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Important Paperwork at Birth

There are a number of important documents you should apply for once your baby is born, such as a birth certificate and health card. The application processes for obtaining these documents (and others) differ from one province or territory to another, while some fall under federal jurisdiction and are applicable to all Canadians.

If you reside in the provinces of Alberta, British Columbia, or Ontario, you can now gain convenient access to the Newborn Registration Service offered by Service Canada and its partners. This service allows you to register the birth of your child and apply for your child's Social Insurance Number at the same time, without having to apply separately. For the provinces of British Columbia and Ontario, you also have the option to apply for a birth certificate for your child using this service.

Here you can find quick access to forms and resources that you will need to apply for important documentation at birth:

Social Insurance Number

If you or another family member plan on establishing a Registered Education Savings Plan (RESP), your child will need to have a social insurance number.

Social Insurance Number Application Form

Passport

All babies require a valid passport to travel outside Canada, as well as supporting identification, such as a birth certificate or citizenship card. Check with the nearest embassy or consulate of each destination country regarding additional entry conditions and documentation (if required), including divorce papers, custody court orders or permissions if one parent is traveling with the child or a death certificate if one parent is deceased. You can apply for your baby’s passport if you are one of the baby’s parents, the custodial parent in the case of separation or divorce, or the legal guardian.

Information Required

1. Two identical passport photographs, one certified by a guarantor
2. Original proof of Canadian citizenship
3. Any documents that refer to custody, mobility of, or access to the child

Child General Passport Application Form

Birth Certificate

This certificate is required as proof of birth. You will need it for a variety of purposes including obtaining a passport or registering in sports and other organized programs. In many cases, registration of birth forms cannot be used as substitutes for a birth certificate.

Information Required

1. Child’s last and given name(s)
2. Date of birth
3. Place of birth
4. Sex
5. Registration number
6. Registration date
7. Date issued
8. Mother’s last and given name(s)
9. Mother’s place of birth
10. Father’s last and given name(s)
11. Father’s place of birth

To apply for a birth certificate in your province or territory, please visit:
Service Canada - Application for a Birth Certificate

Registration of Birth and Health Card

The process to get the Registration of Birth form and Health Card depends on your province.

Choose your province below to get more details:

• Alberta
• British Columbia
• Manitoba
• New Brunswick
• Newfoundland & Labrador
• Northwest Territories
• Nova Scotia
• Nunavut
• Ontario
• Prince Edward Island
• Quebec
• Saskatchewan
• Yukon Territories

Child Benefit and Credit Programs

You may be eligible to receive child tax benefits offered by the federal and provincial government.

The Canada Child Tax Benefit (CCTB) helps Canadian families with the cost of raising children under the age of 18. Visit Canada Child Benefits Application for more information and to apply.

Choose your province or territory below for child benefit and credit programs associated with the CCTB:

• Alberta
• British Columbia
• Manitoba
• Newfoundland and Labrador
• New Brunswick
• Northwest Territories
• Nova Scotia
• Nunavut
• Ontario
• Prince Edward Island
• Quebec
• Saskatchewan
• Yukon