Frequently Asked Questions

About Newborn Registration Service

Things You Need to Know

Birth Registration

Birth Certificate

Canada Child Benefits (CCB)

Social Insurance Number (SIN)

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ABOUT NEWBORN REGISTRATION SERVICE

About e-Registration

The Newborn Registration Service is a fully electronic application for the birth registration of Ontario newborns. The service was made available across Ontario as of July 2009 with the partnership of the Government of Ontario and the Government of Canada to improve the quality of services for the public. This partnership results in better customer service, faster processing of applications and improved security and integrity of personal information for Ontario newborns.

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Read comments from users

  • “The online registration procedure is fantastic, but now you should move a step forward to make it completely paperless so we don’t have to print the form and mail it ...”
  • “Excellent service for busy new moms!”
  • “This is an amazing service. I would like to see the Birth Registration online so there is no need to mail in the registration. Other than that, this is just amazing. "Hitting three birds with one stone". Thanks.”
  • “Excellent service to apply for all required documents from the comfort of your office or home.”
  • “It is nice to see on-line services being made available to citizens of Ontario. I would like to see more like this. Good Job!”
  • “It was easy to follow and a lot more convenient than sitting and filling everything out by hand.”
  • “I am thrilled with the new service - applying for all three at once is a great time saver. The entire process was extremely easy to follow and quick - I am totally impressed!”
  • “Excellent way to complete the forms & very easy to use. Really like the fact that you don't need to go to each department with a newborn with you. Time saving & can be done at anytime when baby is sleeping!”
  • “Excellent service. It is easy to use and the application form, questions and instructions are easy to follow.”
  • “It is very pleasing to find this online application service. I will also recommend it to my friends/family for future reference.”
  • “What a great service to have! Please extend to everyone, it makes life so much easier! Great job!”
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Things you need to know before you get started.

Step 1: Complete the birth registration form

You will need to know:

  • The Newborn Registration Service takes approximately 20 to 25 minutes to complete
  • The child`s date of birth
  • The child`s first, middle (if applicable) and last names
  • The birth mother's maiden name.
  • The name of the hospital or birthing centre where the birth took place (if applicable)*
  • The name of the person who attended the birth (physician, midwife or other) *
  • The weight of the child*
  • The duration of pregnancy in weeks*
  • You can only use this service for up to five children (quintuplets).

*If you are unsure about any of this information, refer to the hospital release form given to you after the child`s birth for these details.

Step 2: Apply for the child`s birth certificate

  • You must be a parent named on the child`s birth registration or legal guardian to apply for a birth certificate using this online service.

Step 3: Apply for Canada Child Benefits

  • You must be the mother of the child and a Canadian Citizen or Permanent Resident to use this service. For this service, "Mother" refers to the child's birth mother.

Step 4: Apply for the child`s Social Insurance Number (SIN)

  • You must be the parent of the child and a Canadian Citizen or Permanent Resident to apply for a SIN using this online service.
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BIRTH REGISTRATION

What is a birth registration?

Birth registration in Ontario is a two-step process. Two forms must be submitted and matched in order for a birth registration to occur. The first form, the Notice of Live Birth form, is completed by medical staff and submitted to the Office of the Registrar General (Province of Ontario). The second form, the Statement of Live Birth form, is completed by parents of newborns using either a paper form or the Newborn Registration Service online and is then submitted directly to the Office of the Registrar General. It is the matching of these two forms that creates a birth registration.

Once the birth is registered, a birth certificate or certified copy of the birth registration can be obtained and used as proof of identity or to request documents such as Passports or Ontario Health Cards.

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When must a birth be registered in Ontario?

Under the Vital Statistics Act, the birth of every child born in the Province of Ontario must be registered within 30 days of the date of birth with the Office of the Registrar General.

If you didn't register the birth and your child was born more than one year ago, you need to contact the Office of the Registrar General.

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Who is eligible to register a birth in Ontario?

A child's birth can be registered with either one or two parents named on the birth registration. For the purposes of this form, a parent must be one of the following:

  • The child's mother, who is the woman who gave birth to the child;
  • The child's father, if he is the biological father and if he is acknowledged by the mother and agrees to be named on the birth registration;
  • The child's "other parent", where the biological father is unknown and the child was born from assisted conception with an anonymous sperm donor. An "other parent" can only be named on the birth registration if he/she is acknowledged by the mother as the other parent and he/she agrees to be named as a parent on the birth registration.

The birth registration must be signed by each parent whose information is included on the birth registration form, unless that parent is incapable due to illness or death.

