Order a birth certificate
Issued by the province or territory where you were born. In Ontario, ServiceOntario issues certificates online, by mail or in person.
Cost: CAD 25 regular online, Ontario (reference)
Time: 15 business days plus mail (regular); 5 business days with premium service
What you need
- Subject's full name, date of birth, sex, city of birth and parents' information
- A guarantor if the subject is 9 or older
- Visa, Visa Debit, Mastercard or Debit Mastercard
Step by step
- Ask which type you need: birth certificate, with parental information, or certified copy of registration
- Apply through ServiceOntario's online certificate application
- Pay the fee
- Receive the certificate by Canada Post or courier
Where to apply
ServiceOntario: birth certificate · ontario.ca
Born elsewhere: apply to that province's vital statistics office
Born elsewhere: apply to that province's vital statistics office
Tips to get it right the first time
- A replacement makes your previous certificate invalid.
- For visas and adoption abroad, the certified copy of registration is usually the one asked for.
- Premium and emergency service require proof of urgency.
Save the checklist in the app and tick items off as you gather them.
Reviewed on October 19, 2026 · source: ontario.ca. Requirements and costs are for reference and may change without notice: confirm them with the official source before you go. We are not affiliated with any institution.