How to replace a lost or stolen Social Insurance Number confirmation in Canada
Learn what to do if your Canadian Social Insurance Number confirmation letter or old SIN card is lost or stolen, how to view and print your SIN through My Service Canada Account, how to request a Confirmation of SIN, which documents you need and how to protect your SIN from fraud.
CA Canada
Documents & Identity ~ 12 min read
18 FAQ
Updated 2026-08-23
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If you lose your SIN confirmation letter or an old plastic SIN card, Service Canada does not replace the physical card and normally does not issue a new SIN. You can view and print your existing SIN through My Service Canada Account, or apply for a Confirmation of SIN online, in person or by mail using the same document requirements as a first-time SIN application. There is no fee. A complete online application is normally processed within about 5 business days, while a mail application takes about 20 business days. If the document was stolen or you suspect your SIN has been misused, monitor your credit and financial records and follow Service Canada's fraud reporting process.
What you need
- Have an existing Canadian Social Insurance Number that you need to find or confirm.
- Provide 1 acceptable primary identity document proving your legal status in Canada.
- Provide 1 valid secondary identity document showing your full legal name and date of birth.
- Provide supporting legal documents if your current legal name differs from the name on your primary identity document.
- If documents are not in English or French, provide the original documents together with an acceptable English or French translation that meets Service Canada requirements.
- For an online application, upload clear digital copies of both sides of required documents showing the complete document and borders.
- For an in-person or mail application, provide original documents as required by Service Canada.
- If you are a temporary resident with a SIN beginning with 9, make sure your SIN and immigration authorization remain valid or complete the applicable SIN extension process.
Eligibility
This procedure is for a person who already has a Canadian Social Insurance Number but has lost, damaged or cannot locate their SIN confirmation document or an old plastic SIN card. Service Canada no longer issues plastic SIN cards. Losing the document does not normally mean that you need a new SIN.
If you can access My Service Canada Account, you may be able to view and print your SIN without submitting a new SIN application. If you cannot find your SIN or need an official confirmation, you can apply for a Confirmation of SIN using the same process and document requirements as a first-time SIN application.
A new SIN is not issued merely because a SIN card or confirmation letter was lost or stolen. Service Canada states that a new SIN may be considered only when there is clear evidence that the existing SIN has actually been used fraudulently.
How to do it
- Check whether you can find your SIN without applying. Look at documents that may already show your SIN, such as an income tax return, a tax slip such as a T4, a Record of Employment or an RRSP contribution receipt.
- Try My Service Canada Account. Sign in or register for MSCA to view and print your SIN securely. If you have forgotten your SIN, MSCA registration can use an eligible Canadian birth registration number or an IRCC Unique Client Identifier together with the required identity verification process.
- Apply for a Confirmation of SIN if necessary. If you cannot locate the number or need confirmation, submit a SIN application requesting confirmation of your existing SIN. This does not create a new SIN.
- Prepare a primary identity document. The document depends on your status in Canada. Examples include an accepted Canadian birth or citizenship document for citizens, an accepted permanent resident document for permanent residents or an eligible work, study or visitor document authorizing work for temporary residents.
- Prepare a secondary identity document. It must be valid, show your full legal name and date of birth, and be issued by a Canadian government or be a foreign passport.
- Prepare name-change documents if needed. If the name on your primary identity document is different from your current legal name, provide legal documents linking the names.
- Translate documents if required. Documents that are not in English or French must be accompanied by an acceptable translation. Family members cannot translate the documents.
- Apply online, in person or by mail. Service Canada identifies online application as the easiest option. In-person applications are available at Service Canada locations, and mail applications are also available using the required original documents.
- Receive your SIN confirmation. If you choose digital delivery and are eligible, the confirmation becomes available to view and print through MSCA after processing. Otherwise, Service Canada mails the confirmation letter.
- Take additional action if the document was stolen or fraud occurred. If your SIN may have been exposed, monitor your credit reports, financial statements and employment records. If you identify actual fraud, file a police report and follow the official SIN fraud reporting steps.
What to do if you lose your Social Insurance Number document
If you lose your Confirmation of SIN letter or an old plastic SIN card, you do not automatically need a new Social Insurance Number. The SIN itself is a unique 9-digit identifier and normally remains the same.
