Having a Baby in Quebec (2026): Paperwork Checklist
This page is the free Quebec guide. No sign-in. Read on, or take the checklist as a PDF.
Facts checked October 2026 · See what changed · How we check
Here is everything you need to do after your baby arrives in Quebec, from registering the birth to applying for benefits and starting parental leave.
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Step 1: Register the birth
Open this section ↓Directeur de l'état civil · within 30 days
Late fees apply: $66.50 after 30 days; $135 after 1 year.
Two-step process:
Two steps: (1) Attestation of Birth, issued by the hospital; (2) Declaration of Birth, submitted online or on paper to the Directeur de l'état civil. No SIN/CCB bundle, apply for SIN and CCB separately.
Birth certificate: $38.50 (online)
Directeur de l'état civil →↑ Close this section2
Step 2: Baby's Social Insurance Number (SIN)
Open this section ↓In Quebec, the SIN is not included in the birth-registration bundle. Apply directly to Service Canada (online, by mail, or in person). No fee.
Service Canada SIN application →↑ Close this section3
Step 3: Canada Child Benefit + Family Allowance
Open this section ↓↑ Close this sectionCanada Child Benefit (CCB)
Apply via: (a) the Automated Benefits Application (ABA) during birth registration ; (b) CRA My Account under “Apply for child benefits”; or (c) Form RC66 by mail. CCB is income-tested. Both parents must file taxes. CRA's current timeline for the first notice and payment is about 8 weeks for online and birth-registration applications, and about 11 weeks for a paper RC66.
CCB overview at canada.ca →Quebec: Family Allowance (Allocation famille)
Quebec residents also receive the Family Allowance through Retraite Quebec, which is separate from the federal CCB and is not administered by CRA.
Retraite Quebec Family Allowance →4
Step 4: Newborn health card (RAMQ)
Open this section ↓↑ Close this sectionAutomatic (RAMQ)
RAMQ automatically enrolls the baby when a parent is already RAMQ-registered and the Declaration of Birth is received.
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Step 5: Parental leave and QPIP/RQAP benefits
Open this section ↓↑ Close this sectionQuebec Parental Leave (job protection)
Quebec's job-protected leave entitlements are set by CNESST and were not independently verified for this guide. See the official CNESST page for current pregnancy, paternity, and parental leave weeks.
CNESST parental leave (Quebec) →QPIP / RQAP (the money)
Quebec residents apply for maternity, paternity, parental, and adoption benefits through the Quebec Parental Insurance Plan (QPIP / RQAP), not through Service Canada EI. Apply as soon as you stop working.
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Step 6: Optional: start an RESP
Open this section ↓A Registered Education Savings Plan (RESP) lets the federal government add money to your child's education savings:
- CESG:Government adds 20% on contributions up to $2,500/year (max $500/year; lifetime max $7,200/child). 2026 rate; verify at canada.ca.
- CLB:For lower-income families: $500 in the first year plus $100/year until age 15 (up to $2,000 total). No contributions required to receive the CLB. 2026 income thresholds; verify at canada.ca.
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New-Parent Paperwork Checklist: Quebec
Open this section ↓Free download
Download a printable PDF checklist covering all steps above: birth registration, SIN, CCB, health card, parental leave, and RESP.
Free. General information only, not legal or regulatory advice.
Keep it with the rest. This one files behind tab 10 of the Home File.
A child passport (age 0 to 15, valid for a maximum of 5 years, with the custody and consent documents) is a common next step after the birth certificate. The passport guide: a child's passport →
↑ Close this section8
Other provinces
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Informational guide only. Guidepost is not a law firm. This guide explains the typical process and is not legal advice. Requirements can change. Verify current rules with the relevant government authority or a qualified professional before you act.