Replacing Birth Certificates: New Brunswick Guide

Obtaining a replacement birth certificate in New Brunswick is a relatively straightforward process. Birth certificates are important documents that serve as proof of identity and citizenship, and are required for various purposes such as obtaining a passport, driver's license, or social security card. In the event of loss, theft, or destruction, individuals can request a replacement certificate by meeting certain requirements and following specific steps. The process can be completed online, avoiding the need to visit government offices and long lines.

Online application process

The online application process to replace a birth certificate in New Brunswick is straightforward and user-friendly. Here is a detailed guide on how to navigate the process:

Step 1: Visit the Vital Statistics Society of New Brunswick Website

Go to the official website of the Vital Statistics Society of New Brunswick. This website serves as a one-stop platform for ordering various vital records, including birth certificates.

Step 2: Navigate to the "Order Services" Section

Once on the website, look for the "Order Services" section. Here, you will find different document options displayed. Focus on the information related to birth certificates.

Step 3: Provide Basic Information

You will need to input your name and date of birth in the designated fields. This initial information helps to narrow down the search and initiate the process.

Step 4: Continue to the Next Page

Click on the "Continue" button to proceed. You will then be presented with a selection of four different documents. Choose the "Certificate of Registration of Birth" option from the drop-down menu, and click "Continue" again.

Step 5: Provide Additional Details

In this step, you will be asked to provide additional information, including your country of origin and sex. Select your country from the list, and then choose your sex (Male or Female). After making your selections, click on "Continue" to move forward.

Step 6: Follow Vital Statistics NB Instructions

Vital Statistics NB will guide you through the next steps, which may include completing a name and date of birth verification form. This step is crucial for complying with provincial regulations. You will also need to provide your full legal name and date of birth in the registration form.

Step 7: Review and Confirm Your Information

Before finalizing your application, carefully review all the information you have entered. If you spot any errors or need to make corrections, click on the "Back" button to return to the previous pages and make the necessary changes. Once you are satisfied that all the information is accurate, click on "Continue" to proceed.

Step 8: Provide Payment Details

In this step, you will be directed to an online payment form. Here, you can choose between a one-time payment option or a monthly payment plan, depending on your preference. After selecting your payment option, click on "Submit Payment."

Step 9: Await Email Confirmation

After successfully submitting your payment, you will receive a confirmation email within approximately an hour. Your application will then be processed according to the service option you selected. If there are any issues with your application, a representative will contact you via email, outlining the required corrections.

Step 10: Receive Your Birth Certificate

Your replacement birth certificate will be delivered to you directly from the New Brunswick Vital Statistics Agency. Depending on the service option you chose, it will arrive by mail or courier within the specified timeframe.

It is important to note that the online application process is designed to be secure and efficient, ensuring your personal information is protected. Additionally, this process eliminates the need to visit government offices and stand in long lines, making it a convenient option for individuals seeking to replace their birth certificates in New Brunswick.

Required documents

To obtain a replacement birth certificate in New Brunswick, you must meet the following requirements:

• Your name and date of birth
• A valid email address
• The year that you were born
• The country that you were born in

The application process for a replacement birth certificate is the same as that of a first-time certificate. The steps to obtain a birth certificate online are as follows:

• Go to the Vital Statistics Society of New Brunswick's website and click on "Order Services".
• Four different documents will be displayed, including information relating to a birth certificate. Insert your name and date of birth into the empty fields and proceed.
• Click on "Continue". You will be presented with four choices of documents that you can order. Select "Certificate of Registration of Birth" from the drop-down menu, then click "Continue".
• You will be asked for your country of origin, as well as the sex of the individual who was born. Place the cursor on "I", then insert your country in the "Birthplace" box. Select "United States of America" and click on the box, then select either "Male" or "Female" depending on the sex of the individual. After you have made your selection (which is required), click on "Continue".
• Proceed as directed by Vital Statistics NB, including completing a name and date of birth verification form. In order to comply with provincial regulations, you must also include your full legal name and date of birth in the registration form. After completing this step, click on "Continue".
• Review the information that you have entered online. If you find any errors, click on "Back", then enter the correct information. Once you have reviewed everything and are satisfied with your personal information and the accuracy of the data, click "Continue".
• You will be asked to enter payment details into an online form. At this point, select either a one-time or monthly payment option. When you are satisfied with your payment details, click "Submit Payment", then proceed as directed by Vital Statistics NB.

If your payment is successful, you will receive a copy of your New Brunswick birth certificate via email within approximately 5 business days.

Payment methods

If you are applying for a replacement birth certificate in New Brunswick, there are several payment methods available to you. The specific payment methods available will depend on how you are applying for your replacement birth certificate.

If you are applying for your replacement birth certificate in person, you can pay using cash, money order, certified check, or debit card. Paying with a debit card will incur an additional fee of $2.50.

If you are applying by mail, you can pay using a money order or a certified check made out to the City of New Brunswick. You can also pay by credit card, but this will incur an additional fee of $7.

If you are applying online, the City of New Brunswick does not accept credit card payments. However, you can use the VitalChek Network to process your request online, and they accept all major credit cards. Using this service will incur an additional fee of $7.

If you are applying through a third-party website, such as Vital Certificates, you can pay using all major credit cards, money orders, or cheques.

Processing times

The processing time for a New Brunswick birth certificate is between 15 and 25 business days with the Regular Service option, or 5 to 7 business days with the Rush Service option. The Rush Service option is also known as the Expedited Processing and Delivery Service.

If you are applying for a New Brunswick Birth Certificate to support a separate application, such as for a passport, driver's license, immigration, or Native status, it is important to check with the organization requesting the document to ensure you obtain the correct vital record. Changes cannot be made once an order has been placed.

The cost of a Short Form or Long Form New Brunswick Birth Certificate is $70.00 with the Regular Service option and $160.00 with the Rush Service option. The only payment currently accepted is credit card (Visa and MasterCard).

If you are ordering a replacement birth certificate, you can follow the same steps as ordering a first-time certificate.

Due to the Coronavirus (COVID-19), processing times may be impacted. It is recommended that customers order certificates as soon as possible, as delaying an order will significantly increase wait times.

Who can apply

To apply for a New Brunswick birth certificate, you must be either:

• The person whose name appears on the certificate
• A parent named on the record of the child if the child is under 18 or 19 years of age
• A legal guardian of the person named on the certificate, with guardianship papers
• Someone applying for a deceased person, with proof of death

If you are applying for a child, you must be their parent or legal guardian. If the child is 18 or younger, you will need to provide a court order that specifies the custody agreement or a separation agreement.

Frequently asked questions