Birth certificates

woman opening mailThe birth certificate is a record of a birth that happened in Ontario and a government document that can be used as proof of identity.

To order a birth certificate you will need:

  • Your first and last name, mailing address, and phone number
  • Information of the person on the birth certificate:
    • First, middle, and last name, date of birth, gender and city of birth
    • Previous legal names for the person named on the birth registration (if applicable)
    • Parents information including the mother's maiden name

For people 9 years of age or older only, information for a Guarantor:

  • First and last name, occupation, work address, and daytime phone number, if guarantor is a Canadian citizen.

Order a birth certificate online

Please ​note:
The birth must be registered in Ontario to use this service. Please use the 4-in-1 Newborn Bundle if you have not registered the birth of your child and the child is less than one year old.

Delivery

The online service is 15 business days plus delivery by regular mail.  The premium online service is 5 business days including delivery by courier for an additional $30 per certificate.

Online completion time

Average 20 minutes.

What you need to know

The birth certificate is a record of a birth that happened in Ontario and a government document that can be used as proof of identity.

A short form birth certificate includes basic information and can be used as identification. It includes this information:

  • Last name
  • Given name(s)
  • Date of birth
  • Certificate number
  • Birthplace
  • Sex
  • Date of registration
  • Registration number
  • Date issued

A long form birth certificate is a certified copy of the birth registration. You might need it if you:

  • Move to another country
  • Become an executor for a foreign estate
  • Are adopting a child abroad
  • Fill out certain citizenship or immigration documents

Payment

VISA, MasterCard, American Express, Interac® Online

Costs

  • Ordering a first birth certificate:
    • Short form birth certificate: $25
    • Long form birth certificate: $35
  • Ordering a replacement birth certificate:
    • Short form birth certificate: $35
    • Long form birth certificate: $45

Service guarantee

If you choose the online service, processing time is 15 business days plus delivery by regular mail or your money will be refunded.  If you choose premium online service for an additional $30 per certificate, your certificate will be 5 business days including delivery by courier or your money will be refunded.

Check your order status

The status of your online application becomes available one business day after you submit it. To check the status online you will need:

  • To indicate the type of certificate you requested (birth, death or marriage)
  • Applicant's name and telephone number
  • Name of the subject (the person to be listed on the certificate)
  • Date of the event
  • Order / file number, if available
Updated: March 26, 2013