Social Insurance Number (SIN) - Frequently Asked Questions
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- How do I apply for a Social Insurance Number card?
How do I apply for a replacement card?
How do I change the name on my card? - What documents must I provide?
- What is a supporting document and when is it needed?
- How do I amend or add an expiry date on my Social Insurance Number (SIN) card?
- Is my SIN card beginning with a "9" valid, even if it doesn't have an expiry date?
- As an employer, what should I know about the expiry date on the SIN card?
- When is a fee charged?
- Is it necessary to change my name on my Social Insurance Number card after a legal name change?
- Can I apply by mail?
- Can I apply by telephone?
- Where is my nearest Service Canada Centre?
- How long will it take to receive my card?
- I do not have a card but I know my Social Insurance Number. Do I really need a card?
- What do I do if my SIN card is lost or stolen?
- What should I know about SIN fraud?
- Privacy facts - Who can ask me for my SIN?
- Who is authorized to use my Social Insurance Number?
- Should I inform Social Insurance Number office of my change of address?
- Should I inform Social Insurance Registration of the death of a family member?
- As a visitor to Canada, can I obtain a Social Insurance Number (SIN)?
- Can I apply for a Social Insurance Number (SIN) if I reside outside of Canada?
- I have refugee status. Can I obtain a Social Insurance Number (SIN)?
- What is "deactivating a Social Insurance Number"?
- What if I need to use my Social Insurance Number when the number has been deactivated?
- My Social Insurance Number card was lost (or stolen) many years ago. Would it be deactivated?
- Can I obtain copies of my Social Insurance Number applications on file?
1 - How do I apply for a Social Insurance Number card?
How do I apply for a replacement card?
How do I change the name on my card?
For all requests (first-time, replacement, amendment, corrections, etc.), you must complete an application form and provide an original of a primary document that proves your identity and status in Canada. You must also provide a supporting document if the name on your primary document is different from the one you are currently using. It is important that documents are originals and that they are written in English or French.
Application forms may be picked up at your local Service
Service Canada encourages you to apply for your SIN in person at a Service
Please refer to the Services Offered section of this site for specific details on how to apply for a SIN for the first time, a replacement SIN card or to apply for an amendment to your SIN record and/or card.
If you reside in New Brunswick, you may, under certain conditions, apply for a Social Insurance Number by telephone.
2 - What documents must I provide?
Each time you apply for a Social Insurance Number card, you must provide a primary document and a supporting document if the name you are now using is different than the name appearing on your primary document.
All documents must be originals.
For a list of primary documents, select the category that best describes your status in Canada.
Canadian citizen born in Canada
Canadian citizen born outside Canada
Status Indian born in Canada
Status Indian born outside Canada
Permanent resident
Temporary residents
3 - What is a supporting document and when is it needed?
A supporting document is a legal document, which reflects the name you are currently using. It is required when the name you are currently using does not appear on your primary document. The type of supporting document required depends on the reason for the change.
For example:
If your surname changed by marriage, you must submit a marriage certificate.
If your name changed by law, you must submit a Certificate of name change (certificate or court order made under a provincial change of name act or under similar legislation).
A complete list of supporting documents is contained within the "Proof-of-Identity requirements"
All documents must be originals.
4 - How do I amend or add an expiry date on my Social Insurance Number (SIN) card?
As of April 4, 2004, all SINs beginning with a "9" have an expiry date. SIN's that begin with a "9" are issued to individuals who are neither Canadian citizens nor permanent residents, and who need a SIN for employment purposes or for other authorized uses.
To amend or add an expiry date, you will have to complete a SIN application and provide acceptable proof of identification, such as a new Work Permit. If you qualify, you will be issued a new card with the same number and an expiry date which corresponds with your authorized stay in Canada. There is no fee for this service.
5 - Is my SIN card beginning with a "9" valid, even if it doesn't have an expiry date?
