Acceptable proof - Documentation
Library and Archives Canada accepts the following documents as proof of identity and proof of death.
Basic requirements
- You must submit two pieces of identification, preferably from the list below. However, we can use a secondary document with your name and address to validate your identity.
- Documents must be valid and not expired.
- We don't accept health cards, social insurance numbers, tax documents or banks statements
- If you can't submit both, please contact us.
Proof of identity documentation
- Passports
- Driver's licences or enhanced driver’s licences
- Government-issued Identification card (Provincial or territorial photo cards for non-drivers)
- Birth Certificate
- Canadian Military Identification Card
- Certificates of Indian Status (status cards)
- Métis Status Cards
- Citizenship cards or national identity cards
- Canadian Permanent resident cards
- Nexus cards
- Record of landing forms/confirmation of permanent residence (IMM 5292)
- Immigration documents issued to foreign nationals present in Canada (e.g., work permit, study permit, refugee approved status)
Proof of death documentation
- Death certificate
- Newspaper obituary
- Funeral notice
- Photograph of a gravestone or funerary urn
- Document from funeral home