If both parents are incapable, or the mother is incapable and the father is unknown to, or unacknowledged by the mother, and the child has no other parent, the statement may be completed and signed by an informant acting on the mother`s behalf. In this case, a statutory declaration must be submitted. Information on statutory declarations will be provided at the end of your online session, or you can contact the municipality where the child`s birth took place.

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How can I register a birth in Ontario?

Use the following four steps to register a child in Ontario:

  1. Use the Newborn Registration Service to fill out the Statement of Live Birth electronically.

    OR

    After you give birth, the hospital or midwife will give you a form called a Statement of Live Birth (Form 2). This is your child`s permanent identity record. Fill out the form, ensuring the information is clear and accurate.

  2. Once you`ve completed and carefully reviewed the Statement of Live Birth, the parent(s) must sign the form.

    If a father's or other parent's information is provided, both parents must sign and certify the form. If a father's or other parent's information is not provided, only the mother must sign.

    It is an offence to sign someone else`s name on the form. If one of the parents is unavailable, send the form to him/her to be signed and returned (originals only).

  3. Mail the Statement of Live Birth (Form 2) to the Office of the Registrar General (Government of Ontario), where the birth registration with the province takes place.

  4. When your child`s birth is registered, you may apply for his/her birth certificate. By using the Newborn Registration Service, you can apply for the birth certificate while completing your birth registration form, all online. The birth certificate will be produced after the birth has been registered.
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Why should I use this service to register a birth in Ontario?

This online service helps to ensure that the birth registration form is completed as accurately as possible. This helps to reduce errors on the form and helps to improve processing times. Using this service, you can also apply online for a birth certificate and a Social Insurance Number without completing and submitting separate application forms. The birth certificate and the SIN applications can be completed in a few minutes.

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What is the difference between a birth registration and a birth certificate?

A birth registration contains information about a newborn and is used to create his or her permanent identity record. The birth registration form cannot itself be used as proof of identity or to request documents such as Passports or Ontario Health Cards. Information found on the birth registration is used to create a birth certificate.

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How long does it take to register a birth in Ontario?

If you choose to use the fully electronic 4-in-1 Newborn Registration Service to register your baby's birth, it will take approximately 6 to 8 weeks from the time you submit the birth registration to complete the process.

If you choose to mail the paper version of the Statement of Live Birth form to the Office of the Registrar General (Government of Ontario), it may take approximately 4 months to complete the birth registration from the time your baby is born.

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How can my child travel before his/her birth is registered?

Parents who anticipate a need for travel soon after birth, are advised to use the fully electronic 4-in-1 Newborn Registration Service to register the newborn's birth and apply for a birth certificate at the same time. If you did not order a birth certificate at the same time the birth registration information was submitted, you should apply for a birth certificate via the Office of the Registrar General Premium Online or Emergency services for the quickest delivery.

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Are there fees associated with registering a birth in Ontario?

With the province-wide implementation of the fully electronic 4-in-1 Newborn Registration Service, there are no longer fees associated with registering a birth in Ontario.

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My name contains letters with accents. How do I enter these characters using my PC?

  1. Ensure Num Lock is on.
  2. Hold down the Alt key and type the number listed below using the Numeric Keypad on the right side of your keyboard.
  3. When you release the Alt key, the character will appear.

    Character Press Alt + type
    à 133
    â 131
    ä 132
    ç 135
    Ç 128
    é 130
    É 144
    è 138
    ê 136
    ë 137
    î 140
    ï 139
    ô 147
    ö 148
    ù 151
    û 150
    ü 129
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Can I submit the application electronically or do I need a printer to complete the birth registration form?

The fully electronic 4-in-1 Newborn Registration Service does not require a printer to complete the birth registration process. Once completed online, the Statement of Live Birth can be submitted electronically to the Office of the Registrar General for processing. You may wish to print out the confirmation receipt once the information has been submitted.

Parents without the necessary equipment in their home should be aware that most libraries in Ontario are equipped with computers, printers and Internet. Many libraries in rural, remote and First Nations communities, have staff who are specially trained to help clients access the ServiceOntario website. Also, parents may access computers, printers and Internet at any one of the many ServiceOntario centres across Ontario.

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Where do I send my child`s birth registration form?

If you choose to use the fully electronic 4-in-1 Newborn Registration Service to register your baby's birth, the birth registration information will be sent directly online to the Office of the Registrar General (Government of Ontario).

If you choose to use the paper version of the Statement of Live Birth form, the registration must be mailed to the Office of the Registrar General using the address that is listed on top of the paper form.

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How do I register a child that is older than one year of age?

Unregistered children who are older than one year cannot use this online service. A delayed registration of birth through the Office of the Registrar General must be completed. Please contact the Office of the Registrar General for more information.

