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
Documents required to apply
All documents must be:
- digital copies of original documents
- valid (not expired)
- clear, legible and complete by showing the entire document including the bordersclear and legible;
- in English or French (if your document is in another language, please see translation requirements)
Required documents for yourselfthe legal representativethe parent or legal guardianthe legal representative of the estate:
-
Primary identity document
You must provide 1 of the following documents:
- birth certificate issued by the vital statistics agency in the province or territory of birth
- certificate of Canadian Citizenship issued by IRCC or CIC
- certificate of Registration of Birth Abroad issued by CIC before 1977
Note:
- Most original certificates of birth and birth certificates are acceptable to get a SIN. However, some birth certificates may no longer be considered valid or meet the requirements by the issuing province or meet the requirements for various reasons. The SIN Program must review the document to determine its validity
- The SIN Program does not accept Quebec proof of birth documents issued prior to 1994
You must provide 1 of the following documents:
- Permanent Resident card issued by IRCC or CIC
- Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR) issued by IRCC
Note: If the COPR is used within one year of becoming a permanent resident, it is acceptable. After this period, the Permanent Resident Card is required
- Record of Landing issued by CIC before June 28, 2002
When a Record of Landing or a COPR is not available
The following may be submitted when the above documents cannot be provided:
- Verification of Landing issued by IRCC or CIC
- Status Verification issued by IRCC or CIC
These documents will only be accepted for making changes to a SIN record or to get a confirmation of an existing SIN.
You must provide 1 of the following documents:
- work permit issued by IRCC or CIC
- study permit issued by IRCC or CIC which indicates the permit holder “may accept employment” or “may work” in Canada
- visitor record issued by IRCC or CIC showing that you are authorized to work in Canada
- diplomatic identity card and a work authorization issued by Department of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development
Additional information for permits
If you don’t have a work permit, or have issues with your study permit requirements, please contact IRCC.
If your SIN is expired, you may continue to work while waiting for your new immigration document if you maintain your status during the processing.
Once IRCC authorizes you to continue working in Canada, you must apply to Service Canada with your new immigration document to update the expiry date on your SIN record. The expiry date on both your SIN record and your immigration document must match.
You must provide bothone of the following documents:
- birth certificate issued by a state authority from the country of birth or a valid foreign passport. If the document is not in English or French, see Translation requirements
- statement of contribution or letter confirming eligibility for pension or benefits from Canada Pension Plan, Old Age Security or Régime des rentes du Québec
You must provide both following documents:
- birth certificate issued by a state authority from the country of birth. If the document is not in English or French, see Translation requirements; and
- A Certificate of Indian Status issued by Indigenous Services Canada
-
Secondary document
If you have reached the age of majority in your province or territory of residence, yYYou must provide 1 of the following documents. It must contain the legal name (family name and given name) and the date of birth.
- a passport (Canadian or foreign)
- a Canadian provincial or territorial ID card or driver’s license
- any other Canadian government-issued ID
-
SIN application form completed and signed
If you are unable to print the application form, you can order one by phone at:
- 1-866-274-6627 (toll free number) or,
- if outside Canada, at 1-506-548-7961 (long distance charges will apply)
-
Proof of legal representation
You must provide an original or certified copy of a document proving that you are legally authorized to represent the estate
-
Government issued identification
You must provide one of the following documents:
- a passport (Canadian or foreign)
- a Canadian territorial or provincial ID card or driver’s licence
- any other Canadian government-issued ID
Note: Provincial and territorial employees must submit their employee photo identification
-
Documentation confirming your legal representation
issued by a Canadian provincial or territorial authority
-
Letter of Authorization (Provincial and Territorial employees only)
A letter of authorization issued by the agency and signed by the agency’s director or administrator, authorizing you to apply for a SIN on behalf of the agency; this letter must be on the agency’s letterhead
-
Documentation confirming legal guardianship (legal guardian only)
Document issued by a Canadian provincial or territorial authority. In Quebec, a notarized will is an acceptable document.
-
Supporting document
If the current name does not match the name on the primary identity document and/or secondary document provided, you must submit:
- one or more supporting document(s) for each name change. Each supporting document(s) must establish a link between all the names used and all the documents provided in your SIN application
Required documents for the childthe deceased personthe represented person:
- Primary identity document
You must provide 1 of the following documents:
- birth certificate issued by the vital statistics agency in the province or territory of birth
- certificate of Canadian Citizenship issued by IRCC or CIC
- certificate of Registration of Birth Abroad issued by CIC before 1977
Note:
- Most original certificates of birth and birth certificates are acceptable to get a SIN. However, some birth certificates may no longer be considered valid or meet the requirements by the issuing province or meet the requirements for various reasons. The SIN Program must review the document to determine its validity
- The SIN Program does not accept Quebec proof of birth documents issued prior to 1994
You must provide 1 of the following documents:
- Permanent Resident card issued by IRCC or CIC
- Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR) issued by IRCC
Note: If the COPR is used within one year of becoming a permanent resident, it is acceptable. After this period, the Permanent Resident Card is required
- Record of Landing issued by CIC before June 28, 2002
When a Record of Landing or a COPR is not available
The following may be submitted when the above documents cannot be provided:
- Verification of Landing issued by IRCC or CIC
- Status Verification issued by IRCC or CIC
These documents will only be accepted for making changes to a SIN record or to get a confirmation of an existing SIN.
You must provide 1 of the following documents:
- work permit issued by IRCC or CIC
- study permit issued by IRCC or CIC which indicates the permit holder “may accept employment” or “may work” in Canada
- visitor record issued by IRCC or CIC showing that you are authorized to work in Canada
- diplomatic identity card and a work authorization issued by Department of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development
Additional information for permits
If you don’t have a work permit, or have issues with your study permit requirements, please contact IRCC.
If your SIN is expired, you may continue to work while waiting for your new immigration document if you maintain your status during the processing.
Once IRCC authorizes you to continue working in Canada, you must apply to Service Canada with your new immigration document to update the expiry date on your SIN record. The expiry date on both your SIN record and your immigration document must match.
You must provide both following documents:
- birth certificate issued by a state authority from the country of birth. If the document is not in English or French, see Translation requirements
- statement of contribution or letter confirming eligibility for pension or benefits from Canada Pension Plan, Old Age Security or Régime des rentes du Québec
You must provide both following documents:
- birth certificate issued by a state authority from the country of birth. If the document is not in English or French, see Translation requirements; and
- A Certificate of Indian Status issued by Indigenous Services Canada
- Death certificate
-
Supporting document
If the current name does not match the name on the primary identity document and/or secondary document provided, you must submit:
- one or more supporting document(s) for each name change. Each supporting document(s) must establish a link between all the names used and all the documents provided in your SIN application
Mail your SIN application
Service CanadaSocial Insurance Registration Office
PO Box 7000
Bathurst NB E2A 4T1
Canada
If you submit your application by mail, we will return your documents by mail once your application is complete. Service Canada is not responsible for documents lost in the mail.
Find out if your local Service Canada Centre is open
To request an appointment, please use the online service request form.
If everything is in order, you will get your SIN during your visit and you will not need to part with your documents.
Please visit the SIN required documents page for detailed information about all required documents, examples, translation requirements and useful links.
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