Frequently Asked Questions - Death

Can you tell me if he/she is deceased?

• Vital Statistics legislation requires an application, along with the fee, before searching records for an event.

Am I eligible to receive a death certificate?

• Anyone may order and receive a death certificate for someone who died in British Columbia. Release of death certificates is not limited to immediate family.

I do not want to pay for a death certificate; I just want to know if a person is deceased.

• Legislation requires an application and/or certificate, along with a fee, for Vital Statistics to search records. A death certificate provides confirmation that the person died in British Columbia. If no death record is found, you will receive a letter advising you that a record is not available.