In this paper, we propose a deterministic off-line identification method performed by using input and output data with a constant steady state output response such as a step response that causes noise or vibration from a mechanical system at the moment when it is applied but they are attenuated asymptotically. The method can directly acquire any order of reduced model without knowing the real order of a plant, in such a way that the intermediate parameters are uniquely determined so as to be orthogonal with respect to 0 ∼ N-tuple integral values of output error and irrelevant to the unmodelled dynamics. From the intermediate parameters, the coefficients of a rational transfer function are calculated. In consequence, the method can be executed for any plant without knowing or estimating its order at the beginning. The effectiveness of the method is illustrated by numerical simulations and also by applying it to a 2-mass system.