5. Get a birth certificate
Question & Answer
How do I register my baby’s birth in Ontario?If you want your child's birth certificate, you have to apply for it. You can do this when you register your child's birth online or with a paper Statement of Live Birth form. You can also do it later.
There are 3 types of birth certificates:
- Birth certificate: recommended for people 16 years of age or older
- Birth certificate with parental information: recommended for children under 16 years
- Certified birth certificate: for people who need more information on their birth certificate
This chart shows you the differences between the 3 types of birth certificates:
|
|
Birth certificate | Birth certificate with parental information | Certified birth certificate |
| Recommended for | People 16 years of age or older | Children under 16 years | People who need more information |
| Cost | $25 for first order; $35 afterwards | $25 for first order; $35 afterwards | $35 for first order; $45 afterwards |
| Can be ordered as part of the “5-in-1 newborn bundle” |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
| Includes information about the child |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
| Can be ordered with a gender neutral option that doesn't have the child's sex |
Yes |
Yes |
No |
| Includes information about parents |
No |
Yes |
Yes |
| Includes details of all changes, including any names changes and corrections to information |
No |
No |
Yes |
| Can be used to get a social insurance number |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
| Can be used to get an Ontario driver's license or health card |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
| Can be used to get a passport for an adult |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
| Can be used to get a passport for a child |
No |
Yes |
Yes |
| Can be used to get health insurance for a child |
No |
Yes |
Yes |
| Can be used for immigration or citizenship applications
|
No |
Some types of immigration or citizenship applications |
Yes |
Can be used where more detailed information is needed, for example:
|
No |
No |
Yes |
Order online
The Ontario government's 5-in-1 Newborn Bundle lets you order any type of birth certificate when you register your child's birth. See Step 4.
You can also order a birth certificate online at any time after you've registered your child's birth.
It usually takes about 6 to 8 weeks to get the certificate in the mail. Sometimes, you may be able to get it faster. You can check the status of your application online.
Order by mail, courier, or fax
To order a birth certificate by mail, fill out the Request for Birth Certificate form. You can order any type of birth certificate on the paper form.
You can send it by mail, courier or fax. The address and fax number are on the form.
It usually takes about 6 to 8 weeks to get the certificate in the mail. To check the status of your application, call ServiceOntario at 416-325-8305 or toll-free at 1-800-461-2156.
Fee waivers
If you're applying for a birth certificate for the first time, you have to pay the full fee.
But if you need to replace a birth certificate, you can 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 feewaiverprogram@ontario.ca 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.
