How do I Apply for an Alberta Birth Certificate?
Categories: Births, SIN Card & Documents
An Alberta Birth Certificate is a legal document that verifies the identity of a person who was born in Alberta. You can apply for an Alberta Birth Certificate at an Alberta Registry Agent.
In order to apply for an Alberta Birth Certificate, a child’s birth must first be registered.
Registering a Birth in Alberta
In Alberta, it is the responsibility of the Mother to register the birth of a child, or of both parents if they are married, in which case either the mother or the father can complete a Registration of Birth form. The hospital or the midwife who assisted with a child’s birth should supply a Registration of Birth, and the form should be left with them. They will then forward the form onto the Office of Vital Statistics within 10 days.
The Registration of Birth form is a legal record of a birth that takes place in Alberta. It is extremely difficult to later correct any information on the form, so it is important to ensure that all information entered is accurate and complete in full.
Once complete, a child born in Alberta will receive a Registration Number and date of registration.
Requesting a Birth Certificate
People with births registered in Alberta can request an Alberta Birth Certificate. The only people who can request a Birth Certificate are the person named on the certificate, their parents (if their names are on the Registration of Birth) or their legal guardians. In some cases, other legal representatives may be able to request a Birth Certificate.
To apply for a Birth Certificate, you must complete an application form, and submit it in person or by post to an Alberta Registry Agent with the required fee.
Application form (PDF)
Find a Registry Agent
If you are outside Alberta, you can use the Alberta Registry Connect Service (PDF).
Applications for Birth Certificates are usually processed within two or three working days once they are received by the Office of Vital Statistics. They will only be sent to the address of the applicant.
Alberta Birth Certificates include a variety of security features to prevent identity fraud. However, you should not carry a copy of your Birth Certificate with you in your wallet.
More information
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