Death
Canada Post and the Canadian Union of Postal Workers (CUPW) are currently operating in an unsettled job-action environment, resulting in mail delivery delays.
This postal service disruption will significantly impact The Vital Statistics Agency’s ability to provide services via mail or courier delivery services.
The Vital Statistics Agency continues normal business operations however, RUSH or COURIER orders placed after May 22, 2025, may not be delivered until after the postal service disruption is resolved.
The Agency is not liable for delays or costs resulting from a mail service disruption – Fees for RUSH or COURIER service on orders placed after May 22, 2025, will not be refunded.
The Agency will continue to monitor and update this website with any changes to the Vital Statistics Agency’s service options that may result from a postal service disruption.
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.
Services and information topics
After a Death
Find out what to do when someone dies in British Columbia. When someone dies, you will make decisions about what to do next. Find out the first steps, discover support options and learn about funerals and wills. While each situation is different, these pages guide you in the right direction.
Death Registration
Death registration is important for a number of reasons. Besides creating a legal record of the death, it makes it possible to issue the death certificates that survivors need to apply for benefits or insurance, and to take care of the administrative tasks of settling an estate.
Death Certificates
A death certificate is an extract of the information provided on the death registration. Individuals handling the estate of a deceased person will need to produce the death certificate whenever they are required to provide proof of death (e.g. to cancel a health card or driver's licence or to settle insurance or investments).
Wills Registry
The Vital Statistics Agency maintains the wills registry in British Columbia.
Wills and estates
A will is a legal document left by someone who’s died. It lets the court know what to do with that person’s estate