SINs starting with a "9" which don't have an expiry date are no longer valid after April 3, 2004.
If you do not need your SIN after April 3, 2004, you do not need to take any action. However, if you still need a SIN after this date, you will have to complete a SIN application to amend an expiry date on you card and provide an acceptable proof of identification, such as a new Work Permit. If you qualify, you will be issued a new SIN card with the same number and an expiry date. There is no fee for this service.
6 - As an employer, what should I know about the expiry date on the SIN card?
Employers are required under the EI legislation to ask the employee to produce his or her SIN card within three days of the start of employment. If the employee has a SIN beginning with the number "9", the employer must also ask to see the Work Permit issued by Citizenship and Immigration Canada. Employers must ensure that the SIN is not expired.
7 - When is a fee charged?
No fee is charged for a first-time application for a Social Insurance Number card.
A $10 fee is charged for the replacement of a SIN card. Acceptable methods of payment are by personal cheques, bank drafts or money orders payable in Canadian funds to the Receiver General for Canada. Cash should never be sent by mail, but it is accepted at any Service
A legal name change is considered an amendment to your SIN card; not a replacement and no fee is charged.
8 - Is it necessary to change my name on my Social Insurance Number card after a legal name change?
It is important that the names and Social Insurance Number(SIN) under which you are working are identical to the name and SIN that appear on your SIN card. This will ensure that your Canada and/or Québec Pension Plan contributions are properly credited to you.
9 - Can I apply by mail?
To apply for a Social Insurance Number by mail, you must mail your completed application form, identity document(s), and fee for replacement card (if applicable) to:
Social Insurance Registration
P.O. Box 7000
Bathurst, New Brunswick
E2A 4T1
Your document(s) will be returned with your SIN card. If you send your application by registered mail, we will return your documentation by registered mail.
Please note that we are not responsible for document(s) lost in transit.We suggest that you visit one of our office to complete an application form.
10 - Can I apply for a Social Insurance Number by telephone?
If you reside in New Brunswick, you may, under certain conditions, apply by telephone for a:
- first Social Insurance Number
- modification to your card and/or record
- replacement card
This service is available only in New Brunswick.
Please refer to "How to apply" of this site for details on eligibility requirements.
Note : If applicant is under 12 years of age, only the father or the mother can apply on their behalf. No other relative, including grandparents, is permitted to apply. Parents may also apply on behalf of their children age 12 to 18.
11 - Where is my nearest Service Canada Centre?
Please refer to "Our offices" to find the address of the office nearest you. You will be required to enter your city/town or your postal code where indicated. Ensure the office provides Social Insurance Number application service.
To find the telephone number, refer to your telephone directory under the Government of Canada pages, Social Insurance Number.
12 - How long will it take to receive my card?
Your card should be received by mail within three weeks from the date you submit your application, providing it meets all criteria. However, you should wait four weeks before enquiring as to the status of your card.
A priority service is available at a local Service Canada Centre if you require your number for payment of wages or to receive financial assistance from government agencies.
13 - I do not have a card but I know my Social Insurance Number. Do I really need a card?
The Social Insurance Number is required by law, as an administrative number for authorized federal programs, notably Employment Insurance, Canada Pension Plan and income tax. According to existing legislation, only your employer needs to see your card. All other authorized users need only be provided your number. Therefore, it may not be necessary to have a card in your possession. In fact, we recommend you to keep your Social Insurance Number card in a safe place.
14 - What do I do if my SIN card is lost or stolen?
If your Social Insurance Number card has been lost or stolen, a replacement card or a new Social Insurance Number may be requested. Please refer to "Lost or Stolen card" for more information.
15 - What should I know about SIN fraud?
If you suspect someone else is using your SIN to work, contact your Service
16 - Privacy facts - Who can ask me for my SIN?
The Office of the Privacy Commissioner responds to this type of question.
Please visit the office of the Privacy Commissioner 
for more information.
