Update your Social Insurance Number record
When to update your record
Update your Social Insurance Number (SIN) record if you are:
- changing your legal name (you are required by law to update your record)
- extending the expiry date of a SIN that starts with '9'
- changing your immigration status
- correcting discrepancies found in other programs
- correcting an error on your SIN record
- changing your gender designation*
- removing your disc number
*You can choose to have your gender marked as "X" or choose to not declare your gender. A note will be added to your record with your choice. Until our computer systems are upgraded to register this information, “male” or “female” will still appear on your SIN record.
You do not need to update your SIN record when you change your address, unless you are waiting to receive a Confirmation of SIN letter by mail.
If you receive your SIN by mail or you received an email confirming that your application has been processed, your SIN record has been updated.
Indian status
If you are registered under the Indian Act, you can add your status to your SIN record.
To do this, you must provide:
- a Certificate of Indian Status issued by the Government of Canada, and
- all other required documents for your situation
Extend a temporary SIN
If your SIN starts with "9" and has expired, you may need to extend it. For more information, visit SIN for temporary residents.
How to update your SIN record
You must provide all required documents, even if you are only correcting an error.
There is no fee to apply for a SIN.
Protect your personal information
When updating your file online:
- never leave your device unattended
- always close your browser when you finish
Processing times
- Online: about 5 business days to view your confirmation of SIN online through My Service Canada Account (MSCA) or before the SIN confirmation is mailed
- By mail: about 20 business days (you will receive a SIN confirmation letter by mail)
If you don't hear from us, see Application status and receiving your SIN .
Your SIN stays the same unless your status changes
If your SIN changes, Service Canada will notify:
- Canada Pension Plan and/or Québec Pension Plan
- Canada Revenue Agency
You must notify
- Your employer(s)
- Your financial institution(s)
- Any government department that uses your SIN
Access your SIN information
You can request information about your SIN record or copies of past forms by:
- submitting a request online through the Access to Information and Privacy Service, or
- completing a Personal Information Request form and mailing it to:
- Access to Information and privacy Coordinator
Phase IV Floor 12 Mail Stop 1203
140 Promenade du Portage
Gatineau QC K1A 0J9