Documents & Records
Civil Registration - Nova Scotia
Basics
Civil registration of births and deaths in Nova Scotia began in 1864 and continued until 1877. It resumed on October 1, 1908. Marriages in Nova Scotia have been registered since 1864, and some earlier ones are available as well.
Finding the Records
Historical Vital Statistics
The Nova Scotia Historical Vital Statistics database is fully searchable and includes links to digitized pages from the registers. Note, however, that these early records date from a time when there were no Chinese in the province.
Historical Vital Statistics holdings of civil registration records are as follows:
- Births - 1864-1877, 1908-1911 / (delayed registrations: 1830-1911)
- Marriages - Bonds: 1763-1864 / Registrations: 1864-1936
- Deaths - 1864-1877, 1908-1961 / City of Halifax: 1890-1908
Access to these records is unrestricted.
Modern Vital Statistics
Access Nova Scotia Vital Statistics holds the following civil registration records:
- Births - January 1, 1912-present
- Marriages - 1937-present
- Deaths - 1962-present
These records may be released, subject to eligibility requirements.
Online
The FamilySearch website includes searchable indexes to Nova Scotia births, baptisms, marriages, and deaths.
Photo banner: Detail from VPL Historical Photograph 78362
