Birth, adoption, death, marriage and divorce

This section shows how to register your child's birth, order birth documents, make changes to a birth record, and access and update adoption records.

How to get married in B.C.

Learn how to marry in B.C., order a marriage certificate, change a marriage record, and search for a marriage licence issuer or marriage commissioner.

Legal changes of name

Changing your name is an important decision that can have far-reaching effects on your personal and business relationships.

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.

Popular baby names

Popular baby names

Wondering which names have stood the test of time? Check out the most popular baby names in B.C. for the last 100 years.

Order certificates & copies or extracts

Order certificates & copies or extracts

There are a variety of application methods to apply for certificates and certified registration copies/extracts accessible to all British Columbians.

Service BC

Service BC

To complete transactions in person, find a Service BC location near you.

Vital Statistics forms

Vital Statistics forms

Forms relating to births, adoption, marriage, death, and legal change of name can be found here.