When a loved one dies, a death certificate becomes one of the most important documents a family needs. It is required to close bank accounts, access life insurance, transfer property, notify the Canada Revenue Agency, obtain probate, and more. Yet many Canadians are uncertain about exactly how to get a death certificate, how long it takes, and how many copies they need. This guide answers all of those questions and breaks down the process province by province.
What Is a Death Certificate?
In Canada, there are technically two related documents that are often both referred to as a ‘death certificate’. Understanding the difference matters.
The Medical Certificate of Death (or Statement of Death) is a document completed by the attending physician or coroner immediately after a death. It records the cause of death and is used to register the death with the provincial vital statistics office. This is not the document families use for legal and financial purposes.
The Death Registration and Certified Death Certificate is the official government-issued document produced by the provincial vital statistics authority, based on the registration of death. This is the document institutions and government agencies require.
Who Issues Death Certificates in Canada?
Death registration and the issuance of certified death certificates is a provincial and territorial responsibility in Canada. Each province and territory has its own vital statistics authority that manages this process.
In most cases, the funeral director handles the initial registration of death on behalf of the family, coordinating between the physician, coroner (if applicable), and the provincial registry. Once registered, the family can order certified copies directly from the provincial vital statistics office.
How Many Death Certificates Do I Need?
Most families underestimate how many certified death certificates they will need. We recommend ordering at least 8 to 10 copies initially, as many institutions require an original certified copy and will not accept photocopies.
Common institutions requiring a certified death certificate include: major banks and credit unions, life insurance companies, Canada Pension Plan (CPP) and OAS administration, Canada Revenue Agency, property registry offices, the estate lawyer or executor, RRSP and RRIF administrators, vehicle title transfers, and passport cancellation.
Ordering additional copies later is possible but involves delays and additional fees. Ordering in bulk at the time of initial registration is almost always more efficient and economical.
Death Certificate Process by Province
Ontario: The funeral director files the Statement of Death with the Registrar General. Certified copies are ordered through ServiceOntario, either online or by mail. Cost is approximately $22 per copy.
British Columbia: Registered through Vital Statistics Agency. Certified copies ordered online or by mail. Cost approximately $27 per copy.
Alberta: Registered with Service Alberta. Certified copies can be ordered online. Cost approximately $20 per copy.
Quebec: Registered with the Directeur de l’état civil (DEC). Death certificates issued in French and/or bilingual format. Cost approximately $25 per copy.
Manitoba: Registered through Vital Statistics Agency of Manitoba. Costs approximately $35 per copy.
Saskatchewan: Registered with eHealth Saskatchewan. Certified copies ordered by mail or in person. Approximately $30 per copy.
Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, PEI, Newfoundland & Labrador: All managed by respective provincial vital statistics offices. Costs range from $20 to $35 per copy depending on the province.
Territories (Yukon, NWT, Nunavut): Each territory has its own vital statistics authority. Processing times may be longer in remote areas.
Note: Prices are approximate and should be confirmed with the respective provincial office at the time of application.
How Long Does It Take to Receive a Death Certificate?
Processing times vary by province and method of application. In most provinces, online applications are processed within 5 to 15 business days. Mail applications may take 4 to 8 weeks. In-person requests (where available) can sometimes be processed same-day or within a few business days.
Given that many financial and legal processes cannot begin until a certified death certificate is in hand, it is advisable to apply for certified copies as quickly as possible after the death is registered.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can the funeral home get the death certificate for me?
The funeral home will typically file the death registration on your behalf — but ordering certified copies is something you usually do directly with the provincial vital statistics office. Some funeral homes offer to order copies as part of their service. Ask your provider.
Do I need an original death certificate or will a copy do?
Most institutions require an original certified death certificate — not a photocopy. Certified copies are official documents that include an official seal or stamp from the provincial vital statistics office.
Can I get a death certificate for someone who died outside Canada?
If a Canadian dies abroad, the death will be registered in the country where it occurred. You may be able to obtain a consular report of death abroad through Global Affairs Canada, which can be used for Canadian legal and financial purposes.
What if I need a death certificate urgently?
Some provincial vital statistics offices offer expedited processing for an additional fee. Contact the office directly to ask about urgent processing options.