Service Canada stopped issuing plastic SIN cards. If an old card is lost or damaged, it will not be replaced with another plastic card. Instead, you can access your existing SIN electronically through My Service Canada Account or request a Confirmation of SIN.
Can you find your SIN without applying for a replacement?
Yes. Before submitting a Confirmation of SIN application, check documents that may already contain your number.
Service Canada lists income tax returns, tax slips such as a T4, Records of Employment and RRSP contribution receipts as places where you may find your SIN.
How to view and print your SIN online
You can view and print your Social Insurance Number through My Service Canada Account, also known as MSCA.
Once signed in, go to the Social Insurance Number section of the MSCA dashboard. The service can display your SIN, the names recorded on your SIN record and the SIN expiry date when applicable.
You must be at least 12 years old to create and use your own MSCA account. Another person cannot create or access an MSCA account on your behalf.
What if you forgot your SIN and do not have an MSCA account?
Service Canada provides an MSCA registration route for people who already have a SIN but cannot remember it. Depending on your situation, you can use the Birth Registration Number from a Canadian birth certificate or the Unique Client Identifier issued by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada, together with the required identity verification method.
How to request a Confirmation of SIN
If you cannot find your SIN or your child's SIN, you can apply for a Confirmation of SIN. Service Canada states that this process is the same as applying for a SIN for the first time and requires the standard supporting documents.
The confirmation verifies your existing SIN. It does not create a new number.
What documents do you need for a Confirmation of SIN?
You need 1 primary identity document and 1 secondary identity document. Additional supporting documents are required if your name has changed.
Primary identity document
Your primary identity document proves your identity and legal status in Canada. The acceptable document depends on your immigration or citizenship status.
For a Canadian citizen, accepted documents include an eligible Canadian birth certificate, certificate of Canadian citizenship or qualifying Registration of Birth Abroad issued before 1977.
For a permanent resident, accepted documents include a permanent resident card, an eligible Confirmation of Permanent Residence or an applicable Record of Landing. Service Canada also permits specified status-verification documents when requesting confirmation of an existing SIN.
For a temporary resident, accepted documents include eligible work or study permits authorizing work in Canada, an eligible visitor record authorizing work, or specified diplomatic documentation with work authorization.
Secondary identity document
The secondary identity document must be valid and show your full legal name and date of birth. It must be issued by a Canadian government or be a foreign passport.
Examples include a Canadian or foreign passport, Canadian driver's licence, provincial or territorial identification card or another eligible Canadian government-issued identity document.
Name-change documents
If your current legal name differs from the name on your primary identity document, you need a supporting legal document that connects the previous and current names.
Depending on your circumstances, this can include a marriage certificate, divorce document, legal change-of-name certificate, court order or adoption document accepted by Service Canada.
What if your documents are not in English or French?
All documents submitted for a SIN application must be in English or French. If an original document is in another language, you must submit the original document together with an English or French translation.
A family member cannot translate the document. Service Canada accepts translations prepared by eligible Canadian certified translators or qualifying non-certified translators who provide the required affidavit and supporting information.
Can you request a Confirmation of SIN online?
Yes. Service Canada identifies the online process as the easiest way to apply for a first SIN, update a SIN record or obtain confirmation of an existing SIN.
For an online application, upload clear digital copies of the required documents. Both sides must be included where applicable, and the entire document, including its borders, must be visible.
Can you request a Confirmation of SIN in person?
Yes. You can apply at a Service Canada location. Bring the original documents required for your circumstances.
Service Canada's published service information states that an in-person SIN application can normally be completed during one visit when all required documents are in order.
Can you request a Confirmation of SIN by mail?
Yes. Service Canada also accepts eligible SIN applications by mail. Mail applications require original documents.
The official mailing address used for SIN applications is Social Insurance Registration Office, P.O. Box 7000, Bathurst, New Brunswick E2A 4T1, Canada.
Because original identity documents may need to be mailed, review the current Service Canada instructions before choosing this method.
How much does a replacement SIN confirmation cost?
There is no government fee to apply for a SIN or obtain confirmation of an existing SIN.
