Even with the best of government systems, getting a copy of your birth certificate can be an exercise in frustration. However, retrieving a birth certificate from the Canadian province of Alberta can be done with relative ease once you follow these steps. Records generally take from one to two days turnaround time, according to the Alberta Department of Vital Statistics; outside Canada, this process may take longer.

What You will Need

To get a birth certificate in Alberta, send in an application or give to the registry agent your birth information, parents names (If available), which hospital or where exactly you or the person was born and $40 in Canadian dollars. Whoever applies for the certificate must also give a copy of their identification, such as a registered I.D. card or drivers license. A copy of a passport will also serve as identification.

Where to Apply

All persons age 14 or older seeking an Alberta birth certificate must do so either in person or in writing. Be advised since these are personal records, they will have strict guidelines as to who may apply for them. Alberta residents must apply through a registry agent either in person or in writing. There may be a fee for the agent. To find a registry agent near you, log onto http://www.servicealberta.gov.ab.ca/617.cfm and select your town's name from the pulldown list.

Who may Apply

There are specific criteria for people seeking a birth certificate in Alberta. For someone seeking his own birth certificate, it must be the person who is registered, the parents or guardians who are registered, a person who is adopting or an adult next-of-kin.

Exceptions

The exceptions for a birth record are when the record is 100 years or older, anyone may apply for the birth certificate.

Warning

All records are kept confidential and the records will not be released to just anyone. You should look at the forms listed below which include all the information you may need to obtain any records from the Office of Vital Statistics in Canada. There may be other fees associated with obtaining copies of these records. Canada has gone through great lengths to make the certificates difficult to counterfeit or keep in a wallet or handbag. If more information about registry agents, call (780) 427-7013 from Edmonton. From other places in Alberta, call 310-0000 then dial 780-427-7013. For people outside Alberta, call (780) 427-7013.

Source:

Alberta Brith Certificate

Application criteria and exceptions

Sample of Birth Certificate

Resource:

Who may apply

Alberta Residents Application

Non-Alberta Residents Application