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