Death registrations are a permanent, legal record of death of an individual.
Death certificates or certified copies of a death registration are provided by the Office of the Registrar General for such purposes as:
- settlement of estates
- access to or termination of other government services (i.e., health card, pensions, voters list)
Information from death registrations is also used for medical and health research, and for statistical purposes.
How to Register a Death
For deaths that occur in Ontario, the funeral director or person responsible for completing the death information brings the documents to the office of the Municipal Clerk. The division registrar records the information, issues a burial permit and forwards the documents to the Office of the Registrar General.
How to Obtain a Death Certificate
When this has been completed, you may apply for a death certificate online through Service Ontario, payable by credit card only. If you choose to mail your application or pay by cheque or money order, hard copy death certificate applications may be obtained within the office of the Municipal Clerk, located at the Municipal Office, or at a Service Ontario Centre.
How to Obtain Old Death Records
The Office of the Registrar General holds records for deaths that happened in Ontario during the past 70 years. For information on older records you should refer to the Archives of Ontario Website or the Vital Statistics hot line at 416-327-1593.