Social Insurance number is a confidential number used for income reporting purposes

• number may be collected by institutions where interest or incomes are earned, such as banks, credit unions, trust companies
• legislated users include Canada Pension Plan, Old Age Security, Employment Insurance, Veterans Affairs, Canada Student Loan program, employers
• for specific information relating to acceptable "Proof of Identification" and "Primary Documents" relating to the Social Insurance number call 1-800-O-Canada (1-800-622-6232)
• Individuals who suspect identity fraud, ID theft or fraudulent use of their SIN should report this to local Service Canada Centre or telephone 1-800-206-7218

Social Insurance Number Rapid Access Service

• with completed form and correct ID, a proof of Social Insurance Number will be given to the client
• cards are no longer produced to avoid citizens from carrying them in their purses or wallets to avoid identity theft

• Apply in person at a Service Canada Centre
• To apply for a Social Insurance Number online, go to Social Insurance Number Application
  • proof of Identity documents must be original and in the name of the applicant
  • if a Citizenship and Immigration document has been lost or destroyed a copy may be obtained, copy must contain the statement - "Certified true copy of an official document of Citizenship and Immigration Canada of which I have custody"
  • copy must be stamped in black and signed in blue ink
• to request a phone call from a Service Canada representative about this program complete an online request at Service Request
• for people who do not have internet access call 1-877-355-2657 Mon-Fri 8:30 am-4 pm