| 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