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Nova Scotia · Identity and documents

Order or replace a birth certificate in Nova Scotia

Compiled by Mahmoud Halat, checked

Short answer

Nova Scotia Vital Statistics issues birth certificates for births registered in the province. Apply online, or send the paper form by mail or fax, or book an appointment. A short form costs $33.00 and a long form with parents' details costs $39.90. You must be the person named, a parent on the registration, or have another right to apply. Expect 4 to 6 weeks.

Who handles it

Vital Statistics (Service Nova Scotia)

Handles it in Nova Scotia.

Canada Service Map is independent and not a government website. The official page always has the final word.

Who can apply

  • The birth must have happened in Nova Scotia and been registered with Vital Statistics.

    Source: novascotia.cachecked #

  • You can apply if you are the person named, a parent listed on the birth registration, a lawyer for either, an executor, a legal guardian, or an authorized agent.

    Source: novascotia.cachecked #

Steps

  1. Apply online and include payment. An agent or representative must also fill in the consent form for an agent or authorized person.

    Source: novascotia.cachecked #

Cost

  • A short form birth certificate costs $33.00 and a long form costs $39.90.

    Source: novascotia.cachecked #

How long it takes

  • It should take 4 to 6 weeks to get the certificate. It can take longer if more information is needed or the form has mistakes.

    Source: novascotia.cachecked #

Where to go

  • If you cannot apply online, send the paper application with documents and payment by mail or fax, or contact Vital Statistics to book an appointment.

    Source: novascotia.cachecked #

Good to know

  • The short form has the child's information only. The long form adds the parents' information. Check with the agency asking for it which one you need.

    Source: novascotia.cachecked #

  • The certificate can show M, F or X, or no sex indicator at all. Some agencies may not accept an X or a blank indicator.

    Source: novascotia.cachecked #

Questions people ask

How much is a birth certificate in Nova Scotia?

A short form costs $33.00 and a long form costs $39.90. Online, you pay by credit card, Visa Debit or Debit Mastercard. Cheques and money orders go to the Minister of Finance.

Source: novascotia.cachecked #

How long does it take to get a Nova Scotia birth certificate?

Plan on 4 to 6 weeks. It can take longer if Vital Statistics needs more information or your application has errors.

Source: novascotia.cachecked #

Can I order a Nova Scotia birth certificate online?

Yes. Online is the main way to apply. You can also mail or fax a paper form, or book an appointment with Vital Statistics.

Source: novascotia.cachecked #

What is the difference between a short and long form birth certificate in Nova Scotia?

The short form shows only the child's information. The long form also shows the parents' information. It is up to you to check which one the agency needs.

Source: novascotia.cachecked #

In every province and territory

The same service across Canada: who handles it and the official link. Nova Scotia is marked.

Province or territoryWho handles itOfficial linkGood to know
British ColumbiaVital Statistics Agency (Government of British Columbia)How to orderchecked
AlbertaAlberta registry agents (Vital Statistics, Government of Alberta)Order a certificatechecked Order through a registry agent; applications mailed directly to Vital Statistics are not processed.
SaskatchewaneHealth Saskatchewan (Vital Statistics)Order a birth certificatechecked
ManitobaVital Statistics Branch (Government of Manitoba)Order a certificate onlinechecked
OntarioServiceOntario (Office of the Registrar General)Order a birth certificatechecked Order directly from ServiceOntario; third-party sites charge extra.
QuebecDirecteur de l'état civilOrder a certificate onlinechecked Only the person named in the act, or someone who can show an interest, can order it.
New BrunswickVital Statistics (Service New Brunswick)Order a birth certificatechecked
Nova ScotiaThis pageVital Statistics (Service Nova Scotia)Order a birth certificatechecked
Prince Edward IslandVital Statistics (Government of PEI)None on record
Newfoundland and LabradorVital Statistics Division (Government Services, Government of Newfoundland and Labrador)Order a birth certificatechecked
YukonVital Statistics (Government of Yukon)None on recordOnly for births that happened in the Yukon.
Northwest TerritoriesVital Statistics, Health Services Administration Office (Department of Health and Social Services)Order a birth certificatechecked
NunavutNunavut Vital Statistics (Department of Health)Order a certificatechecked Births before April 1, 1999 are held by the Northwest Territories; order those from the NWT.

Cite this page

Canada Service Map, "Order or replace a birth certificate in Nova Scotia", checked 13 October 2026, https://canadaservicemap.ca/services/birth-certificate/nova-scotia