This declaration does not replace an official record: it describes the facts and can support a request for a copy or a new record from the issuing authority (the Directeur de l'état civil in Québec, or a foreign authority).
In what situations is it requested?
- a birth, marriage or death record lost or destroyed;
- an immigration or estate process requiring a record that cannot be found;
- a record issued in a country where registries are inaccessible or destroyed;
- incomplete or divergent information on an old record.
What should the declaration contain?
- your identity and your relationship to the person concerned;
- the nature of the event (birth, marriage, death), its date and place;
- the circumstances of the loss or inaccessibility of the record;
- the steps already taken to obtain a copy;
- a statement of truthfulness.
How does this relate to the identity declaration?
When the issue is confirming who you are rather than a specific event, the sworn identity declaration is the appropriate document.
Can it be sworn online?
Yes, when the document and situation are eligible for remote oath commissioning, by videoconference.
Online oath commissioning in Québec: how does it work?
Assermentation Express
Assermentation Express is not the Directeur de l'état civil or a foreign authority and neither issues nor certifies any civil status record. This service is limited to receiving the oath or solemn affirmation on a document already prepared.