Get your official identification and certificates directly from the government of Ontario through ServiceOntario at https://www.ontario.ca/page/official-government-id-and-certificates. If you need assistance, or require expedited service, contact my community office for help.
Birth Certificates
Order a replace a birth certificate online at ontario.ca/birthcertificate.
*If the birth happened outside Ontario and within Canada, please contact the Vital Statistics Office in the province or territory where the birth took place.
- Regular service for replacing a birth certificate costs $35
- Regular service for replacing a certified copy of birth registration costs $45
- Premium or emergency service costs an additional $30
Birth Certificate Fee Waiver
If you need to replace a birth certificate, you maybe able to get one without paying the $35 fee if any of the following apply:
- you don't have a fixed or regular address, or a proper place to sleep at night
- you live in a shelter or transitional housing program for people who are homeless
- you live in any place that is not meant to be used as a place where people usually sleep
You have to apply for the waiver. You do this by contacting an agency that will apply for you. Email [email protected] or call ServiceOntario at 1-800-461-2156. Ask for the contact information of agencies approved to take part in the fee waiver program for replacement birth certificates. If your request is approved, you don't pay the fee.
How long will it take?
- Provided that the birth is registered, it should take:
- Online service — 15 business days plus delivery
- Premium online service — 5 business days including delivery by deliver, but with no guarantee
- Emergency online service - 5 busines days including delivery - proof of urgency is required
- Fax or regular mail service — 6 to 8 weeks plus delivery
- Expedited service — 10 days plus delivery
What is the difference between short form and long form birth certificates?
A short form is an extract of information from the original birth registration. It is useful as basic identification.
A long form is a certified copy of the birth registration and is needed when you are:
- Moving to another country
- An executor for a foreign estate
- Are adopting a child abroad
- Filling out certain citizenship or immigration documents