| Document type | Civil vital record (provincial) |
| Notarization | Often not needed on a recent government-issued certified copy; otherwise a notarized certified true copy |
| Government fee | $0 (Global Affairs Canada) up to $66.50 (Québec), at cost |
| What gets apostilled | The government-issued certificate, or a notarized certified true copy of it |
When it's needed abroad
A death certificate is most often apostilled to settle an estate or succession in another country, to release a foreign pension, bank account or insurance, or to allow a surviving spouse to remarry. The apostille goes on the government-issued certificate from the province where the death was registered (in Québec, the Directeur de l'état civil).
Protect the original. A notarized certified true copy lets the apostille sit on the copy, keeping the family's sealed original safe. We also confirm whether the destination needs the cause-of-death (long) version, as some estates and insurers do.
Which Canadian authority handles it
The authority is decided by where the document was issued or notarized, never by where you live now.
- Québec records and notarizations → Québec's designated authority. Québec notarizations are verified by the Chambre des notaires first, so build in lead time.
- Ontario → Official Document Services; British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan → each province's own authority, usually on a notarized certified true copy.
- All other provinces and territories, plus federal documents → Global Affairs Canada (no government fee, roughly 20 business days).
See each authority's fee and timeline on the by-province overview, or start the free pre-check and we'll confirm the exact routing for your document and destination.
A certified translation of the apostilled certificate is commonly required for non-English/French destinations. The receiving authority sets the rule; we flag it at pre-check.
Common questions
Which authority apostilles a death certificate?
The one covering the province where the death was registered or the document was notarized: Québec, Ontario, BC, Alberta and Saskatchewan each have their own; all others go to Global Affairs Canada.
Does it need notarization first?
Often not, a recent government-issued certified copy can frequently be apostilled directly. A notarized certified true copy keeps the family's original safe or is used when the signature can't be verified.
Do I need the long version with cause of death?
Sometimes, certain estates and insurers ask for it. We confirm which version your destination and institution require at pre-check.
Do I need a translation?
Commonly, for non-English/French destinations. The receiving authority sets the rule; we flag it before you commit.
Apostille a death certificate
Upload a scan and tell us the destination, we'll confirm the version, the routing, and a fixed all-in quote within one business day.
Free pre-check