What are civil registration records?

Last revised September 07, 2022

Civil registration records are government records of vital events (births, marriages and deaths).

Civil registration in BC began in 1872, after BC became a province of Canada.  However, the registrations do include some events which took place prior to 1872 but were registered later.

Marriage records are released to the public 75 years after the date of registration, and death records are released 20 years after the date of registration.

On 4 June 2004, the Vital Statistics Amendment Act, 2004 (SBC 2004, c.55) was brought into force, extending future release dates for copies of birth records from 100 years to 120 years after the date of birth. The amendment enhances existing security around the release of birth information and ensures that the personal information and privacy of centenarians is protected.

The Vital Statistics Agency and BC Archives provide an electronic index to these records.  It also includes data related to the overseas deaths of 3,423 British Columbians durng World War II, colonial marriages that took place between 1859-1872, and baptisms between 1836-1888.

Microfilm copies of the original documents are available at various locations throughout the province.