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Birth, adoption, death, marriage and divorce

Please be advised that a labour disruption between Canada Post and CUPW could occur as early as May 22, 2025.

If a disruption occurs, the Vital Statistics Agency’s service availability including the delivery and receipt of regular and courier mail may be significantly impacted.

The Agency will continue to monitor the postal situation and provide updates to this webpage with details regarding how to access services

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Services and information topics

Birth and adoption

The Births section describes how to register your child’s birth, order birth documents, make changes to a birth record, and undertake genealogical research.

Marriage

Information on marriage registration and certificates. Find out how to marry in British Columbia, order a marriage certificate, change a marriage record, and search for a marriage licence issuer or marriage commissioner.

Death

Find out what to do when someone dies. Learn how to register a death in British Columbia and order a death certificate. Get information about wills and estates.

Separation and divorce

Every year in British Columbia, thousands of couples decide not to live together anymore. The process of ending a relationship is not an easy one, and it takes time to fully recover from a separation.

Legal changes of name

Changing your name is an important decision that can have far-reaching effects on your personal and business relationships. If you were born in Canada, a legal change of name also changes the name on your birth record. It’s important to understand the steps required in a legal name change, the cost, and the effect it will have on your life.

Statistics and reports

Access statistics and reports produced by the Vital Statistics Agency, including B.C.'s most popular baby names, annual reports, quarterly digests, and marriage reports.

Order certificates and copies

This page lets you to download forms relating to births, adoption, marriage, death, legal changes of name, and genealogy. You can also order birth certificates, marriage certificates and death certificates.