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Vital Statistics Forms
Vital Statistics
 
 
What is a genealogical search?
  

A genealogical search is generally what someone does to find out more about their family tree. Vital Statistics is often used as a research resource. When using the Vital Statistics records it is important to understand a few facts.

Vital Statistics only has the records for birth, marriage, death and stillbirth registrations that were registered and occurred in Alberta.

Vital Statistics have Alberta birth records dating from approximately 1850 to present and Alberta marriage and death records dating from approximately 1890 to present.

An individual requesting a genealogical search should ask for a photocopy of a registration, as this document carries the most information of any document that is produced through Vital Statistics.

Alberta Vital Statistics records cannot be accessed over the Internet. Please drop by our office in person to obtain this information.

The Vital Statistics office is only one of many places through which a genealogical search may be conducted. Records may also be found through churches, the Provincial Archives of Alberta (off-site), the Alberta Genealogical Society, libraries (including the Legislative Library), and local history books.

When Vital Statistics does not have a record of the event you are searching for and you have documents to support its existence, you may want to register a delayed registration with the Vital Statistics office. Contact One Stop Licence Shop for more information about delayed registrations and the kinds of documents needed to do this.

Who can apply for a genealogical search?
 

Vital Statistics records are not public. The person applying for a genealogical search must show they are eligible (pdf-133kb) to apply for someone's birth, marriage, death or stillbirth documents. The only exceptions are:

  • After 100 years has passed anyone can apply for any birth registration.
  • After 75 years has passed anyone can apply for any marriage registration.
  • After 50 years has passed anyone can apply for any death or stillbirth registration.

How can I obtain an application?
 

You can download and print the Application for Certificate/Documents (pdf-340kb), and bring it in person to our office.


What kind of documents are available to order?
 

Alberta Vital Statistics maintains a record (registration) of all births, marriages, deaths and stillbirths that occur in Alberta. The information is taken from the original registration filed at the time of the event.
(For genealogical purposes, it is advisable to purchase the photocopy as it carries the most information.)
  • Photocopy of a Registration of Birth
    This is a copy of the registration completed at the time of birth, usually by the mother. 
  • Photocopy of a Registration of Marriage
    This is a copy of the registration completed at the time of the marriage, by the officiant and the bride and groom.
  • Photocopy of a Registration of Death
    This is a copy of the registration completed at the time of death, usually by the spouse, next of kin or close relative.
  • Medical Certificate of Death
    This is a photocopy of the Medical Certificate of Death completed at the time of death, usually by the attending physician or medical examiners office as is appropriate.
  • Photocopy of a Registration of Stillbirth
    This is a copy of the registration completed at the time of birth, usually by the parents.
  • Medical Certificate of Stillbirth
    This is a photocopy of the Medical Certificate of Stillbirth completed at the time of the event, usually by the attending physician.

What Kind of information is required on an application?
  

The following information must be provided to make application. If it is not provided your application will not be processed. Specifically:

  1. The applicant's information.
  2. The more information provided the better the chance of locating a record. If the exact date of an event is unknown, give a range of dates to search as all Vital Statistics events are filed in chronological order. When the exact date of an event is unknown, it is important to at least provide the year. Searches will include the year before and the year after a given date when necessary.
  3. The quantity and kind of document(s) you are ordering.

How do I submit an application?

Your application can be applied through our office , either in person or in writing. For additional information about please contact us.

How long does it take to process an application?
 

Once the Vital Statistics office receives an application, it is usually processed within five to seven working days.

How will the certificate/document be delivered?

Documents are mailed to the address of the person who is making the application. It is advisable to contact One Stop Licence Shop for special arrangements and/or rush services options.

Search Letters
 

Anyone can order a search letter - there are no eleigibility requirements.

A search letter only confirms whether an even has or has not been recorded with Alberta Vital Statisitics. No actual information is provided or confirmed. You would normally order a search letter only for specific reasons.

** One Stop Licence Shop has provided this page for your general information only. Policies may change without notice.

 
 
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