How to Order a Nova Scotia Birth Certificate (2026 Guide)
Nova Scotia has deep historical roots — it was one of Canada's original provinces and a gateway for Scottish, Irish, and Acadian settlers. Many Americans in the eastern United States trace their Canadian ancestry to Nova Scotia.
See website for current fees
Canadian dollars
4–6 weeks
Plus delivery time
Online or mail
Nova Scotia Vital Statistics
Step-by-Step Ordering Instructions
Visit novascotia.ca/apply-birth-certificate
Choose the online application option
Enter the required personal details
Provide identification documentation
Pay the applicable fee
Wait for processing (4-6 weeks) and delivery
Long-Form vs Short-Form: Which Do You Need?
Request the full birth certificate that includes parents' names. This is the version required for Canadian citizenship applications.
Tips for Ordering from the United States
Nova Scotia accepts online applications from the US. Check the website for current fee schedules as they update periodically. International mail delivery adds additional time beyond the stated processing period.
What If You Can't Find a Record?
The Nova Scotia Archives (novascotia.ca/archives) holds historical vital records, church registers, and immigration records dating back to the 1700s. FamilySearch and Ancestry.ca also have extensive Nova Scotia records.
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.