Required documents for SIN

To apply for a Social Insurance Number (SIN), you need:

one primary identity document - proves your legal status in Canada
one secondary identity document - confirms your identity

If your name has changed you will also need supporting documents.

If your document is not in English or French, see translation requirements

Visit the Apply for a SIN section to find out what documents you need to apply, based on your personal situation.

Note: If the details on your application (such as spelling) does not match what’s on your primary identity document, we will enter the information on your SIN record as it appears on the primary identity document.

If you have more than one given name, you can choose which one(s) appear on your SIN record, but it must be on your primary identity document. If it is not, provide a supporting document.

If there is an error on one of your documents, contact the issuing source to correct the error before applying for a SIN.

Primary identity document

Your primary document is the main document that proves who you are and your status in Canada.

The document you need depends on your status in Canada.

Choose one based on your status

Canadian citizens: Canadian certificate of birth or birth certificate, a certificate of Canadian Citizenship, or Registration of Birth Abroad (before 1977)
Permanent residents: Permanent resident card, Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR) (within 1 year), Record of Landing (before 2002), or *Verification of Landing/Status

*Verification of Landing and Status Verification are only acceptable to amend a SIN record or to get the confirmation of an existing SIN.

Temporary residents: Work or study permit (must say you "may work" or "may accept employment" in Canada), visitor record (must say you are authorized to work in Canada), or a diplomatic ID + work authorization issued by the Global Affairs Canada (GAC)
Note: If your study permit or visitor record does not mention that you have the right to work, contact IRCC to verify if you are eligible to apply for an amended permit.
Registered under Indian Act (born outside Canada): Birth certificate + Certificate of Indian status
Living outside Canada with no legal status but eligible for benefits: Birth certificate + statement of contribution / letter proof of pension/benefits (CPP, OAS, or Quebec Pension Plan)

Notes on primary documents

Some older Canadian birth certificates may not meet the requirement; if it's the case you will receive an email or letter by mail on what to do next.
Quebec birth documents issued before 1994 are not accepted
Canadian birth certificate must be issued by the province or territory of birth

Important: Documents must be issued by Canadian government.

Secondary identity document

Your secondary document confirms your identity. It must:

be valid
show your full legal name (given name and family name) and date of birth
be issued by a Canadian government or be a foreign passport

Choose one (must show name + date of birth + valid)

Passport (Canadian or foreign)
Canadian driver's license
Provincial/territorial ID card
Other Canadian government-issued ID

Supporting documents (for name changes)

A supporting document is a legal document that shows the link between the name on your primary identity document and your current legal name. Your supporting document must show your original name and your new name.

Multiple Name Changes

If you changed your name more than once after your primary identity document was issued, you must provide supporting documents for each change. These documents must show how your original name became your current legal name.

Examples of supporting documents

A marriage certificate, marriage statement or marriage solemnization to support your family name after marriage
(not valid for Quebec residents married after April 1, 1981 - regardless of where the marriage took place)
A divorce decree, certificate of divorce, or decree absolute issued in accordance with name change legislation for dissolution of marriage to show a link between a previous name and your current name
A legal change of name certificate or court order document issued in accordance with provincial or territorial legislation
An adoption order certified by a Canadian court
A notarial certificate (notarial adoption certificate), from a child's birth country proving adoption abroad
A request to Amend Record of Landing used to amend a Record of Landing or a Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR)

Translating your documents

If your documents are not in English or French, they must be translated. All application documents must be in English or French.

If not, you must provide:

the original document
a translated copy in English or French

Who can translate your documents

Family members cannot translate documents.

Documents must be translated by either:

Canadian certified translator

Must be a member of a recognized translator and interpreters’ organization in Canada
Must provide:

a translation of the original document with a seal or stamp showing their membership number (if the seal/stamp is not in English or French, it must also be translated)
an attestation confirming the translation is accurate

Non-certified translator

Must work for or belong to an official organization (such as a translation agency, government office, or private agency) or be someone fluent in both languages (English or French and the original language)
Must provide
- a translation of the original document
- an affidavit sworn in front of someone authorized to administer oaths, confirming the translation is accurate

Who can witness the affidavit

In Canada: a notary public, commissioner for oaths, or commissioner for affidavits
Outside Canada: a notary public (rules vary by country-check with local authorities)

How to submit

Online: Upload clear digital copies (both sides) showing the entire document including the borders
By mail or in person: Send original documents

If you are ready, apply online with the required documents.

Contact us

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2026-05-20

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