17 - Who is authorized to use my Social Insurance Number?
In general terms, every person who works in insurable or pensionable employment in Canada is required to have a Social Insurance Number (SIN). By law, you must provide your SIN to authorized federal agencies, such as Service Canada and Canada Revenue Agency, your employer, and anyone else who prepares income tax information on your behalf. This includes some provincial and municipal agencies that must report financial assistance payments for income tax purposes, and all institutions from which you earn interest or income, such as banks, credit unions and trust companies.
18 - Should I inform Social Insurance Registration office of my change of address?
No, it is not necessary to inform us of your new address.
However, if you have recently submitted an application for a Social Insurance Number (SIN) card and have not received it, please contact us.
Your address is updated on your SIN record only when you apply for a SIN card.
19 - Should I inform Social Insurance Registration of the death of a family member?
Yes. A death certificate or a copy of the death certificate, as well as the SIN card or the SIN number of the deceased is required. The document(s) can be submitted in person at a local Service
Social Insurance Registration
P.O. Box 7000
Bathurst, New Brunswick
E2A 4T1
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Note: Notification of death may be received from law enforcement agencies or representatives of the estate. |
20 - As a visitor to Canada, can I obtain a Social Insurance Number (SIN)?
Visitors cannot obtain a SIN unless they are working in Canada. To be eligible to work, you must have a Visitor Record issued by Citizenship and Immigration Canada which authorizes you to work.
21 - Can I apply for a Social Insurance Number (SIN) if I reside outside of Canada?
Yes, you can apply to obtain a Social Insurance Number or a replacement card, to request an amendment to your card or record, or to receive a confirmation of your SIN if you are a Canadian citizen living outside Canada. There is no distinction between Canadian citizens living outside or inside Canada.
If you are not a Canadian citizen and you are living outside Canada, you cannot obtain a Social Insurance Number, a replacement card, request an amendment to your card or record, or receive a confirmation of your Social Insurance Number, unless you are eligible to receive Canada Pension Plan (CPP) benefits. If so, a written confirmation from CPP which states that you are eligible for benefits is required. You should be aware that you can apply for CPP without a Social Insurance Number, or without knowing your Social Insurance Number.
22 - I have refugee status. Can I obtain a Social Insurance Number (SIN)?
You may obtain a SIN if you prove you are authorized to work in Canada. You must provide one of the acceptable documents issued by Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) to obtain a 900 series SIN.
For more information, refer to our Fact Sheet
23 - What is "deactivating a Social Insurance Number"?
In order to maintain the integrity and security of the Social Insurance Number (SIN) Program, it is important for inactivity on a SIN to be noted. When a SIN has not been used within authorized government programs for five consecutive calendar years, it is flagged as "dormant". The number still belongs to the SIN holder.
24 - What if I need to use my Social Insurance Number when the number has been deactivated?
There is no action required until the Social Insurance Number (SIN) is needed for government benefits or programs. To reactivate your SIN, you will be required to go in person to a Service Canada Centre bringing with you your original Certificate of Birth or immigration document. An officer will meet with you to verify your identity documents and conduct an interview to determine why there was no activity related to your SIN.
25 - My Social Insurance Number card was lost (or stolen) many years ago. Would it be deactivated?
No. The October 8, 2002 media report of Social Insurance Numbers (SIN) in circulation refers to the numbers and not the SIN cards. The loss or theft of SIN card would not result as the SIN being flagged as "deactivated" ("dormant"). If your number was used fraudulently for government benefits, you would have received an assessment from Canada Revenue Agency.
26 - Can I obtain copies of my Social Insurance Number applications on file?
Yes, the Privacy Act gives Canadian citizens and people present in Canada the right to have access to information that is held about them by the federal government. This means you have access to your Social Insurance Number (SIN) record contained in the Social Insurance Number Register.
To request copies of your previously submitted SIN application forms, please refer to Request to examine personal information.
