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Government of Canada / Gouvernement du Canada

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Replace your refugee protection identity document (RPID)

The refugee protection identity document (RPID) (formerly the refugee protection claimant document [RPCD]) confirms:

Expired RPIDs or RPCDs aren’t valid as of April 1, 2025.

If your asylum claim or pre-removal risk assessment (PRRA) was already approved

You can apply for permanent residence (PR) right away. You don’t need an RPID.

You can apply to your province or territory for health coverage while we process your PR application.

If the province or territory refuses your application, follow the steps below to get a new RPID. You need it to reapply for temporary health coverage.

Who can apply for a new RPID

You can only apply for a new RPID if:

If your document was stolen

If your RPID (or RPCD) was stolen, you should file a report with your local police. We may ask you for a copy of it.

How to apply for a new RPID

You must apply online.

If you can’t apply online and need accommodations

If you or your representative can’t apply online and need accommodations, including for a disability, you may ask for an alternative format.

To ask for an alternative format, contact the Client Support Centre:

  • online using our web form.
  • by telephone (in Canada only): 1-888-242-2100
  • using Teletypewriter (TTY) services, using the Bell Relay Service (in Canada only):
    • 1-800-855-0511 (voice to TTY)
    • 711 (TTY to voice)
    • 1-800-855-1155 (TTY to TTY)

  1. Fill out the web form

    Complete a separate form for each person in your family who needs a new RPID. Follow the instructions below:

    • Who are you?
      • Choose “I’m the principal applicant.”
      • Choose this even if you’re applying on behalf of your spouse or children.
    • What is your application number?
    • What did you apply for?
      • Choose “Refugee.”
    • What application did you submit?
      • Choose “Refugee claim.”
    • Did we ask you to add the document(s) to your application?
      • Choose “No, I want to add the document(s) to support or complete my application.”

    You must enter in the text box:

    1. Keyword: REFDOC Important
    2. Reason for renewal:
      • expiry
      • error
      • lost
      • stolen
      • damaged
    3. Your full mailing address and postal code
      • We’ll refuse your request if your mailing address isn’t complete.

  2. Upload a photo

    Upload a photo that meets our photo specifications if the applicant was under 18 when they made the claim. We may ask for updated photos for other applicants. We’ll tell you if we need more photos.

    See our photo specifications and size limits

    Photographs must be:

    • saved as a JPG file (the only format we accept)
    • in colour
    • clear, sharp and in focus
    • taken with a neutral face expression (eyes open, mouth closed, no smiling)
    • original and not altered in any way or taken from an existing photograph
    • accurate to what you currently look like
    • free of shadows, glare or flash reflections
    • taken in front of a plain, white, untextured background (with a clear difference between the person’s face and the background)
    • taken straight on, with face and shoulders centered

    Photo file size limits

    When you’re uploading a photo, make sure you have entered either your refugee claim application number or unique client identifier (UCI).

  3. Complete the consent section and submit the request

    Once we get your request, we’ll:

    • send your new RPID by mail

    • tell you to pick it up at one of our offices

  4. Once you receive your document

    Destroy your old RPCD or RPID once you have your new one. The old RPCD or RPID will no longer be valid.

Page details

2025-12-08