How to Get a Death Certificate in Manitoba: Who Can Apply and Fees

When someone dies, banks, insurers, government offices and the person handling the estate usually want official proof of death. In Manitoba, that proof generally comes from Vital Statistics.

This article explains who can apply, how a certificate differs from a certified photocopy of the registration, what it costs and how to order. It is general information, not advice for your situation.

This article covers the law of Manitoba.

Why you will need a death certificate

A death certificate is the usual starting point for dealing with a deceased person's property, accounts and records. Executors, administrators and family members are often asked for it before anything moves forward.

It also marks a change in who has authority. A power of attorney ends when the donor dies. An attorney who acts after the donor has died is not liable to the donor or the estate if they did not know of the death and could not have known of it with reasonable care, and acts done in favour of a person who did not know of the termination remain valid.

An attorney who acts after the donor's death without knowing about it, and who could not reasonably have known, is not liable to the donor or estate for doing so. Even so, it is best to tell institutions promptly and provide proof of death.

Who can apply, and certificate versus photocopy

Any person with a valid reason may apply for a death certificate. However, only next of kin may obtain a certified photocopy of a death registration.

Documents are issued only if the death occurred in Manitoba. If the death happened elsewhere, you would need to ask the records office in that place.

What it costs

The fee is $30.00 for each certificate or certified copy, and that includes the search.

Rush service is available for 3 business days, with delivery extra. It adds $65 for delivery in Canada, $75 for the USA or $105 for other destinations. Rush service applies only to fully registered, ready-to-issue events.

• Standard fee: $30.00 per certificate or certified copy, search included.
• Rush surcharge to Canada: $65.
• Rush surcharge to the USA: $75.
• Rush surcharge to other destinations: $105.

Four ways to order

• Online.
• In person at 254 Portage Avenue, Winnipeg, Monday to Friday, 8:30 to 4:30.
• By mail to Vital Statistics Branch, 254 Portage Avenue, Winnipeg MB R3C 0B6.
• By fax to 204-948-3128, using Visa or MasterCard only.

Regular orders are processed in the order received and mailed. Processing starts only after the death is fully registered. If the death was recent, the certificate may not be available yet, and a rush request will not speed up registration.

What to do next

• Decide whether you need a certificate or a certified photocopy of the registration, and whether you are next of kin.
• Confirm the death occurred in Manitoba.
• Think about how many copies you need, since each costs $30.00.
• Choose how you will order and whether rush service is worth the extra cost.
• Keep the certificates safe and give them to the executor or administrator.

If you are unsure who has authority over the estate, or an institution is refusing to deal with you, a lawyer can explain your options.

Frequently asked questions