How do I get a Social Insurance Number?

Find your birth certificate, Certificate of Canadian citizenship or permanent residence card. These are called primary documents.

  • Find your birth certificate, Certificate of Canadian citizenship or permanent residence card. These are called primary documents. Make sure it is the real one—no photocopies allowed!
  • Fill out the application form—visit the Service Canada website - How to Apply or call Service Canada to get one:
  • Outside Canada: 1-506-548-7961 (long-distance charges apply)
    TTY: 1-800-926-9105
  • Take your complete application form to a Service Canada office or mail it in to:
    Service Canada
    Social Insurance Registration Office
    PO Box 7000, Bathurst,
    New Brunswick E2A 4T1
    Phone: 1-800-622-6232
    TTY: 1-800-926-9105
    Website: www.servicecanada.gc.ca
  • Use registered mail so you do not lose any documents in the mail.
  • Service Canada now issues SINs (Social Insurance Numbers) in paper format (you will receive a confirmation letter with your SIN). Plastic SIN cards are no longer used.
  • Once you get your SIN you are responsible for protecting it. Store any document containing your SIN and personal information in a safe place—do not keep your SIN with you.

You can help someone to fill out their form, but if they are unable to sign it, you may need to apply on their behalf. If you are applying on behalf of an adult:

  • Complete the SIN application form.
  • Include the original primary document of the person you are applying for. · Include your original primary document.
  • Include original document or certified copy of legal guardianship or representation.

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