Are you in need of a replacement birth certificate but don’t know where to begin? Whether lost, damaged, or needs updating, obtaining a new birth certificate can be confusing and time-consuming. But fear not! In this blog post, we’ll walk you through the step-by-step process of getting a birth certificate replacement in BC (British Columbia).
We’ve got you covered, from the required documents to the application process. So let’s get started on your journey towards obtaining your new birth certificate today!
Replacement Birth Certificate in BC
A replacement birth certificate in British Columbia is an official document that re-issues a person’s birth certificate with the same information as the original. It can be used for identification purposes and is sometimes required to get a passport or other official documents.
To obtain a Replacement Birth Certificate, you must complete an application form, provide proof of identity and pay the applicable fees. A certified copy of your original birth certificate is required for all applications for a General or Long Form replacement birth certificate. You can apply online, in person or by mail to the Vital Statistics Agency of British Columbia.
Types of Replacement Birth Certificates in BC
In British Columbia (BC), there are two types of replacement birth certificates that can be obtained: a long-form birth certificate and a short-form birth certificate.
Long-Form Birth Certificate
A long-form birth certificate is a more detailed document that includes information about the person’s birth and their parents’ names and places of birth. It can be used for various purposes, such as passport applications, immigration, and legal name changes.
Short-Form Birth Certificate
A short-form birth certificate contains basic information such as the person’s name, date of birth, and registration number. It is typically used for identification purposes and is not accepted for passport applications or immigration.
Both replacement birth certificates in BC are considered official documents and are issued by the Vital Statistics Agency. However, the fee for obtaining a replacement birth certificate varies depending on the certificate type requested and the chosen delivery method.
It’s important to note that if you were born outside of BC, you would need to contact the Vital Statistics Agency in the province or territory where you were born to obtain a replacement birth certificate.
Reasons for Obtaining a Replacement Birth Certificate
You might need to obtain a replacement birth certificate for many reasons. Perhaps you lost your original copy, or it was damaged in some way. Maybe you never received one in the first place. Whatever the reason, obtaining a replacement birth certificate in BC is a relatively simple process.
The most common reason for needing a replacement birth certificate is for identification purposes. In order to get a driver’s license, passport, or other government-issued ID, you will need to provide a certified copy of your birth certificate. Without a valid ID, it can be very difficult to travel or conduct other business.
Another common reason for needing a replacement birth certificate is to prove citizenship or residency status. For example, suppose you were born outside of Canada and are applying for citizenship. In that case, you will need to submit a copy of your birth certificate as part of the application process. Similarly, if you are applying for permanent residency in Canada, you will also need to submit a certified copy of your birth certificate.
If you were adopted, you might also need to obtain a replacement birth certificate in order to obtain information about your biological parents. In some cases, the original birth certificate may have been sealed as part of the adoption process. However, obtaining a copy of the original document may be possible in other cases.
Finally, there are times when you may simply want a keepsake copy of your birth certificate. Whatever the reason, obtaining a replacement birth certificate in BC is fairly straightforward and
How to Get a Replacement Birth Certificate in BC?
You can apply through Vital Statistics or a Registry Agent’s office to obtain a replacement birth certificate in British Columbia. You can submit your application online, by mail, or in person at the nearest Vital Statistics office for a General Birth Certificate. You must submit your application directly to Vital Statistics for a Long Form Birth Certificate.
Steps To Get the Certificate
If you were born in British Columbia and need a replacement for your birth certificate, you can follow a few steps to obtain a new copy. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to get a birth certificate replacement in BC.
Determine Your Eligibility
To obtain a birth certificate replacement in BC, you must be:
- The person named on the birth certificate (if you are under 19 years old, a parent or guardian can apply on your behalf)
- The parent or legal guardian of the person named on the birth certificate
- A legal representative of the person named on the birth certificate
Gather Required Information
Before you begin the application process, make sure you have the following information handy:
- Your full name and birth date
- Your parent’s full name (including the mother’s maiden name) and birthplace
- Your place of birth (hospital or town/city)
- Your parent’s birth dates (if known)
- Your current mailing address and contact information
Apply and Pay the Fee
You have three options to apply for a birth certificate replacement in BC,
Online: You can apply online using the Vital Statistics Agency’s secure online ordering system.
