Researching Family History

Vital Records - Alberta

Civil registration in Alberta began approximately 1890 for marriages and deaths and in 1850 for births. Privacy laws restrict public access to these records, as follows:

  • Births released: after 120 years
  • Marriages released: after 75 years
  • Deaths released: after 50 years
  • Stillbirths released: after 75 years

Remember to request a photocopy of the registration document as this carries the most information.

Immediate family may bypass privacy restrictions and apply for a copy of a birth, marriage or death directly to the department of vital statistics: This service charges a $20 government fee for each document.  

Or:

Alberta Registries 
Vital Statistics 
Box 2023 
Edmonton, Alberta T5J 4W7 

TTY: 780-427-9999 (Edmonton and area)
Toll free TTY: 1-800-232-7215 (in Alberta)

Searchable databases: 

The Provincial Archives of Alberta is now able to provide online access to indexes and registrations for vital records within the date ranges as noted above. To get started click on the particular index you wish to view. Follow the instructions on this site and when ready you can order a copy through their online form; Charges vary depending on delivery format. 

Another alternative is to find notices of vital records in local newspapers. 

Print

The Family History department has some finding aids for vital records in its print collection: Some examples: 

Edmonton: Documentary Heritage Society of Alberta (DHSA).  Alberta, Formerly a Part of the North-West Territories: An Index to Birth, Marriage, and Death Registrations Prior to 1900. Library call number: 929.37123 ALB 1999

Trace, Mary Kearns.  Birth, Marriage & Death Notices of the Alberta Tribune, Calgary, Alberta, Canada, 1897 – 1899.  Library call number: 929.37123 TRA 1986