Procedure for Apostille of Canada Death Certificate

When a Canadian citizen passes away in Canada, their family members must produce a Hague-authenticated death certificate for inheriting the deceased’s estate, property disposition, account closure, or remarriage.

The Canadian death certificate must undergo Apostille for use. In the event of a family member’s death or accidental demise in Canada, when dealing with matters concerning the disposal of assets or real estate in other countries, relevant government departments will request a Canadian death certificate to be authenticated. The Canadian death certificate must undergo Apostille process to validate its legal standing.

An Apostille is a specialized form of authentication recognized by countries that are parties to the Hague Convention. The process aims to simplify the authentication of documents for international use by eliminating the need for further Consular legalization.

There are two approaches to authenticate a Canada death certificate for Hague recognition. One option involves authenticating a copy of the death certificate, while the other requires authenticating the original document. Applicants have the flexibility to choose the method that best suits their individual circumstances.

STEP 1. Notarization: Get Death Certificate notarized by a solicitor or a Notary Public. .

STEP 2. Apostille Issuance: The final step is obtaining the Apostille from competent provincial authorities , or Authentication by Global Affairs Canada. This endorsement ensures the Canada Death Certificate’s acceptance in Hague Convention member countries.

A scanned copy of the death certificate

Obtaining apostille on a copy of the Canada death certificate typically takes around 5 business days, excluding shipping time.

Steps: Original death certificate is sent to competent authorities of its issued province, or by Global Affairs Canada for Apostille.

Death Certificate issued in Ontario is sent to Ontario for authentication;
Death Certificate issued in British is sent to Ministry of the Attorney General of British Columbia for authentication;
Death Certificate issued in Alberta is sent to Ministry of Justice of Alberta for authentication;
Death Certificate issued in Quebec is sent to Ministère de la Justice du Québec for authentication.

Apostille by competent authorities of its issued province is around 5 business days, excluding shipping time. While obtaining apostille on the original Canada death certificate by Global Affairs Canada typically takes 2-3 months for authentication.

Original death certificate