Births, Marriages, Deaths, Adoptions

Vital Statistics Agency
433 Queensway
Prince George, BC
ph: (250) 565-7105     fax: (250) 952-7106

GENERAL INQUIRIES:
ph: (250) 952-2681     fax: (250) 952-2527
www.vs.gov.bc.ca

Search the online indexes for marriage or death registrations by visiting the BC Archives website at www.bcarchives.gov.bc.ca and clicking on vital events. View and note the necessary index information (such as microfilm reel number, registration number, name) in order to access the actual marriage or death registration records.

Actual registration records are available on microfilm. The format of these records varied over the years, but generally contain information not found in the online indexes, such as birth date and place of birth of the bride and groom or decedent.

Birth Records

(available as early as 1872)

Anyone can access the record if:

• the record pertains to a person who has been dead for 20 years and there is proof of death
• record has been in existence for 100 years

Otherwise:

• the closest living relative* may access the record on proof of death
• agent of the above may access the record if they are solicitor for the person, or if they have written consent from the eligible person

The record MAY contain the following:
(if not, there is a notation indicating "not recorded")

1. Date of Birth
2. Place of Birth
3. Sex
4. Date of Registration
5. Name of Parent(s)
6. Age of Parent(s)
7. Birthplace of Parent(s)
8. Occupation of Father
9. Time of Birth
10. Birth Weight
11. Apgar Score

How to Apply:

• complete Application for Service form and include appropriate fee

Marriage Records

(Earliest Hazelton Area record is 1886)

Anyone can access the record if:

• the bride and groom have been dead for 20 years
• record has been in existence for 75 years

Otherwise:

• the closest living relative* may access the record on proof of death
• agent of the above may access the record if they are solicitor for the person, or they have written consent of the eligible person

The record MAY contain the following:
(if not, there is a notation indicating "not recorded")

1. Name of Bride
2. Place of Birth
3. Occupation of Bride
4. Parent(s) of Bride
5. Name of Groom
6. Place of Birth
7. Occupation of Groom
8. Parent(s) of Groom
9. Date of Marriage
10. Place of Marriage
11. Witnesses' Names

How to Apply:

• complete Application for Service form and include appropriate fee

Death Records

(Earliest Hazelton Area record is 1876)

Anyone can access the record if:

• the death is more than 20 years ago

Otherwise:

• the closest living relative* may access the record on proof of death
• agent of the above may access the record if they are the solicitor for the person, or if they have written consent from the eligible person

The record MAY contain the following:
(if not, there is a notation indicating "not recorded")

1. Date of Death
2. Place of Death
3. Last Residence
4. Age
5. Birthdate
6. Place of Birth
7. Marital Status
8. Name of Spouse
9. Occupation of the Deceased
10. Informant
11. Parent(s)
12. Birthplace of Parent
13. Cause of Death

How to Apply:

• complete Application for Service form and include appropriate fee

Adoption Records

Vital Statistics Adoption Record information line (250) 952-2681

The Adoption Act* which became effective on November 4, 1996 allows adoptees and birth parents in the province of British Columbia to apply for the following information given that the adoptee has reached 19 years of age and no disclosure veto has been filed

• original birth certificate including birth name and names of birth parents
• copy of adoption order

Fees:


• a $50 search fee will apply

Proof of identity will be required.

*please contact Vital Statistics for a more complete discussion of adoption regulations and release of information