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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