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, Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, Ontario, Prince Edward Island, and Québec.
Service Canada requires 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 proof-of-identity documents.
To apply for your SIN, please visit a Service Canada Centre with your original proof-of-identity documents.
Special measures are in place to accommodate individuals who cannot apply in-person at a Service Canada point of service.
Note: Only individuals in these circumstances are permitted to apply by mail:
- Individuals living 100 km or more from the nearest Service Canada point of service, in an inaccessible area, or where outreach is very infrequent may apply by mail. To confirm your eligibility to apply by mail, you must verify your postal code.
- Individuals with other extenuating limitations preventing them from visiting a Service Canada point of service and cannot use the assistance of another individual to submit an application on their behalf may be eligible to apply by mail. Note: Individuals must contact 1-800-206-7218 (select Option #3) to determine if they are eligible to apply by mail.
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?
- Can the SIN Confirmation letter printed at a Service Canada Centre be provided to an employer as proof of an employee’s SIN?
- Why should I verify the immigration document of an employee’s SIN that begins with the number "9” and record the expiry date of the document?
- 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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