Birth Registrations

1864-1877 and 1908-present

Civil registration of births in Nova Scotia began in 1864, continued to 1877, then lapsed until 1908, when the province resumed record-keeping. Registrations for 1864-1877 are incomplete. Since 1 October 1908 the records have been maintained without interruption.

Birth registrations normally include the following information, although many details will be missing from the early records:

• surname and given name
• date of birth
• place of birth
• sex of child
• name of parents
• birthplace of parents
• date and place of parents' marriage (1864-1877 only)
• registration date
• registration number
• date issued

1864-1877

• Records (approximately 102,000 entries) are open and can be examined at NSARM during all regular business hours. Records are accessed via indexes (on microfilm) which provide information linking to the registers (also on microfilm). Researchers can print out copies of these records using onsite microfilm reader/printers. Staff are available to assist.

• Researchers unable to visit the Archives in person may purchase photo-print copies of birth registrations. Please review our Order Information and Fee Schedule, then complete our Order Form.

1 October 1908-present

• Records remain under the control of Vital Statistics, Service Nova Scotia and Municipal Relations. Please contact them for further assistance.