When someone dies in British Columbia: death certificate, estate and probate

The first steps after a death in British Columbia, how to get a death certificate and where to apply for probate, from the official pages.

First steps

1. A doctor or coroner confirms the death and the funeral home registers it with the province. Ask the funeral home for several proofs of death.
2. Look for the will and for the name of the executor (the person who administers the estate).
3. Order a death certificate: banks, insurers and pension plans usually ask for one.
4. Notify government benefit programs and the Canada Revenue Agency, and file the deceased's final tax return; the executor should also get a clearance certificate before distributing the estate.

Death certificate

Order online through the Vital Statistics Agency, by mail (form VSA 430D) or in person at some Service BC offices. Confirm the current fee on the page.

Official page: death certificate ↗

The estate and probate

The province's After a Death Checklist covers the death certificate, finding the will, identifying the executor or administrator and what to ask for from the court (grant of probate or of administration). Probate and administration are governed by the Wills, Estates and Succession Act.

Official page: estates and probate ↗

General information, not legal or financial advice; fees, thresholds and forms change and were read on 2026-11-14. For a large or contested estate, ask a lawyer. Quebec estates are handled under Quebec's civil law: see atlasquebec.ca.

Guides for this province

• Renting in British Columbia: rights, rent increases and average rents
• Working in British Columbia: minimum wage, standards and wages
• Moving to British Columbia: health card, driver's licence and taxes
• Cost of living in British Columbia: prices, rent, wages and taxes
• Buying a home in British Columbia: land transfer tax, rebates and first-time buyer help
• Health care in British Columbia: health card, drug plans and dental help
• Studying in British Columbia: tuition, student aid and grants
• Seniors in British Columbia: pensions, supplements and programs
• Taxes in British Columbia: income tax rates, sales tax and take-home pay (2026)
• Families in British Columbia: child benefits and family programs
• Documents and ID in British Columbia: birth certificate and change of name
• Starting a business in British Columbia: register a name, GST/HST and licences
• Problems and disputes in British Columbia: consumer complaints, small claims, workplace injury and legal aid
• Driving and vehicles in British Columbia: switching your licence and what is required
• Photo ID card in British Columbia without a driver's licence: who can apply, documents and fee
• Getting married in British Columbia: marriage licence, fees and documents
• Health card in British Columbia: who qualifies, waiting period and how to register
• When someone dies in British Columbia: death certificate, estate and probate
• Registering a child for school in British Columbia: age, documents and where to sign up
• Child care in British Columbia: fees, finding a space and subsidies
• Immigrating to British Columbia: nominee program, steps and processing times
• Accessible parking permit in British Columbia: how to apply
• Alcohol rules in British Columbia: legal age and where to buy
• Car insurance in British Columbia: what is compulsory and where to buy it
• Cannabis rules in British Columbia: legal age, where to buy and where to use
• Disability income and supports in British Columbia: how to apply
• Prescription drug coverage in British Columbia: public plans and how to enrol
• Emergency preparedness in British Columbia: alerts, evacuation and your 72-hour kit
• Separation, parenting and child support in British Columbia: free help and enforcement
• Help for family violence and victims of crime in British Columbia
• Fishing and hunting licences in British Columbia: where to buy and what you need
• Health advice line (811) in British Columbia: speak to a nurse any time
• Indigenous relations and services in British Columbia: who does what
• Marriage licence fee in British Columbia
• New drivers in British Columbia: graduated licensing stages and minimum ages
• Provincial parks and camping reservations in British Columbia
• Probate fees in British Columbia: what an estate pays
• Social assistance in British Columbia: how to apply for income support
• Social housing and rent help in British Columbia: how to apply
• Student loans and grants in British Columbia: where to apply
• Voting in British Columbia: register, check your status and find your election office
• Wills, powers of attorney and health care directives in British Columbia