Obtaining a new birth certificate is an important process that requires careful attention to detail. In British Columbia, Canada, the Vital Statistics Agency is responsible for issuing birth certificates. While the process can be done in person or by mail, applying for a new birth certificate online is also possible. In this article, we will outline to get a birth certificate BC and the steps you need to follow to obtain a new birth certificate in BC online.
British Columbia Birth Certificate
A British Columbia birth certificate is an official document that contains information about a person’s birth, such as their name, date of birth, place of birth, and the names of their parents. It is issued by the Vital Statistics Agency, a department of the government of British Columbia, Canada.
A certified copy of a birth certificate will state the exact date, time and place of birth. The birth certificate is an important document used for various purposes, such as registering for school, obtaining a passport or driver’s license, and applying for government benefits. It is also used as proof of identity and citizenship.
Types of Birth Certificates in BC
In British Columbia, Canada, there are two types of birth certificates that can be issued: a standard birth certificate and a certified copy of a birth certificate.
Standard Birth Certificate:
A standard birth certificate is a basic record of a person’s birth that contains information such as the person’s name, date of birth, place of birth, sex, and the names of the parents. This type of certificate is suitable for most purposes, such as registering for school, obtaining a passport or driver’s license, and applying for government benefits.
Certified Copy of a Birth Certificate:
A certified copy of a birth certificate is a more detailed record of a person’s birth that includes all of the information on a standard birth certificate and additional information such as the date and place of the parent’s marriage. This type of certificate is required for some legal purposes, such as applying for a marriage license or changing a passport.
It is important to note that a certified copy of a birth certificate is not the same as a “long-form birth certificate”, which is no longer issued in British Columbia. The certified copy of a birth certificate contains all of the information that was included on the long-form birth certificate.
Both types of birth certificates can be obtained through the Vital Statistics Agency of British Columbia by applying in person, by mail, or online. The process for obtaining a birth certificate is similar for both types, although the fees and processing times may vary.
How to Get a New Birth Certificate in BC Online?
If you need to obtain a new birth certificate in British Columbia, Canada, you can do so through the Vital Statistics Agency. The process for obtaining a new birth certificate involves filling out an application and providing certain documents to verify your identity.
Steps Involved in Registering Birth Certificate
Some procedures must be followed to get a new birth certificate in BC. We will discuss those steps in a detailed manner below.
Determine Your Eligibility
To determine your eligibility for a British Columbia birth certificate, you must meet the following requirements,
You must have been born in British Columbia, Canada:
The Vital Statistics Agency of British Columbia only issues birth certificates for individuals who were born in British Columbia. If you were born in another province or territory, you would need to contact the Vital Statistics Agency in that jurisdiction. Or your birth must be registered in British Columbia. If not, register your birth status using the Vital Statistics website.
You must be the person named on the birth certificate:
You can only apply for your own birth certificate. If you are applying on behalf of someone else, you must have legal authorisation to do so.
If you meet these requirements, you are likely eligible to apply for a British Columbia birth certificate. It is important to note that there may be additional requirements or restrictions depending on your specific circumstances, such as if you were adopted or if you have changed your name. You may need to provide additional documentation or follow a different process in such cases.
Gather Your Information
To apply for a new birth certificate online, you will need to gather the following information:
- Your full name at birth
- Your date of birth
- Your place of birth
- Your mother’s full name at birth
- Your father’s full name at birth (if available)
You will also need to provide additional information, such as your current mailing address and contact information.
Create an Account
To apply for a new birth certificate online, you will need to create an account with the Vital Statistics Agency of British Columbia, which is the agency responsible for issuing birth certificates in the province:
- Visit the Vital Statistics Agency of British Columbia website at https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/life-events/birth-adoption/births
- Click the “Order a Birth Certificate” button on the homepage
- You’ll be prompted to register on the following page. Click on the “Create Account” button
- Fill in your personal information, including your name, address, phone number, and email address. Additionally, you will have to create a username and password
- Once you complete the form, click the “Create Account” button as the next step
- You will receive an email with a link to confirm and activate your account. Click on the link to activate your account
- Once your account is activated, you can access the Vital Statistics Agency website and order your birth certificate online
Complete the Application
Once you have logged in to your account, you will need to complete the online application for a new birth certificate. This will require you to provide all of the information that was gathered in step 2. You will also need to select the type of birth certificate you require (e.g. standard or certified copy).
Provide Payment
When you have completed the online application, you will be prompted to provide payment for your new birth certificate. We will provide the fess details below. You can pay using any of them by credit or debit card.
Submit Your Application
After you have completed the application and provided payment, you will need to submit your application. The Vital Statistics Agency will then process your application and send your new birth certificate to you by mail.
How to Order a Birth Certificate?
You can order a birth certificate in one of the following methods if it is for you or if you are a parent ordering it for your child who is 18 years old or younger. The certificate may only be ordered by everyone else in person or by letter.
By Online
Use the safe internet purchasing platform provided by the Vital Statistics Agency. You need to use either a credit or debit card.
In Person
Any Service BC register will do. You don’t need to submit an application. Still, you will need to give the customer service agent the same information about the birth that is asked on the Application for Birth Certificate or Registration Photocopy. Payment is also required.
By mail
Send the completed application for a photocopy of a birth certificate or registration along with payment to:
Vital Statistics Agency
PO Box 9657 Stn Prov Govt
Victoria, BC
V8W 9P3
Cost and Processing of the Application
Mail delivery
$27 for each birth record. After receiving all the necessary information, they print your birth certificate and mail it to you via normal mail. Count on processing to take four to six weeks.
Courier Delivery
$60 for each birth record. After receiving all necessary data, diplomas print the following business day and are delivered to you by courier from Victoria.
NOTE: Newborn birth certificates cannot be given until the birth registration is completed and Vital Statistics has received the hospital’s Notice of Birth.
Conclusion
In summary, obtaining a new birth certificate in British Columbia online is a straightforward process that can be completed in a few simple steps. By following the steps outlined above, you can ensure that you have all of the information you need to apply for a new birth certificate online and receive it in a timely manner.
FAQ – How to Get a New Birth Certificate in BC Online?
How long do you have to register a baby in BC?
Within 30 days of the birth, parents of children born in British Columbia are required to register their child. Discover all the information you require regarding new registrations, changes to current registrations, and ordering registration photocopies.
How do I get a copy of a birth certificate in BC?
Visit any Service BC desk. However, you must give the customer service agent the same information about the birth that is asked on the Application for Birth Certificate or Registration Photocopy even though you don’t need to fill out an application.
How do I find my birth records in Canada?
A vital records agency handles the documentation of births, stillbirths, deaths, and marriages in each province and territory. To acquire your records, you must contact the province or territory where you were born or currently reside. You can get in touch with the Department of Justice Canada for divorce documents.
What are the vital statistics in Canada?
Vital statistics in Canada is an official office to keep the official accounts of live births, stillbirths, deaths, marriages, and divorces. The various provinces and territories are in charge of keeping formal records of births, stillbirths, deaths, and marriages.
Can I get a Canadian passport without my birth certificate?
Yes, getting a Canadian passport without a birth certificate is possible if you have an equivalent document. A birth certificate is one of the primary documents required to establish Canadian citizenship and identity, and it is a mandatory requirement when applying for a passport.
When applying for a Canadian passport, you must submit proof of citizenship, such as a birth certificate, a citizenship certificate, or a certificate of Indian status. If you were born outside of Canada, you might need to provide additional documentation, such as a certificate of citizenship from your country of birth.
