration documents or genealogy documents, application must be made in person or by mail as often additional supporting documentation is required.

Please note that effective February 12, 2007, the Vital Statistics Agency has implemented centralized printing of all certificates out of the Victoria office. All certificates will be mailed or couriered to clients direct from Victoria.

A BC 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

Effective January 2, 2008, British Columbia's new Birth Certificate will be available for issue to people born in British Columbia.

New Certificate Includes Individual Information Only [171K]

The individual information certificate contains child’s name, date of birth, place of birth and sex. The certificate is 125 mm wide by 176 mm high.

New Certificate Includes Parental Information [176K]

The parental information certificate contains the individual’s name, date of birth place of birth, sex and parent(s) name and birthplace. The certificate is 125 mm wide by 176 mm high.

Pre-2008 Small Certificate [32K] (issued up to Dec. 31, 2007)

The small certificate contains the individual's name, sex, birth date, birth place, registration number, and registration date. The size is 9.5 cm x 6.4 cm

Pre-2008 Large Certificate [42K] (issued up to Dec. 31, 2007)

The large certificate contains the individual's name, sex, 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

Genealogy Certificate [168K]

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.