Birth certificates are essential for both parents and their children. It is a document that helps when applying for many things like passports, driver’s licenses and more. If you want to apply for a birth certificate in Ontario, you need to know how it works and the steps involved in getting one. Here we will discuss everything related to this process step by step so that you can understand what needs to be done before applying online or offline clinic etc.
Birth Certificate in Ontario
A birth certificate is a document that records the birth of a person. A government agency issues it, and it may be given to either the mother or father of the person born. The process for obtaining your Ontario Birth Certificate can be confusing if you don’t know what you’re doing. We will explain that below so you can get the birth certificate quickly.
First, you need to go to your local Vital Statistics office. You can find the address of your nearest location by clicking here.
How to Apply for Birth Certificate in Ontario?
The Birth Certificate Application Process is simple if you understand that. It’s easy to follow and quick. It’s affordable and secure, reliable, efficient and dependable.
If you’ve ever applied for a birth certificate in Ontario before, then this process will be familiar territory for you. If not, then congratulations on your first step towards obtaining one!
Types of Birth Certificates
There are three types of birth certificates in Ontario:
- Birth certificate
- Birth Certificate With Parental Information
- A certified copy of a birth registration
Birth Certificate
A birth certificate is a copy of the initial birth registration and contains the following information:
- Name
- Date of birth
- Sex
- Birthplace
- Enrollment date
- Registration number
- Issuance date
- Document number
This certificate is advised for those who are 16 years of age and older. It can be used to obtain other types of official identification, such as:
- Visa for an adult in Canada
- The social security number (SIN)
- Permit to drive in Ontario
The certificate of identity is part of the Canadian immigration process. The federal government issues it to a person who does not have a social insurance number (SIN) or another form of identification.
Birth Certificate With Parental Information
An extract of the initial birth registration data, a birth certificate with parental information contains the following information:
- the entirety of the data on the birth certificate
- the subject’s parent’s name and birthplace
When parental information is needed, this certificate is advised for newborns and kids under the age of 16. It can be utilised for the same identification purposes as a birth certificate that only contains subject information, as well as for the following reasons:
- Child’s Canadian passport
- health insurance for kids
- Citizenship Application
Certified Copy of Birth Registration
In Ontario, a child’s parents or guardians are required to report the birth to the provincial government. A certified copy of the initial birth record also includes the following information:
- Contains all registration information
- Is acknowledged by the Office of the Registrar General as being genuine
- It’s printed on a sheet of legal paper
- Includes a raised seal for authentication and security reasons
- Includes any alterations made to the birth registration, such as name changes and information corrections (as a historical record)
A certified copy of your birth record can be used to file for identification that calls for more specific information, such as:
- adoption from overseas
- specific citizenship or immigration petitions
- applications for visa
Who Can Apply for a Birth Certificate?
If you are applying for a birth certificate for yourself or someone else, you must meet all the Ontario Vital Statistics Act requirements and regulations.
You can apply for your own birth certificate if:
- You are at least 13 years old
- You have been named as a parent on your child’s registration; and
- You have custody of the child (for example, you live with them). Suppose this applies to more than one person, and it’s unclear who should be registered as parents (such as grandparents). In that case, we will contact both parties before issuing an official document showing who really is their legal guardian.
If you are not the parent of a child, we will only issue a birth certificate if you have legal custody documents or power of attorney.
Cost of Birth Certificate
The cost of a birth certificate varies depending on the location and method used to obtain the document. The first step is to determine what kind of document you are looking for. You will need to know if it’s a certified or an official copy, whether or not there are any additional fees associated with this service, and how long it will take before receiving your new Ontario birth certificate in hand.
For Birth Certificate:
| Service type | Processing and delivery | Cost |
| Regular service (online) | 15 business days plus delivery by Canada Post
No service guarantees apply |
$25 |
| Premium service (online) | 5 business days, including delivery by courier
No service guarantees apply |
$55 |
| Emergency service | 5 business days, including delivery by courier
No Service guarantees apply |
$55 |
| Replacement regular (online): birth certificate | 15 business days plus delivery by Canada Post
No service guarantees apply |
$35 |
| Replacement premium (online): birth certificate | 5 business days, including delivery by courier
No service guarantees apply |
$65 |
| Replacement emergency: birth certificate | 5 business days, including delivery by courier (proof of urgency is required) |
$65 |
For Birth Certificate With Parental Information:
| Service type | Processing and delivery | Cost |
| Regular service (online) | 15 business days plus delivery by Canada Post
No service guarantee applies |
$25 |
| Premium service (online) | Not available at this time | N/A |
| Replacement birth certificate with parental information | 15 business days plus delivery by Canada Post
No service guarantee applies |
$35 |
How to Get a Birth Certificate for a Deceased Person in Ontario?
If you’re ordering a birth certificate for a deceased person, you can only get a certified copy of the birth registration. When you order the certified copy of birth registration for a deceased person, you need to:
- Be the next of kin, executor or estate administrator
- Include a death certificate or the funeral director’s statement of death
- Any other documentation requested by Service Ontario
You may submit the application form with all required supplementary documents (e.g., medical certificate) to Service Ontario: by mail (all documents must be submitted together), in-person (all documents must be submitted together), online through https://forms.mgcs.gov.on.ca/en/dataset/007-11076.
How to Replace Birth Certificates in Ontario?
If you have lost or damaged your birth certificate, you can order a replacement by completing the online form.
To replace a lost, stolen or damaged birth certificate, you must complete the following steps:
- Go to https://www.orgforms.gov.on.ca/eForms/start.do?lang=en
- Click on “Apply for a new Birth Certificate” on the left-hand side menu bar (under “Services”)
- Fill in the Details and Proceed
Conclusion
Birth certificates are an essential document that can help you prove your identity. A birth certificate is necessary if you plan on travelling for fun or work. Different birth certificate types are available in Ontario, depending on gender and age. However, before applying for any of these documents, it is essential to know the required steps so that you don’t face any problems with the process.
FAQ – Birth Certificate in Ontario
How do I get my original birth certificate in Ontario?
To get your original birth certificate, you need to download and complete the application form at https://forms.mgcs.gov.on.ca/en/dataset/007-11076. Once you’ve done that, mail it to:
Service Ontario,
Office of the Registrar General,
189 Red River Road,
PO Box 4600 Thunder Bay Ontario P7B 6L8.
What is the fastest way to get a birth certificate in Ontario?
You can get a birth certificate in Ontario within 5 business days. However, we recommend emergency service if needed immediately (5 business days, including delivery by courier).
Is a birth certificate a valid form of id in Canada?
Birth certificates are widely accepted as a valid form of identification in Canada. However, it is essential to note that birth certificates are not used for government services such as banking or social assistance programs. In addition to this, birth certificates cannot be used to get a job or open bank accounts.
It’s illegal for people under 18 (or 16 years old if they have received parental consent) to apply for a passport without their parent’s help and support!
What is the difference between a birth certificate and a birth registration in Ontario?
A birth certificate is a legitimate identification proofing document. A birth certificate can only be given once the birth has been registered. That document serves as the birth registration certificate.
How long does it take to receive a birth certificate Ontario?
The time it takes to receive your birth certificate depends on how quickly you apply for one. In general, you should expect to wait at least six weeks for your certificate and, in some cases, up to eight weeks. If you need a fast turnaround, call the Vital Statistics office and ask them when they can accommodate your request.