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Help Printing PDF Files

When Adobe Acrobat Reader attempts to display a PDF file within an Internet Explorer browser window rather than as a separate application, you may get a blank page.

The following options might help solve this problem:

1. Save the PDF file to your computer and print.

  • In the “Print PDF” Internet Explorer browser window, right-click on the “Print PDF” button and a pop-up menu will appear.
  • Click "Save Target As" to open the “Save As” window.
  • In the “File Name” box, type a name for the file and then click “Save”. Please note the folder where you are saving your PDF file displayed in the “Save In” box.
  • Once your PDF file is saved on your computer, start the Acrobat Reader application and open the PDF file you have just saved and try printing it again.

2. Re-configure your Acrobat Reader 4.0 settings.

  • Open the Acrobat Reader application.
  • Click on the “File” item on your menu bar.
  • Select the “Preferences” option.
  • Select the “General” preferences.
  • Under the “Options” preferences, de-select the “Web Browser Integration” item.

3. Re-configure your Acrobat Reader 5.0 – 7.0 settings

  • Open the Acrobat Reader application.
  • Click on the “Edit” item on your menu bar.
  • Select the “Preferences” option.
  • Select the “Internet” preferences.
  • Under the “Web Browser Options” preferences, de-select the “Display PDF in browser” item.

4. Upgrade to the most recent version of Acrobat Reader

5. Still Having Problems Printing?

If you want to try and complete the birth registration form online again, you must select Option 2 (Birth Registration only) from the Service Bundle page to avoid payment processing again.

OR

You can complete the paper version of the Statement of Live Birth given to you at the hospital and mail it to the Office of the Registrar General using the address that is listed on top of the paper form. Birth certificate or SIN applications have already been submitted online so you do not have to apply for these again.

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BIRTH CERTIFICATE

Why should I use this service to apply for my child`s birth certificate?

The online birth certificate application can be completed quickly and easily once the birth registration section is complete. By using this service, you will not have to fill out a birth certificate application at a later date. As well, you will not have to wait for a confirmation of birth registration before applying for a birth certificate.

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Who is eligible to apply for a birth certificate using this service?

To use this service, a child must be under the age of one.

The following people are eligible to be the applicant (the applicant is the person applying for the child`s birth certificate):

  • A parent named on the birth registration
  • A legal guardian - a person with legal custody of the child
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How can I apply for a birth certificate using this service?

Select Option 1 or Option 2 to apply for a birth certificate. Upon completion of the birth certificate application, the application information will be sent to the Office of the Registrar General for processing. Processing will begin after the birth has been registered.

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How can I pay for the birth certificate using this service?

You can pay online by VISA, MasterCard, American Express or by using INTERAC Online.

Your credit card payment will be processed at the end of your session.

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Are birth certificates ordered using this service eligible for the same Service Guarantee as birth certificates ordered using the online birth certificate application?

No. The Service Guarantee is only applicable to births that have already been registered. However, we anticipate that your birth certificate(s) will be delivered to you within 15 business days after the birth has been registered and is in electronic format.

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How do I know what type of birth certificate I require for my child?

There are two types of birth certificates: the certified (long) version and the short version.

Your child will need a birth certificate to access a variety of government services. For more information to determine what type of certificate is required to apply for a Canadian Passport visit:

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How long will it take to receive the birth certificate?

Using the Newborn Registration Service to apply online means you`ll get the birth certificate several weeks faster than if you applied by paper. Once the registration has been completed, your child`s birth certificate will be issued within 15 business days.

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How can I check the status of the birth certificate request?

For inquiries call:

  • In Toronto 416-325-8305
  • Toll-free Outside Toronto 1-800-461-2156
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How is the child`s birth certificate information sent to the Office of the Registrar General?

After your payment has been processed, the child's birth certificate information is sent electronically to the Office of the Registrar General.

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If I have already registered the child`s birth, can I use this service to apply for a birth certificate?

No. You can only use this service for children who have not yet been registered. If your child is registered and you would like to apply for a birth certificate, please visit the Online Birth Certificate Application.

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If the child is over one year of age, can I use this service to apply for a birth certificate?

No. The child must be under one year of age. For children over the age of one, please visit the Online Birth Certificate Application.

What should I do if I am planning to move within the next 2 months?

If you are moving within the next two months, you need to give us your new mailing address, otherwise you will need to contact our office to file a notice of address change in writing.

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CANADA CHILD BENEFITS (CCB)

What benefits and credits can I apply for using the Canada Child Benefits (CCB) application?

