What Is It?
A record of a birth that occurred and was registered in Ontario. A birth certificate is often required to apply for other ID.
There are three types of birth certificates in Ontario.
- Birth certificate
- Birth certificate with parental information
- Certified copy of birth registration
Who Can Get One?
Someone born in Ontario whose birth was registered in Ontario.
You can apply for a birth certificate on behalf of:
- Yourself, if you are 13+
- Your child, if you are named as a parent on the birth registration
- A child if you are the legal guardian
Tip: The applicant should gather information regarding their parent’s full name, date of birth, and place of birth before applying!
Guarantor Requirement
To apply for a birth certificate, the applicant will need someone to act as a guarantor if the subject of the birth certificate is older than 9. A guarantor attests to the subjects identity. Their name and contact
information is provided in the application.
A guarantor must:
- Be a Canadian Citizen
- Have known you for personally for at least two (2) years
- Work in an approved occupation/profession in Canada
- Common approved occupations/professions include:
- Senior administrator or professor at a university
- Social worker
- Doctor
- Lawyer
- Minister of an authorized religion
- Principal or vice-principal of a primary or secondary school
- Dentist
How to apply
Birth certificates can be applied for online or by mail.
Visit the Online Certificate Application site to apply online.
To apply by mail send a completed application form to:
ServiceOntario
Office of the Registrar General
189 Red River Road,
PO Box 4600
Thunder Bay, ON P7B 6L8
Contact for more information
Email: idclinic@osgoode.yorku.ca
Telephone: (416) 736-5029