Death Certificates
Last updated on December 2, 2024A 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).
During the mail service interruption:
- The Vital Statistics Agency continues to provide services; however, the delivery and receipt of mail has been impacted by the mail service interruption.
- To mitigate the effects of the interruption, the Vital Statistics Agency has activated its mail services contingency plan and continues to assess additional delivery options to reduce any impact on clients.
- Individuals who submit a rush application for certificates or documents will be contacted directly by the Vital Statistics Agency to arrange pick-up at an available Service BC location.
- Additional information regarding ordering certificates can be found at Birth, adoption, death, marriage and divorce - Province of British Columbia
Who can Order a Death Certificate?
Any person can apply for a death certificate.
How to Order a Death Certificate
You can apply in any one of the following four ways:
Online
Use the Vital Statistics Agency's secure online ordering service. A credit card is required.
By Mail
Send a completed Application for Death Certificate or Death Registration Photocopy/Extract (VSA 430d) form (PDF, 1.02MB) with payment to:
Vital Statistics Agency
PO Box 9657 Stn Prov Govt
Victoria, B.C.
V8W 9P3
In Person
Please visit select Service BC locations, as not all Service BC locations offer this service. You do not need to fill out an application, but will need to provide the customer service representative with the same details about the death that are requested on the Application for Death Certificate or Death Registration Photocopy/Extract (VSA 430d) form (PDF, 1.02MB). You will also need to provide payment.
Cost & Processing Times
Mail Delivery
$27 per death certificate. Prints within 2 to 5 business days. plus mailing time from Victoria to you.
Courier Delivery
$60 per death certificate. Prints the next business day, plus courier delivery time from Victoria to you.
What B.C. Death Certificates Look Like
(21.6 cm x 17.8 cm)
Includes the following information about the deceased:
- Full name
- Sex
- Date of death
- Place of death
- Age
- Place of birth
- Province/state and/or country of residence
- Registration number
- Date of registration
Stillbirth is the loss of a baby after 20 weeks' pregnancy, or after the fetus has attained a weight of 500 grams.
Parents who wish to commemorate the stillbirth of their child can apply for a Stillbirth Certificate of Remembrance.