Ordering Birth Certificates / Documents

Alberta Vital Statistics maintains a record (registration) of all births that occur in Alberta and can only issue certificates/documents for events that occurred in Alberta. Birth certificates are issued using the information from the original Registration of Birth, completed at the time of birth. If a record cannot be found, a search for a three-year period is carried out automatically and the applicant will be notified.

What kind of birth documents are available to order?

• Certified small size Certificate of Birth (pdf-37kb)
• Certified large size Certificate of Birth (pdf-147kb)
• Photocopy of a Registration of Birth

Who can apply for birth documents?

All records in the custody of Alberta Vital Statistics are confidential. Your information will not be released to just anyone and there are strict guidelines in place governing its release. These guidelines set out who is eligible (pdf-43kb) to apply for what information. Depending on the circumstances, a person may be required to show proof that they are eligible to submit the application. 

How  can I obtain an application?

Alberta residents

• You may print the Application for certificate/documents (pdf-139kb)

How do I submit an application?

Alberta Residents must apply through a Registry Agent, either in person or in writing. For additional information about registry agents, please contact:

Non Alberta Residents may apply through Registry Connect (pdf-139kb).

How much do certificates/documents cost?

In addition to the government fee, registry agents are authorized to charge a service fee.

AlbertaResidents - must apply through a Registry Agent for the following services and payment details.

• Certificates/documents
• Marriage Licenses
• Legal Change of Name Procedure
• Genealogical Searches and Search Letters

Non Alberta Residents - contact Registry Connect for the following services and payment details.

• Certificates/documents
• Genealogical Searches and Search Letters

How long does it take to process an application?

Once a registry agent or the Vital Statistics office receives an application, it is usually processed within two to three working days.

How will the certificate/document be delivered?

Documents are mailed to the address of the person who is making the application. It is advisable to contact a Registry Agent or  Registry Connect for special arrangements and/or rush services options.

Registration of Births

All Alberta births must be registered. It is the responsibility of the mother, or if the parents are married, either parent to complete a Registration of Birth form. In some circumstances, a person who has full knowledge of the facts surrounding the birth may also complete the Registration of Birth form.

The birth registration should be left with the hospital where the child was born, so that the document can be forwarded from there to Vital Statistics. The birth registration must be sent to the Vital Statistics office within 10 days of the date of the child's birth. Only under special circumstances can the parent(s) mail this registration directly to Vital Statistics.

The Registration of Birth form becomes a permanent legal record of the birth event. It is very important that it be completed fully and accurately. The information recorded on the Registration of Birth is used to produce birth certificates, when ordered.

Alberta's laws allow the parent(s) various options when choosing the child's last name. The last name of the child is based on the relationship and marital status of the parents. Some restrictions may apply. Refer to Choosing a Last Name for Your Child as well as Guidelines for Choosing a Given Name or Last Name for Your Child.

Once a birth is legally registered, corrections or alterations  may only be completed with the appropriate documentation and statutory declarations. If an amendment is requested within 90 days from the date of event (birth, marriage, death), there is no fee. Fees may be applicable on amendments requested after the 90 days.