Geneological Search

What is a genealogical search?

A genealogical search is generally what someone does to find out more about their family tree. Vital Statistics is often used as a research resource.

When using the Vital Statistics records it is important to understand a few facts:

  • Vital Statistics only has the records for birth, marriage, death and stillbirth registrations that were registered and occurred in Alberta

  • Vital Statistics have Alberta birth records dating from approximately 1850 to present and Alberta marriage and death records dating from approximately 1890 to present

  • An individual requesting a genealogical search should ask for a photocopy of a registration, as this document carries the most information of any document that is produced through Vital Statistics

  • Alberta Vital Statistics records cannot be accessed over the Internet

The Vital Statistics office is only one of many places through which a genealogical search may be conducted. Records may also be found through churches, the Provincial Archives of Alberta (external site), the Alberta Genealogical Society, libraries (including the Legislative Library), and local history books.

When Vital Statistics does not have a record of the event you are searching for and you have documents to support its existence, you may want to register a delayed registration with the Vital Statistics office. Contact Vital Statistics for more information about delayed registrations and the kinds of documents needed to do this.