Before you can apply for a Social Insurance Number(SIN) you will need to attach some documents in your application procedure. Below are the required documents to attach when applying.
Submit original copies
If you apply by mail or in-person, you may only submit original documents.
If you apply online, you may submit digital copies. These digital copies must be clear and legible.
Visit the Apply section to find out what documents you need to apply, based on your personal situation.
Translation requirements
If you submit a document that is neither in English nor French, you must also submit:
- an English or French translation of the document, and
- an attestation* or affidavit* written and signed by the translator.
If a certified translator,* translates the document, submit an attestation**.
If a translator who is not certified translates the document, submit an affidavit***.
*A certified translator is a member of a provincial or territorial organization of translators and interpreters.
**An attestation is a document stating that the translation is a true and accurate version of the original text.
***An affidavit is a document stating that the translation is a true and accurate version of the original text. The translator must sign the affidavit before a commissioner for oaths or a commissioner for taking affidavits. (A commissioner for oaths or a commissioner for taking affidavits is appointed by a province or territory.)
Note: Translations by family members are not acceptable. (A family member is defined as a parent, guardian, sibling, spouse, grandparent, child, aunt, uncle, niece, nephew or first cousin.)
Primary identity document
A primary identity document is an official document that proves your identity and status in Canada.
The primary identity document required differs according to your status in Canada.
Note: If there are minor differences between the information you provided on your online application and the information as it appears on your primary identity document, the information will be entered in the Social Insurance Register as it appears on your primary identity document.
If you are applying online, and there is identity information on both sides of the document, make sure to provide both sides of the document.
To determine which primary identity document you must provide, please refer to the appropriate section below:Canadian citizensPermanent residentsTemporary ResidentsIndividual born outside Canada who is registered under the Indian ActIf you live outside Canada with no legal status in Canada
Secondary document
A secondary document is an official document that confirms your identity.
The secondary document must be valid (unless it belongs to a deceased individual). It must be issued by a Canadian government (federal, provincial or territorial) or be a foreign passport.
The following information must appear on the document:
- Legal name (family name and given name), and
- Date of birth
Examples of acceptable secondary documents:
- A passport (Canadian or foreign)
- A Canadian provincial or territorial ID card or driver’s license
- Any other Canadian government-issued ID
Supporting document
A supporting document is a legal document stating the name you currently use.
If the name on any document provided is different from the name on the SIN application, submit a supporting document.Examples of acceptable supporting documents:
Proof of address
A proof of address is a document that confirms the address indicated in the online SIN application. A response to your request will be mailed to this address. The proof of address must respect the following criteria (redact any personal information not referenced below):
- It must be issued by one of the following: a government, a company, an institution, an organization, a landlord or an employer and be:
- a document; or
- an attestation letter signed by the issuer
- It must contain the name (family name and given name) that appears on the applicant’s primary, secondary or supporting document
- If applying on behalf of someone else, it must contain the parent, legal guardian or legal representative’s name (family name and given name) as it appears on their primary, secondary or supporting document
- It must clearly show the applicant’s address and match the one on the online SIN application
- If applying on behalf of someone else, it must clearly show the parent, legal guardian or legal representative’s address and match the one on the online SIN application
Notes:
- An envelope is not an acceptable proof of address
- Correspondence from the SIN Program, such as a previous Confirmation of SIN letter or a rejection letter, is not acceptable as a proof of address
- No Confirmation of SIN letter will be sent to an employer’s address, unless the client resides on the employer’s premises. In such cases, the document or attestation letter from the employer must clearly state that the employee resides at that address