Guide to BC Birth Certificate Application

If you have a baby in British Columbia, or if you were born in BC and need a copy of your birth certificate, understanding the registration and ordering process is essential. A birth certificate is one of the most fundamental identity documents in Canada. It is required for everything from enrolling your child in school to applying for a passport. This guide explains how to register a birth in BC, how to order birth certificates, and what to do if you need a replacement.

Registering a Birth in BC

Under BC law, all births that occur in the province must be registered with the BC Vital Statistics Agency. The registration process involves two parts:

Part 1: Notice of Live Birth

The healthcare provider who attended the birth (doctor, midwife, or nurse) is responsible for filing the Notice of Live Birth with BC Vital Statistics. This form records the medical details of the birth, including the date, time, and location. This is typically done electronically by the hospital or birthing centre within a few days of the birth.

Part 2: Registration of Live Birth

The parents are responsible for completing the Registration of Live Birth form. This form records the legal details of the birth, including the child's full name, the names of the parents, and other demographic information. The form is usually provided to the parents at the hospital or by the midwife. It can also be downloaded from the BC Vital Statistics website.

The Registration of Live Birth must be submitted within 30 days of the birth. If you miss this deadline, you can still register the birth, but it may require additional documentation and may take longer to process. You can submit the form online through the BC government portal, by mail, or in person at a Service BC location.

Information Required on the Registration Form

• Child's full legal name (first, middle, and last name)
• Date and place of birth
• Sex of the child
• Names, dates of birth, and places of birth of both parents
• Marital status of the parents
• Usual residence of the parents
• Information about the parents' other children (if any)

Both parents should sign the form. If only one parent is registering the birth, additional documentation may be required depending on the circumstances. The registration is free of charge.

Ordering a Birth Certificate

Once the birth is registered, you can order a birth certificate. Note that registration and the certificate are separate processes. Registration is the act of recording the birth; the certificate is the physical document you receive.

Types of Birth Certificates

BC offers two types of birth certificates:

• Short Form (Wallet Size): A small card that shows the person's name, date of birth, place of birth, and registration number. This is sufficient for most domestic purposes.
• Long Form (Large Format): A larger document that includes additional details such as the parents' names and birthplaces. Some institutions and government agencies may require the long form for specific applications.

How to Order Online

The most convenient way to order a birth certificate is through the BC Vital Statistics online ordering system. You will need:

• The full name as it appears on the birth registration
• Date of birth
• Place of birth (city/town in BC)
• A valid credit card for payment

The online system is available 24/7 and is the fastest way to order. Standard processing takes approximately 3 to 4 weeks, though this can vary depending on application volume.

How to Order by Mail or In Person

You can also order by downloading the application form from the BC Vital Statistics website, completing it, and mailing it along with payment (cheque or money order) to the address listed on the form. Alternatively, you can visit a Service BC Centre in person and submit your application there.

Fees

As of the most recent information, the fees for BC birth certificates are approximately:

• Standard birth certificate: $27
• Certified copy of registration: $50
• Priority processing (expedited): Additional fees apply, typically $30 to $50 on top of the standard fee

Check the BC Vital Statistics fee schedule for the most current pricing.

Replacement Birth Certificates

If you have lost or damaged your birth certificate, you can order a replacement using the same process described above. There is no limit on the number of times you can order a replacement. Each order requires payment of the applicable fee.

If you need a birth certificate urgently (for example, for travel), you can request priority processing for an additional fee. Priority processing typically reduces the wait time to a few business days, but availability may vary.

Birth Certificates for Immigration Purposes

If you are a newcomer to Canada and your child was born in BC, the birth certificate is proof that your child is a Canadian citizen. Canadian citizenship is granted automatically to anyone born in Canada, regardless of the parents' immigration status. This birth certificate will be needed for various applications, including obtaining a Canadian passport for your child, enrolling in provincial healthcare (MSP), and registering for the Canada Child Benefit.

For information on enrolling your newborn in BC's health insurance program, see our guide on how to get a BC Services Card and MSP. If you are also navigating your own immigration process, our BC PNP guide can help you understand the pathways to permanent residency.

Amending a Birth Registration

If there is an error on the birth registration (such as a misspelled name or incorrect date), you can apply to have it corrected. The process depends on the type of error:

• Minor clerical errors: Can be corrected by submitting a correction request form along with supporting documentation (such as hospital records or a statutory declaration).
• Name changes: If you want to change the child's name after registration, you will need to apply through the Legal Name Change process, which is a separate procedure governed by the Name Act. See our guide on how to apply for a name change in BC for details.
• Adding a parent: If a parent was not listed on the original registration, they can be added through a Declaration of Parentage process.

Birth Registration for Home Births

If your child was born at home with a registered midwife, the midwife is responsible for filing the Notice of Live Birth, just as a hospital would. The parents still need to complete the Registration of Live Birth form within 30 days.

If the birth occurred at home without a healthcare provider present (an unattended home birth), the parents are responsible for both the Notice of Live Birth and the Registration of Live Birth. Additional documentation, such as a statutory declaration, may be required. Contact BC Vital Statistics directly for guidance in this situation.

Stillbirths and Deaths

In the unfortunate event of a stillbirth (a fetal death occurring after 20 weeks of pregnancy or when the fetus weighs 500 grams or more), the birth must still be registered with BC Vital Statistics. The healthcare provider files a Stillbirth Registration, and parents can request a certificate if they wish.

Connecting with Other Services

After registering your child's birth, you may want to apply for several other services. In BC, there is a convenient program called the Newborn Registration Service that allows you to apply for multiple programs at once, including:

• BC birth certificate
• Social Insurance Number (SIN) for the child
• Canada Child Benefit (CCB)
• MSP enrollment for the newborn

This service is often offered at the hospital or by your midwife shortly after the birth. It simplifies the process by combining multiple applications into one form. Details are available on the BC government newborn registration page.

For newcomers settling in BC, a birth certificate is just one of many important documents you will encounter. Our guides on applying for rental housing in BC, tenant rights for newcomers, and getting married in Canada cover other essential aspects of establishing your life in British Columbia.

Registering your child's birth and obtaining a birth certificate in BC is a straightforward process, but it is important to complete it promptly. The birth certificate is a foundational document that your child will need throughout their life. Whether you are ordering your first certificate or replacing a lost one, the steps outlined in this guide will help you navigate the process smoothly.