Birth Certificate

There are restrictions on who can apply for a birth certificate. Vital Statistics will issue a birth certificate to the person named on the certificate, a parent or legal guardian or the administrator of the person’s estate. An information sheet is available, for more details please contact Vital Statistics.

The short form birth certificate is the most frequently requested certificate, however, to ensure the correct certificate is obtained, please contact the organization that requires the birth certificate to determine if a short or long form birth certificate is required. It is used for school registration, passport, social insurance numbers, driver’s licenses, etc.

Nova Scotia Birth Certificate

On December 3, 2007, Nova Scotia was the first province or territory in Canada to launch a new highly secure and durable bilingual birth certificate. The certificate, which is the new Canadian standard, is the most secure birth certificate in the world.

• A Guide to Nova Scotia’s New Birth Certificate [- 1866.06 kb]
• FAQ - Nova Scotia’s New Birth Certificate [- 23.43 kb]
• Protect Your Identity - Your Birth Certificate [- 42.66 kb]

Short Form

The short form birth certificate contains the following information:

• surname and given name(s)
• date of birth
• place of birth
• sex
• registration date
• registration number
• date issued

Cost of certificate . . . $29.70

For married women, birth certificates are issued in their maiden name.

Long Form

The long form birth certificate contains all the information of the short form birth certificate plus the parent’s names and their birthplaces. The long form birth certificate contains the following information:

• surname and given name(s)
• date of birth
• place of birth
• sex of child
• name of parents
• birthplace of parents
• registration date
• registration number
• date issued

Cost of certificate . . . $35.90

For married women, birth certificates are issued in their maiden name.

Eligibility

Who qualifies for a birth certificate? (Effective February 15, 2002)

1. You, if the record pertains to your birth
2. Parents of a child
3. A lawyer who specifically indicates they are working on behalf of "A" or "B" above, or a person on the written authorization of "A" or "B" above
4. The executor/executrix or trustee for "A" or "B" above
5. Guardian (copy of guardianship papers must be attached to the application)

Application Forms

Forms for a certificate are available from the Vital Statistics Office by mail, telephone or in person. You may apply online or download an application form to request a certificate from the following links.

• Birth Certificate Application  [ - 580 kb]
• Birth Certificate online Application

French Names

If the birth record contains any French characters or symbols on the registered names, please ensure they are clearly displayed on the birth certificate application form.

How to Order a Certificate

In order to obtain a certificate you may contact us in person at our office, by mail, or you can drop off an application at any N.S. Registry of Motor Vehicle office or Access Nova Scotia office to be processed through the mail.  You may also request a birth certificate online.

After your application and the proper payment have been received by the Vital Statistics office in Halifax, the certificate will normally be processed within 10 business days (provided the birth has been registered, and no additional information is required), and sent to you by mail. Please allow additional days for postal delivery.

Payment Method

Mail:

• Cheque or money order payable to the Minister of Finance
• Visa, Mastercard or American Express

Counter:

• Cheque or money order payable to the Minister of Finance
• Visa, Mastercard or American Express
• Debit Card
• Cash

Online:

• Visa, Mastercard or American Express
• Interac^® Online

Fax:

• Visa, Mastercard or American Express

DO NOT SEND CASH THROUGH THE MAIL

Searches

All certificate prices include a three-year search. A three-year search may be requested without purchasing a certificate (confirmation of event only) for $5.61.

Certificates are issued in accordance with information on file and cannot be returned for refund