How do I apply for a death certificate?

If someone you know passed away in Ontario, you can apply for a death certificate any time after the death is registered.

You may need a death certificate in order to make arrangements regarding the person's posessions, accounts or other matters.

To apply, you will need details including:

  • The first and last name of the person who died,
  • Their sex,
  • Date of death and the name of town or city where they died.

You may also need information about their parents, spouse or common-law partner.

Who can apply?

Anyone can apply for a death certificate. This provides basic information such as name, date and place of death. 

Only the next of kin can apply for a certified death certificate. A certified death certificate is a certified copy of the original death registration. The certified death certificate contains all registered information and signatures.

How do I apply?

You can apply in any of the following ways:

  • Online: Fill out the online application form and pay the fee with your credit card
  • In person: To find the Service Ontario centre closest to you that handles death certificates, please call 1-800-461-2156
  • By mail or fax:  Download and complete the application form [PDF]. The fee can be paid in the form of a cheque or a money order made out to the Ministry of Finance. You can mail the form and the fee to:

    The Office of the Registrar General
    PO Box 4600
    189 Red River Road
    Thunder Bay
    P7B 6L8

    You can also fax the completed application form to 1-807-343-7459. You will need to fill out credit card details on the application.

The cost of ordering a death certificate is listed on the Service Ontario website. Death certificates are normally processed within 15 days if you apply online, or it can take between 6 - 8 weeks if you apply in person, by mail or by fax.  If you would like to receive the certificate within 5 business days, you can pay an additional fee for premium service.

For More Information

This article contains information from Service Ontario.

Last updated: December 29, 2016 4001620