You (the mother) will be applying for:

  • Canada Child Tax Benefit (CCTB)
  • Universal Child Care Benefit (UCCB)
  • Any related provincial/territorial programs such as Ontario Child Benefit (OCB).

Your child will also be registered for the goods and services tax/harmonized sales tax (GST/HST) credit if you choose to apply for CCB.

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Who can use this service?

You must be the mother of the child, a Canadian Citizen or Permanent Resident, the primary caregiver of the child and be able to provide your social insurance number in order to use this service. For this service, "Mother" refers to the child's birth mother. If you do not meet these eligibility requirements, you will have to apply for Canada Child Benefits (CCB) using the Canada Revenue Agency's (CRA) online service My Account or using the CRA's Form RC66, Canada Child Benefits Application. To get this form, visit the CRA's Web site or call 1-800-959-2221.

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Why should I use this service to apply for my child's benefits?

Applying for Canada Child Benefits (CCB) is an optional service to the mother of the child. There is no additional fee for this service. The online application is quick and easy and it saves you from having to use another method such as completing the CRA's Form RC66, Canada Child Benefits Application, at a later date.

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Can I use this service if I am not the mother of the child?

If you are not the mother of the child, you cannot use this service. For this service, "Mother" refers to the child's birth mother. You will have to apply for Canada Child Benefits (CCB) using the Canada Revenue Agency's (CRA) online service My Account or using the CRA's Form RC66, Canada Child Benefits Application. To get this form, visit the CRA's Web site or call 1-800-959-2221.

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What if I am the mother of the child and I do not want to apply for CCB using this service?

The information you provide to register this birth will not be sent to the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) using this service. You will have to apply for Canada Child Benefits (CCB) using the CRA's online service My Account or using the CRA's Form RC66, Canada Child Benefits Application. To get this form, visit the CRA's Web site or call 1-800-959-2221.

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If I choose to use this service, do I also need to complete an RC66, Canada Child Benefits application, for the child?

No. Application is automatically made by providing your consent in the appropriate section of this birth registration process. Re-applying by any other methods may result in a delay in processing your application and issuing payments.

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How can I use this service?

Select Option 1 or Option 2 (Canada Child Benefits) and complete the application that is provided.

We recommend you consider applying for Canada Child Benefits online (Option 1 or 2). There is no fee for this service and the online application can be completed quickly and easily once the birth registration section is complete.

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Are there fees associated with this service?

There are no fees to apply for your Canada Child Benefits.

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I would like my benefits direct deposited into my bank account. Is it possible?

Yes, but you will have to apply using the Canada Revenue Agency's (CRA) Arrange my direct deposit service at My Account or get Form T1DD, Direct Deposit Request - Individuals, on the CRA's Web site. However, if you already receive CCTB payments for another child by direct deposit, you do not have to apply again. The payments you are entitled to for your newborn will be deposited in the same bank account.

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When can I expect my first payment after using this service?

Once the Canada Revenue Agency receives your application through this service from the province of Ontario, you can expect to receive your first notice/payment within 80 calendar days.

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How can I check the status of my CCB application?

By telephone:

Dial toll-free: 1-800-387-1193 if you have not received your first notice/payment within the next 80 calendar days.

Online:

You will be able to view the status of your benefit payments by visiting the Quick Access page on the CRA Web site.

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Who do I contact regarding my CCB application using this service?

By telephone:

Dial toll-free: 1-800-387-1193.

By Mail:

Use one of the addresses shown below:

Shawinigan-Sud Tax Centre
PO Box 3000 Stn Main
Shawinigan-Sud QC G9N 7S6

Sudbury Tax Centre
PO Box 20000 Stn A
Sudbury ON P3A 5C1

Summerside Tax Centre
102-275 Pope Road
Summerside PE C1N 5Z7

Surrey Tax Centre
9755 King George Highway
Surrey BC V3T 5E1

Winnipeg Tax Centre
PO Box 14005 Stn Main
Winnipeg MB R3C 0E3

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How is my CCB application sent to the Canada Revenue Agency (Government of Canada)?

The application will be sent electronically to the Canada Revenue Agency, with your consent, once the birth has been registered with the Province of Ontario. Information is encrypted prior to the transmission of data and sent in encrypted format over secure networks to protect personal information.

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What information is sent to the Canada Revenue Agency (Government of Canada)?

The following information is sent to the CRA:

Mother's name, date of birth, place of birth, SIN, and mailing address;
Your child's name, date and place of birth, and sex; and
Your child's birth registration number.

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If I have a new address, will my address automatically be updated with the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) using this service?

No. If you move, you must inform the CRA immediately using one of these toll-free numbers: 1-800-959-8281 or 1-800-387-1193. You can also change your address using the CRA's online service My Account.

