Order Canadian Vital Records
Direct links to order birth certificates, marriage certificates, and other vital records from every Canadian province. Everything you need for your citizenship by descent application.
Provincial Vital Statistics Offices
Order official birth certificates, marriage certificates, and death certificates directly from each province. Always order the long-form certificatethat includes parents' names for citizenship applications.
Quebec
Directeur de l'etat civil
Quebec certificates are primarily in French. The DEClic! online portal is the fastest way to order. Processing times depend on the type of request and current volume.
Ontario
ServiceOntario
Ontario offers both a long-form and short-form birth certificate. For citizenship applications, always order the LONG FORM that includes parents' names.
British Columbia
BC Vital Statistics Agency
BC's eCOS online system is straightforward. Courier delivery is available for an additional fee if you need it quickly.
Alberta
Alberta Vital Statistics
Alberta certificates are ordered through authorized registry agents. You can find your nearest agent on the Alberta.ca website.
Manitoba
Manitoba Vital Statistics
Manitoba's regular processing time is one of the longest. Consider the rush option if you need the certificate sooner.
Saskatchewan
eHealth Saskatchewan
Saskatchewan vital statistics are managed through eHealth Saskatchewan. Online ordering is the primary method.
Nova Scotia
Nova Scotia Vital Statistics
Nova Scotia offers online applications. Check their website for the most current fee schedule.
New Brunswick
Service New Brunswick
New Brunswick offers one of the most affordable first-copy prices. Additional copies at the same time are only $5 each.
Newfoundland & Labrador
Vital Statistics Division
Online applications are slightly cheaper than mail applications in Newfoundland.
Prince Edward Island
PEI Vital Statistics
PEI offers multiple ordering methods including in-person service for those on the island.
Genealogy Databases & Archives
Search these databases to find your Canadian ancestor. Start with FamilySearch (free) and Library and Archives Canada, then use province-specific archives for deeper research.
FamilySearch.org
The world's largest free genealogy database with billions of indexed records, including Canadian vital records, census data, and immigration records.
Library and Archives Canada
Canada's national archive with census records (1825-1921), immigration records, military records, and land grants. Essential for tracing ancestors who arrived in Canada.
BAnQ - Quebec Archives
Bibliotheque et Archives nationales du Quebec. Parish registers, notarial records, and civil status records dating back to the 1600s. Critical for Quebec ancestry research.
Drouin Collection (Genealogie Quebec)
Digitized parish registers from every Catholic parish in Quebec. Over 45 million records spanning 400 years. The most comprehensive Quebec genealogy resource.
Archives of Ontario
Ontario vital statistics (births, marriages, deaths), land records, court records, and municipal records. Some records available online, others require in-person visits.
Canadiana.ca
Early Canadian newspapers, government publications, and historical documents digitized from libraries and archives across Canada.
Automated Genealogy
Volunteer-transcribed Canadian census records (1901, 1906, 1911, 1916, 1921). Searchable by name, location, and other fields. Great for finding where ancestors lived.
Ancestry.ca
Large collection of Canadian records including vital statistics, census records, immigration records, and military records. Requires a subscription for most records.
Government of Canada Research Databases
Official Government of Canada databases for immigration records, census data, and specialized collections.
Birth, Marriage & Death Records
Library and Archives Canada's guide to finding vital records across all provinces and territories.
Vital Statistics Research Guide
Comprehensive guide to what vital records exist, where they're held, and how to access them for each province.
Grosse Ile Immigrant Records (1832-1937)
Records from Canada's immigrant quarantine station. If your ancestor arrived through Quebec, they may appear here.
Immigrants Before 1865
Ship passenger lists and immigration records for early settlers to Canada.
Chinese Immigrants (1885-1952)
Records of Chinese immigrants including head tax records and immigration documentation.
Ukrainian Immigrants (1891-1930)
Records documenting Ukrainian immigration to the Canadian prairies.
US Vital Records (For Applicants)
If you're an American applying for Canadian citizenship by descent, you'll need your own US birth certificate. Order from your state's vital records office.
CDC — Where to Write for Vital Records
The CDC maintains a directory of every US state's vital records office with contact information, fees, and ordering instructions.
Find your state's vital records officeReady to apply for Canadian citizenship?
Check your eligibility in 2 minutes, then let MaplePass guide you through the entire application — from document ordering to submission.