How to Get a Copy of a Canadian Birth Certificate
Provincial and territorial vital statistics offices issue birth certificates. The federal government does not. Order online or by mail from the province where the birth was registered. You pay roughly $25–$85. The price depends on the province and the service. You get the certificate in 2–8 weeks. New parents must register the birth first. The hospital does not do it for you.
At a glance
- Cost:
- $25–$85 per certificate (varies by province and service)
- Total time:
- 2–8 weeks depending on province
- Steps:
- 6 steps
- Where to apply:
- canada.ca
Last reviewed October 2026 against official sources. Re-checked annually · next review due October 2027.
The Steps
Follow these in order
Each card shows the phase, expected time, and any cost. Data checked against official CAN sources(October 2026).
0 of 6 steps
- Before You Go 10 min
Know which province holds the record
Birth records stay with the vital statistics office of the province or territory where the birth was registered. They do not move to where you live now. Ontario: Service Ontario. BC: Vital Statistics Agency. Quebec: Directeur de l'état civil. Quebec issues "certificats" in French or English.
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- Fill / Prepare 20 min
Order online or by mail
Most provinces take orders online, with credit card payment. For a mail application, you need a form, a photocopy of your ID, and a cheque. A first certificate, for a new birth, comes after the parents register the birth with the province. Parents usually do this within 30 days of the birth. They use the hospital paperwork plus a provincial registration form.
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- Submit & Pay
Pay the fee
Fees run about $25–$85 per certificate. The price depends on the province and the service. For example: Ontario charges $25 regular, or $55 premium (5 business days). BC charges $27 by mail, or $60 by courier. Quebec charges $38.50 online with standard processing. Order 2–3 copies. A passport application takes one. A SINSocial Insurance Number — Your 9-digit Canadian work and tax number. You need it to work, open accounts, and receive benefits.Click for official info ↗ registration takes one. School enrolment takes one. And a replacement costs the same again.
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- Wait 2–8 weeks
Wait for delivery
Standard processing takes 2–8 weeks, by province. Ontario takes ~15 business days. BC takes ~4 weeks. Quebec takes ~3 weeks for a certificate. Rush services cut this to days, for a higher fee. Certificates arrive by mail, at the address on your application.
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- Follow Up
Fix errors promptly
Check the certificate on the day it arrives. The common errors are name spellings and parent details. To fix an error, you need a statutory declaration and supporting documents. The fix takes longer than the original order if you wait.
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- Receive
Use it for the document chain
The birth certificate is a foundation document. You need it for a child's SIN application. You need it for a passport application, a provincial health card, and school registration. Store it safely. It is a main identity document, and a target for identity fraud.
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FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
I was born abroad to Canadian parents. Can I get a Canadian birth certificate?
No. A birth certificate only exists for births registered in a Canadian province or territory. Children born abroad to Canadian citizens get a proof of citizenship certificate from IRCCImmigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada — The Canadian government department that runs Express Entry, work and study permits, PR cards, and citizenship.Click for official info ↗ instead. It serves the same purpose, for passports and for a SIN.
Can I order someone else's birth certificate?
Only in some cases. You must be the person named on it. Or a parent, for a child's certificate. Or someone else who is entitled, like an executor or a legal guardian. Provinces limit access to guard against fraud. You must state your relationship and show your own ID. Ordering records you have no right to is an offence.
My newborn's birth was never registered. What do we do?
Contact your provincial vital statistics office and ask for a late registration. You need proof of the birth, like hospital records. You need both parents' ID. You may also need a statutory declaration. A late registration after more than a year can need extra checks. Start as soon as you notice the problem.
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