How to Order a British Columbia Birth Certificate (2026 Guide)
British Columbia has a significant population with roots in various immigration waves, and many Americans — particularly in the Pacific Northwest — have BC ancestry. The BC Vital Statistics Agency manages all vital records through their eCOS online portal.
$27 (mail) / $60 (courier)
Canadian dollars
4–6 weeks (mail), next day (courier)
Plus delivery time
Online (eCOS)
BC Vital Statistics Agency
Step-by-Step Ordering Instructions
Visit the eCOS portal at ecos.vs.gov.bc.ca
Create an account or proceed as a guest
Select 'Birth Certificate' and choose the certificate type
Enter the person's full name, date of birth, place of birth in BC, and parents' names
Choose delivery method: standard mail ($27) or courier ($60)
Pay by credit card
Long-Form vs Short-Form: Which Do You Need?
BC issues a standard birth certificate that includes parents' names. This is the version you need for Canadian citizenship applications. Make sure the certificate shows full parental information.
Tips for Ordering from the United States
The eCOS system accepts international orders. Courier delivery (next business day within Canada, a few days to the US) is recommended if you're on a timeline. Standard mail takes 4-6 weeks including international delivery.
What If You Can't Find a Record?
For historical BC records, check the BC Archives (royalbcmuseum.bc.ca/archives). FamilySearch has indexed many BC vital records. The BC Vital Statistics Agency holds records from 1872 onward.
Frequently Asked Questions
Need Help With Your Citizenship Application?
MaplePass guides you through the entire process — from ordering documents to submitting your CIT 0001 application.