Social Insurance Number
The Social Insurance Number (SIN) is a nine-digit number that you need to work in Canada or to have access to government programs and benefits.
Service Canada offers the Newborn Registration Service, which is an integrated birth registration and SIN application process. This service is available for parents living in Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, Nova Scotia, Ontario, Prince Edward Island, Québec, and Newfoundland and Labrador.
To apply for your SIN, please visit a Service Canada Centre with your original primary documents.
NOTE: Special measures are in place to accommodate individuals who cannot apply in-person at a Service Canada Centre. These include submitting applications via Service Canada outreach services or requesting a third party to submit the application in-person on their behalf. Individuals living in remote areas can contact Service Canada at 1‑800‑206‑7218 (select Option #3) to obtain information on how to submit an application by mail.
Service Canada strongly encourages individuals to apply in-person. By doing so, if your application is in order, you can obtain your SIN in less than 15 minutes and do not need to part with your original identity documents.
Applying for a Social Insurance Number
- Who can apply for a SIN?
- How do I apply for a SIN, replace my card or amend my SIN record (e.g., a name change)?
- What forms do I need to apply?
- What information/documents do I need to apply?
- Is there a fee?
- How do I apply for a SIN using the Newborn Registration Service?
- How can I apply for someone else (e.g. on behalf of a child or an adult)?
- How do I renew my SIN card that begins with a "9"?
- How can I request my SIN information?
- What should I do if I have not received my SIN card?
- Where can I find information on SIN program legislation?
- Where can I find information on Social Insurance Number in an Aboriginal language?
- Where can I find information on Social Insurance Number in a foreign language?
Keeping your Social Insurance Number Safe
- How can I protect my Social Insurance Number and my SIN card?
- Can my SIN card be used as an identity card?
- Who can ask for my SIN and when don't I have to provide my SIN?
- What should I do if an organization asks for my SIN and it is not legally required?
- What should I do if I suspect someone is using my SIN?
- Can I ask for a new SIN if I have been a victim of fraud?
- What do I need to provide Service Canada with if I suspect someone is using my SIN to work or to obtain credit?
- How does Service Canada protect my SIN?
- What is the Social Insurance Number Code of Practice?
- What should I know about the Social Insurance Number and fraud?
Lost or Stolen Social Insurance Number
- What should I do if my SIN card has been lost or stolen?
- What should I do if I have found someone else's SIN card?
- Can I ask for a new Social Insurance Number if I have lost my SIN card or it has been stolen?
- How do I replace my lost or stolen SIN card?
Information for Employers
- What are my responsibilities related to my employees' SINs?
- Why should I verify and record the expiry date of all SIN cards bearing a number that begins with a "9"?
- What information must be included in the contract of employment if I am hiring a foreign student to work on campus?
- How can I protect my employees' SINs and personnel records?
- What are my responsibilities to help prevent SIN fraud?
Contact Information
- How do I contact the Social Insurance Number program?
- Do I need to notify the SIN program if there is a death in my family?
- Do I need to notify the SIN program of my new address?
Publications from the Office of the Privacy Commissioner
- Social Insurance Number
- Identity Theft: What it is and what you can do about it
- Protecting Your Personal Information
- Privacy Legislation in Canada
- Links to all facts sheets
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