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If I have already registered my child's birth, can I use this service to apply for my child's benefits?

You cannot apply for Canada Child Benefits using this service if the child's birth has already been registered. You will have to apply for Canada Child Benefits (CCB) using the Canada Revenue Agency's (CRA) online service My Account or using the CRA's Form RC66, Canada Child Benefits Application. To get this form, visit the CRA's Web site or call 1-800-959-2221.

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If the child is over one year of age, can I use this service to apply for my child's benefits?

If the child is over one year of age, you cannot use this service to apply for Canada Child Benefits. You will have to apply for Canada Child Benefits (CCB) using the Canada Revenue Agency's (CRA) online service My Account or using the CRA's Form RC66, Canada Child Benefits Application. To get this form, visit the CRA's Web site or call 1-800-959-2221.

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SOCIAL INSURANCE NUMBER (SIN)

What is a Social Insurance Number (SIN)?

A SIN is a nine-digit number used in the administration of various Government of Canada programs. A SIN is required to work in Canada or to access various Government of Canada programs and benefits.

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Why should I use this service to apply for my child`s SIN?

Applying for a SIN is optional. There is no additional fee for the SIN. Once the online birth registration section is complete, the online SIN application can be completed quickly and easily. Completing it online saves you from having to apply at a later date.

While applying for your child's SIN is optional, it is required to access various Government of Canada programs and benefits such as:

  • Canada Education Savings Grant (CESG)
  • Canada Learning Bond

For more information on the above programs please visit: www.canlearn.ca

In the future, your child will need a SIN when applying for a job and paying income tax.

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Who is eligible to apply for a SIN using this service?

Only the parents of the child being registered can use this service to apply for a SIN. If you are not the child's parent, you may still be eligible to apply for the child's SIN, but will need to apply directly to Service Canada.

You must also be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident and have a Canadian address to apply. If you are not a Canadian citizen or a permanent resident or do not have a Canadian address, you may still be eligible to apply for your child's SIN, but will need to apply directly to Service Canada.

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How can I apply for a SIN using this service?

Select Option 1 or Option 2 to apply for a SIN.

We recommend you consider applying for a SIN online (Option 1 or 2). There is no fee for the SIN, and the online application can be completed quickly and easily once the online birth registration section is complete.

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What is the fee for a first-time SIN?

There are no fees required to apply for a first-time SIN.

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How long will it take to receive my child`s SIN?

Using the Newborn Registration Service to apply online means you`ll get the SIN card several weeks faster than if you applied by paper. Once your child is registered with the Province of Ontario, the information required to apply for a SIN will be sent to Service Canada and the SIN card will be mailed within five business days.

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How can I check the status of my child`s SIN application?

By Telephone:

Dial toll-free, 1 800 206-7218. Select Option “3” for Social Insurance Number information.

By Mail:

Social Insurance Registration
P.O. Box 7000
Bathurst, New Brunswick
E2A 4T1

Online:

http://www.servicecanada.gc.ca

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Who do I contact regarding the SIN ordered using the Newborn Registration Service?

Contact information regarding SIN:

By Telephone:
Dial toll-free, 1 800 206-7218. Select Option “3” for Social Insurance Number information.

By Mail:

Social Insurance Registration
P.O. Box 7000
Bathurst, New Brunswick
E2A 4T1

Online:

http://www.servicecanada.gc.ca

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How is my child`s SIN application sent to Service Canada (Government of Canada)?

If you choose to apply for this optional service, the application will be sent electronically to Service Canada once the birth has been registered with the Province of Ontario. For a list of information sent please click here.

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If I have already registered my child`s birth, can I use this service to apply for a SIN?

No. You cannot apply for a SIN using this service if the child`s birth has already been registered. Visit Service Canada for information about how to apply.

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If the child is over one year of age, can I use this service to apply for a SIN?

No. If the child is over one year of age, you cannot use this service to apply for a SIN. Visit Service Canada for information about how to apply.

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Will my personal information be protected?

Protecting the privacy of personal information is a key priority. Both the Government of Ontario and the Government of Canada adhere to provincial and federal privacy acts. The information is sent electronically using security measures that protect your personal information.

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What information is sent to Service Canada (Government of Canada)?

By selecting the SIN application, you consent to have the following information sent to Service Canada after the birth is registered:

  • Birth Registration Number
  • Child's date of birth and place of birth
  • Child's full name
  • Sex of child
  • Mother's name at birth (given and surname) and father's/other parent's full name
  • Mailing address and daytime telephone
  • Indication of multiple births - twins, triplets, etc.
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