How do I Replace Birth Certificates in British Columbia, Canada?

Apply for a British Columbia birth certificate in person, online or mail in an application.

British Columbia citizens can apply for replacement birth certificates at the British Columbia Vital Statistics Office. A birth certificate is the most important vital record. A birth certificate proves who you are, where born and when you were born. A birth certificate is necessary to prove citizenship for other records and documents such as a passport, social security card and birth certificates are required to enroll children in school. Learn how you can obtain a replacement birth certificate in British Columbia if your original copy is worn, lost or stolen.

Instructions

1. Complete a declaration of lost or stolen birth certificate form if you need a replacement due to theft or loss. Include your name, address, and home and work phone numbers on the form and identify your place of birth in British Columbia. Fill in your mother's and father's full legal name, date of birth and birth place. Sign the form to confirm authorization to allow the vital statistics office to cancel your lost or stolen birth certificate. If you are 19 years of age or younger, both of your parents or legal guardians must sign the declaration form for authorization (if they are living).

2. Obtain an application for a birth certificate from the British Columbia Vital Statistics Agency's website or from your local vital statistics office. Fill in your full name, address and birth information such as the date and place of your birth. List your mother and father's full legal names and birthplaces.

3. Indicate if you require a birth certificate that includes only your birth information or if you need a genealogy birth certificate that includes your parental information by checking the appropriate check box.

4. Include a check or money order, or list your Visa, MasterCard or American Express card information for payment. You may pay in cash only if you apply for a replacement birth certificate at a local vital statistics office.

5. Attach a copy of guardianship papers if you are applying for a birth certificate for a non-biological child legally in your custody.

6. Return the forms to your local vital statistics agency or mail them to:

   Vital Statistics Agency

   PO Box 9657 STN PROV GOVT

   Victoria BC V8W 9P3

Tips & Warnings

• You can order replacement birth certificates online at the British Columbia Vital Statistics Agency website.

• If you submit an incomplete birth certificate application, you must provide a written document explaining your omissions, a photo ID and a written letter with official letterhead from a doctor, attorney, religious leader or notary public.

References

• British Columbia Vital Statistics Agency: Application for Birth Certificiate
• British Columbia Vital Statistics Agency: Declaration of Lost or Stolen Birth Certificate

Resources

• British Columbia Vital Statistics Agency Online Ordering System