Applying For Your Social Insurance Number ... Fast, Simple, Secure!

Did you know?

If you are a Canadian citizen, a newcomer to Canada, or a temporary resident, you need a Social Insurance Number (SIN) to work in Canada or to receive benefits and services from government programs.

A Social Insurance Number is issued to one person only. It cannot legally be used by anyone else. You are responsible for protecting your SIN. Be sure to store your SIN card in a safe place - don't keep it with you.

For more information on how to protect your SIN, please see our publication, Your Social Insurance Number: A Shared Responsibility! (SC-237-10-09).

Applying at a Service Canada Centre

Service Canada has made it easy for you to apply for a SIN, to replace your card, or to amend your SIN record.

Take advantage of our improved service - it's fast, simple and secure! Plus, by applying in person at a Service Canada Centre, you won't have to send your personal documents in the mail. Simply gather all the document(s) you need and take them to your nearest Service Canada Centre. If your application and documents are in order, you will get your Social Insurance Number on the spot at the time of your visit. You will receive your card in the mail within 10 business days.

Note: Replacing your card

If you need to replace your card, you may have to pay a $10 fee.

Applying for someone else

Parents or legal guardians applying for a child

Children who are 12 years of age or older can apply for their own SINs. However, parents or legal guardians can also apply on behalf of a child under the age of majority in their province.

Here's what you'll need if you are applying on behalf of a child in person at a Service Canada Centre:

  • your SIN or your original documents;
  • the child's original documents;
  • an original document or certified copy of a document that confirms your legal guardianship, if you are a legal guardian (in Quebec, a notarized will is an acceptable document); and
  • the $10 fee, if required.

For information about documents, see Documents you need.

Legal guardians or legal representatives applying on behalf of an adult

Here's what you'll need if you are applying on behalf of an adult in person at a Service Canada Centre:

  • an original document or certified copy of a document that confirms your legal guardianship or representation issued by a provincial authority (in Quebec, a notarized will is an acceptable document);
  • your SIN or your original documents;
  • original documents confirming the identity of the person for whom you are applying; and
  • the $10 fee, if required.

For information about documents, see Documents you need.

Documents you need

You need to provide a primary document to apply for a SIN.

What is a primary document?

A primary document is an official document that proves your identity and status in Canada. We need to see an original of this primary document.

If the name on this document is different from the name you currently use, you will also need to provide a supporting document.

Canadian citizens

Canadian citizens must submit one of the following primary documents:

  • a certificate of birth or birth certificate issued by the vital statistics agency in the province or territory where you were born (Note: We do not accept Quebec proof-of- birth documents issued prior to 1994);
  • a Certificate of Canadian Citizenship issued by Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC); or
  • a Certificate of Registration of Birth Abroad issued prior to 1977.

Registered Indians

If you want to register your status on your SIN record, submit one of the following:

  • if you were born in Canada, you must submit your original primary document and a Certificate of Indian Status issued by Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada (AANDC); or
  • if you were born outside Canada, you must submit your original foreign birth certificate and a Certificate of Indian Status issued by AANDC.

Permanent residents

Permanent residents must submit one of the following documents:

  • a Permanent Resident Card issued by Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC). This is the only acceptable document if your residence claim was processed in Canada;
  • a Confirmation of Permanent Residence and visa counterfoil affixed to a foreign passport or a travel document; or
  • a Record of Landing issued before June 28, 2002.

Temporary residents

Temporary residents must submit one of the following documents:

  • a work permit issued by Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC);
  • a study permit issued by CIC and a contract of employment from the learning institution or employer on campus where you obtained authorization to study by CIC;
  • a visitor record issued by CIC, indicating you are authorized to work in Canada; or
  • a diplomatic identity card and a note of permission of employment issued by Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada.

Note: Temporary SIN

You will receive a temporary SIN card that begins with the number "9." Your SIN card expires on the date indicated on the front of the card. This expiry date is based on the CIC document that authorizes you to work in Canada.

What is a supporting document?

A supporting document is a legal document indicating the name you currently use. It is required if the name on your primary document is different. Your supporting document must be an original, written in English or French.

Submit one of the following supporting documents with your application, if required:

  • a certificate of marriage, record of solemnization of marriage, or marriage statement (or a similarly titled document, depending on the issuing authority) to support your family name after marriage
    (Note: This does not apply to Quebec residents who got married after April 1, 1981, regardless of where they were married);
  • a legal change-of-name certificate or court-order document issued in accordance with provincial name legislation;
  • an adoption order certified by a Canadian court (applies to adoptions in Canada only);
  • a notarial certificate, also called notarial adoption certificate, issued by the country of origin of a child adopted abroad and used by the adoptive parents to have the SIN card issued in the child's Canadian name; or
  • a Request to Amend Record of Landing issued by Citizenship and Immigration Canada and used to amend a Record of Landing or a Confirmation of Permanent Residence document.

Is There a Fee?

There is no fee to:

  • apply for a Social Insurance Number and receive your first SIN card;
  • amend the name(s) on your card when changes are due to a legal change of name, a marriage, a divorce, or an adoption;
  • change the expiry date on a temporary SIN card; or
  • amend information on your record.

When do we charge a fee?

We charge a $10 fee to replace a SIN card.

How to pay the $10 fee?

If you apply in person at a Service Canada Centre, you can pay this fee using:

  • cash;
  • credit card;
  • debit card; or
  • a personal cheque, bank draft, or money order payable in Canadian funds only and written to the Receiver General for Canada.

If you apply by mail from outside Canada, you can pay this fee using:

  • an international bank draft or money order payable in Canadian funds only and written to the Receiver General for Canada

Important information:

  • You should never send cash by mail.
  • We do not accept any other forms of currency other than Canadian funds.

How to reach us

CLICK servicecanada.gc.ca

See the Web site for more information on how to contact Service Canada and access the full range of Government of Canada programs and services.

CALL 1‑800‑206‑7218.

Select Option "3".

Agents are available Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. local time, except on statutory holidays.

If you are calling from outside Canada, the number is 1‑506‑548‑7961 (long-distance charges apply).

VISIT a Service Canada Centre

To find the Centre nearest you, visit our Web site or call 1 800 O‑Canada (1‑800‑622‑6232). If you have a hearing or speech impairment and use a teletypewriter (TTY), please call 1-800-926-9105.  

You can also write to us at:

Service Canada
Social Insurance Registration Office
P.O. Box 7000
Bathurst, New Brunswick
E2A 4T1

The Social Insurance Number program is delivered by Service Canada. Service Canada brings Government of Canada services and benefits together in a single delivery network. It provides Canadians with one-stop service they can access however they choose - on the Internet at www.servicecanada.gc.ca, by phone at 1 800 O-Canada, or in person at Service Canada Centres across the country.