Document Certification by City Clerk - Burnaby

General Governance and Administration British Columbia 3 Minutes Read · published May 24, 2026 Flag of British Columbia

In Burnaby, British Columbia, the City Clerk's office handles certification of municipal documents and certified copies for official use. This guide explains how to request certification, what to bring, who enforces related bylaws, typical timelines, and where to find official forms and fees. Use the steps below to prepare your original documents, identification, and payment method before visiting the City Clerk or submitting a request by the office's published procedures.

Penalties & Enforcement

Certification itself is an administrative service; however, misuse of certified documents, false statements, or tampering may attract bylaw enforcement or criminal prosecution. Specific fine amounts for misuse or false statements are not specified on the cited page.[2]

  • Fines: not specified on the cited page.
  • Escalation: first, repeat, and continuing offence provisions are not specified on the cited page.
  • Non-monetary sanctions: orders, seizure, or court action may apply under applicable bylaws or statutes.
  • Enforcer: By-law Enforcement and the City Clerk's office handle complaints and referrals; contact details are on the city site.[2]
  • Appeals/review: procedural review or judicial appeal routes depend on the specific bylaw or statute; time limits are not specified on the cited page.
Penalties for tampering with certified documents may involve municipal or criminal processes depending on the conduct.

Applications & Forms

To request certification or a certified copy, the City Clerk typically requires the original document, a photocopy for certification, and government-issued photo ID. Fees and a dedicated online or in-person request form are not specified on the cited City Clerk service page; check the Clerk's service page for the current procedure and any downloadable form. City Clerk services[1]

  • Form: not specified on the cited page; contact the City Clerk for any required form.
  • Fee: not specified on the cited page; fees may be listed in the city's Fees and Charges schedule.
  • Submission: in person at City Hall or as directed by the City Clerk's office.

How to Prepare and Submit a Request

Follow these practical steps to streamline your visit or submission to the City Clerk.

  1. Gather the original document and a clear photocopy or digital scan if permitted.
  2. Bring government-issued photo ID for the person making the request.
  3. Confirm applicable fees and payment methods with the City Clerk before arrival.
  4. Submit the document and any required form in person or as directed by the Clerk.
  5. Allow processing time; timelines are not specified on the cited page and may vary.
Call ahead to confirm required documents, fees, and current processing times.

FAQ

Who can request a certified copy?
Any person with the original document and photo ID can request certification unless the City Clerk's procedure states additional restrictions.
How long does certification take?
Processing times vary; the City Clerk's service page should list current timelines or advise on same-day service when available.[1]
Are fees refundable if a request is refused?
Refund policy is not specified on the cited page; contact the City Clerk for fee and refund rules.

How-To

  1. Prepare the original document and one photocopy for certification.
  2. Contact the City Clerk to confirm hours, fees, and whether an appointment is required.[1]
  3. Visit City Hall or follow the Clerk's submission instructions; present ID and pay the fee.
  4. Receive the certified copy or return instructions for mailed or picked-up documents.

Key Takeaways

  • Contact the City Clerk before you visit to confirm requirements and fees.
  • Bring the original document and photo ID to request a certified copy.
  • Fees and specific timelines are published by the city; verify on the Clerk's page.

Help and Support / Resources