By mail: You can download the Birth Certificate Application form from the Vital Statistics Agency’s website, complete it, and mail it with a cheque or money order to the address on the form.
In-person: You can apply in person at a Service BC office. Find the nearest location to you by visiting the Service BC website.
The fee for a birth certificate replacement in BC is currently $27. You can pay by credit card (if applying online) or by cheque or money order (if applying by mail or in-person).
After you submit your application and pay the fee, you should receive your birth certificate replacement within 4 – 6 weeks if you apply online or by mail.
Different Ways to Obtain a Replacement Birth Certificate in BC
There are three ways to obtain a replacement birth certificate in BC:
By mail: You can request a replacement birth certificate by mail using the Application for Replacement Birth Certificate form. Include a copy of your government-issued ID, and send your completed form and payment to the address on the form.
In-person: You can also request a replacement birth certificate in person at any Vital Statistics Agency office. Bring your government-issued ID, and pay the required fee at the time of application.
Online: You can now order replacement birth certificates online through the BC Vital Statistics Agency website. Simply create an account, log in, and complete the online application form. Be sure to have a credit or debit card handy to pay the required fee.
Whichever method you choose, be sure to allow 4-6 weeks to process and deliver your replacement birth certificate.
Conclusion
Getting a birth certificate replacement in British Columbia is not difficult if you have all the required documents and follow the abovementioned steps. It’s important to remember that each situation can be different, so always check with your local Vital Statistics office for any additional requirements before submitting your application.
We hope this article has provided some useful information on how to get a birth certificate replacement in BC, and we wish you luck as you go through the process!
FAQ – Replacement Birth Certificate in BC
What is a certified copy of birth registration BC?
A certified copy of your birth registration is an official document that proves your identity and citizenship. It also shows your parents’ names, date of birth, and place of birth. You need a certified copy of your birth registration when you apply for a passport, a driver’s licence, or certain government benefits like health card.
If you were born in British Columbia, you could get a certified copy of your birth registration from the BC Vital Statistics Agency. If you were born outside of BC, you would need to contact the vital statistics office in the province or territory where you were born.
How do I change my birth certificate in BC?
In order to change your birth certificate in BC, you must first contact the Vital Statistics Agency. The agency will then provide you with a form that must be completed and signed by a qualified medical professional. Once the form is completed, you can mail it or bring it in person to the office of the Registrar of Births, Deaths, and Marriages.
Who can certify true copy of documents in Canada?
The provincial or territorial government appoints a notary public to witness documents and administer oaths. A lawyer or commissioner for taking affidavits is someone who is authorised by the province or territory to do the same.
You can find a notary public, lawyer, or commissioner for taking affidavits in most cities and towns across Canada. To find one near you, check the yellow pages under “Notaries Public”, “Commissioners for Taking Affidavits”, or “Lawyers”.
How much does a name change cost in BC?
In BC, the cost of changing your name can vary depending on how you go about it. The most common and simplest way to change your name is by obtaining a legal name change through the court system, which costs around $137.
However, you may want to change your name on government-issued documents like your birth certificate. In that case, you’ll need to apply for a formal name change with the Vital Statistics Agency, which will cost you an additional $27.
Where can I change my name in BC?
If you were born in British Columbia, you could change your name by applying to the Vital Statistics Agency. You can do this by mail, online, or in person.
To change your name by mail, you will need to fill out a form and send it to the agency with supporting documentation. The form and instructions are available on the website.
To change your name online, you will need to create an account and log in. Once you are logged in, you will be able to fill out the form and submit it electronically.
To change your name in person, you will need to visit a Service BC office with the required documentation. The form and instructions are available on the website.
