Immigration & passport
Sworn Statement Replacing a Birth Certificate
A sworn statement of your birth details used where a birth certificate is unavailable — confirming your name, date, and place of birth and parentage. Fill it in online, download a ready-to-sign PDF, and notarize in Ontario.
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Also known as
- Birth Affidavit
- Declaration in Lieu of Birth Certificate
- Affidavit of Birth
+1 more names
- Proof of Birth Affidavit
Sworn Statement Replacing a Birth Certificate
REGARDING attesting to the birth of a biological child, ______, in the absence of a Birth Certificate.
I, ______, residing at ______, do solemnly swear (or affirm) and state the following:
I am the ______ of the applicant, ______, and as such, have knowledge of the matters herein.
The purpose of this affidavit is to confirm my relationship to my child. I am the biological ______ of ______.
______ was born on ______ in ______ and is a ______ citizen by birth. The applicant was born to me and my partner, ______, who is the applicant's other biological parent.
A birth certificate was issued for ______; however, it has been misplaced. While our family is making every effort to locate the original document, the applicant must apply for restoration of temporary status within a strict timeframe.
I am providing this affidavit to confirm our relationship in the event the birth certificate is not recovered prior to the filing deadline.
At this time, I do not have other primary evidence to prove the relationship between myself and my child.
I make this affidavit for the purpose of confirming ______’s date of birth and that I am the applicant’s biological ______.
Signed and sworn (or affirmed/declared) before me by videoconference in Ottawa, Ontario, while the Affiant(s)/Declarant(s) were located in ______________________, on ______________________, pursuant to O. Reg. 431/20, and Electronic Commerce Act, 2000.
______________________________ | ______________________________ |
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- General template, not legal advice
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Sworn Statement Replacing a Birth Certificate
A compact preview of this template
01Personal Details
Your relationship to the child (mother or father)
Applicant's Full Name
Your full legal name
Sworn Statement Replacing a Birth Certificate
REGARDING attesting to the birth of a biological child, ______, in the absence of a Birth Certificate.
I, ______, residing at ______, do solemnly swear (or affirm) and state the following:
I am the ______ of the applicant, ______, and as such, have knowledge of the matters herein.
The purpose of this affidavit is to confirm my relationship to my child. I am the biological ______ of ______.
______ was born on ______ in ______ and is a ______ citizen by birth. The applicant was born to me and my partner, ______, who is the applicant's other biological parent.
A birth certificate was issued for ______; however, it has been misplaced. While our family is making every effort to locate the original document, the applicant must apply for restoration of temporary status within a strict timeframe.
I am providing this affidavit to confirm our relationship in the event the birth certificate is not recovered prior to the filing deadline.
At this time, I do not have other primary evidence to prove the relationship between myself and my child.
I make this affidavit for the purpose of confirming ______’s date of birth and that I am the applicant’s biological ______.
Signed and sworn (or affirmed/declared) before me by videoconference in Ottawa, Ontario, while the Affiant(s)/Declarant(s) were located in ______________________, on ______________________, pursuant to O. Reg. 431/20, and Electronic Commerce Act, 2000.
______________________________ | ______________________________ |
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How it works
Prepare your document, one step at a time.
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Overview
About this document
- 01
What is an affidavit in lieu of a birth certificate?
It is a sworn statement — also called a birth affidavit, sworn statement replacing a birth certificate, or declaration in lieu of birth certificate — confirming the particulars normally shown on a birth certificate, made before a notary public or commissioner for taking affidavits.
It is commonly used by people born where civil birth registration was unavailable, incomplete, or has been lost.
- 02
When you might need one
It supports identity and immigration matters where no certificate exists.
- You cannot obtain a birth certificate from your place of birth.
- An immigration, passport, or pension application needs your birth details.
- A record is missing and your name, date, or place of birth must be confirmed.
- 03
What to include
State your full legal name, your date and place of birth, and your parents’ full names. Where someone with direct knowledge — such as a parent or older relative — can confirm the facts, their sworn statement can add weight.
This affidavit supports your application where a certificate is unavailable; it does not replace an official birth registration where one can be obtained.
- 04
How to notarize a affidavit in lieu of a birth certificate in Ontario
After you fill in your affidavit in lieu of a birth certificate and download the PDF, do not sign it in advance. A sworn document must be signed in front of a notary public or commissioner for taking affidavits, who administers your oath or solemn affirmation first.
Minute Notary commissions your affidavit in lieu of a birth certificate online by secure video, under Ontario's remote commissioning rules (O. Reg. 431/20), or in person in Ottawa. Bring valid government-issued photo identification so we can verify your identity before applying the notary seal.
Good to know
Before you fill it in.
Short notes from our notary on this template. Worth a minute before you start.
- 01
Reviewed for use in Ontario by a notary public and commissioner for taking affidavits.
- 02
Fill it in online for free and download a ready-to-sign PDF — no account required.
- 03
Sign in front of the notary, who administers your oath or affirmation and applies the seal.
- 04
Notarize online by video across Ontario, or in person in Ottawa.
Frequently asked
Questions about the Sworn Statement Replacing a Birth Certificate
- When do I need an affidavit in lieu of a birth certificate?
- When you cannot obtain a birth certificate and an application — for immigration, a passport, or a pension — needs your name, date, and place of birth confirmed under oath.
- Does it replace a birth certificate?
- No. It supports your application where a certificate is unavailable, but it does not replace an official birth registration where one can be obtained.
- Who can swear it?
- You can, and a parent or older relative with direct knowledge of your birth can swear a supporting statement to add weight.
- Can I notarize it online in Ontario?
- Yes. You can swear it online by video under Ontario’s remote commissioning rules, or in person in Ottawa with Minute Notary.
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Fill it out - 03Statutory Declaration of Citizenship or Status
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