How long does a Confirmation of SIN take?
If you apply online and all documents are in order, Service Canada states that the application is normally processed within about 5 business days.
If you apply by mail, the published processing time is about 20 business days. Service Canada asks applicants to wait 25 business days before contacting the SIN Program to check the status of a mail application.
For an online application, Service Canada asks applicants to wait 10 business days after submission before checking the status.
How do you receive the SIN confirmation?
If you choose digital delivery and are eligible to use My Service Canada Account, your SIN becomes available to view and print through MSCA after the application has been processed. In that situation, you do not receive a paper confirmation letter by mail.
If you choose mail delivery or are not eligible for digital delivery, Service Canada sends a Confirmation of SIN letter by mail.
Does a lost SIN card need to be replaced?
No. Service Canada no longer issues plastic SIN cards. If an old card is damaged and you already know your SIN, Service Canada states that no action is necessary.
If the card is lost and you need proof or cannot remember the number, use MSCA or request a Confirmation of SIN.
Does Service Canada issue a new SIN if yours is stolen?
Not simply because the SIN card or confirmation document was stolen. Service Canada states that a new SIN may only be issued when there is clear evidence that the existing SIN was used fraudulently.
Even where fraud has occurred, Service Canada does not recommend obtaining a new SIN as the primary protection measure because the old number continues to exist and can still be misused. A new SIN also creates responsibilities to update employers, financial institutions and other organizations.
What should you do if your SIN document was stolen?
If only the document was stolen but you have no evidence that the SIN has been misused, protect your personal information and closely monitor for suspicious activity.
Service Canada recommends monitoring credit reports, bank and credit card statements, mail and employment information. You can also review Records of Employment available through My Service Canada Account for activity you do not recognize.
What if someone has actually used your SIN fraudulently?
If you determine that fraud has occurred, Service Canada instructs you to file a police report and obtain a case reference number, report the fraud to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre, contact Canada's major credit bureaus and notify affected creditors or financial institutions.
If your SIN was fraudulently used to obtain government money or benefits, report the fraud directly to the affected government program.
You do not have to report mere suspicion or a data breach to the SIN Program. However, if you want Service Canada to consider issuing a new SIN because your existing number was used fraudulently, you must visit a Service Canada Centre and provide the required documentary proof.
What evidence is needed to request a new SIN after fraud?
The evidence depends on the type of fraud. For credit fraud, Service Canada requires the applicable identity documents, police evidence and documentation from the creditor showing fraudulent use of your SIN.
For employment fraud, Service Canada requires identity documents, police evidence and additional employment-related evidence, including information identifying employers associated with unauthorized T4 slips.
A request does not guarantee that Service Canada will issue a new SIN.
How to protect your SIN after losing the document
Keep SIN information in a secure location and avoid carrying a paper confirmation letter or old SIN card in your wallet or bag.
Only provide your SIN where legally required. Service Canada states that a SIN confirmation letter or SIN card is not an identity document and should not be used as general identification.
Be cautious with calls, messages or emails claiming that your SIN has been compromised, cancelled or locked. Service Canada specifically warns against unsolicited requests that ask you to disclose your SIN or take urgent action.
What happens after you obtain your Confirmation of SIN?
Your SIN normally remains the same. Store the confirmation securely rather than carrying it with you. If you use MSCA, you can return to the Social Insurance Number section to view or print the number when needed.
If you are a Canadian citizen or permanent resident, your SIN is permanent and does not expire. Temporary residents generally have a SIN beginning with 9 that is linked to their temporary immigration authorization and may need to update the SIN record when their authorization is extended.
Frequently asked questions
What do I do if I lose my SIN card or confirmation letter?
You do not normally need a new SIN. Check My Service Canada Account to view and print your number, or submit an application for a Confirmation of SIN if you cannot find it or need confirmation.
Does Service Canada replace lost plastic SIN cards?
No. Service Canada no longer issues plastic SIN cards. You can obtain a paper or digital Confirmation of SIN instead.
Can I see my SIN online?
Yes. You can view and print your SIN through My Service Canada Account if you are eligible to register or sign in.
Can I find my SIN without submitting an application?
Yes. Your SIN may appear on an income tax return, a T4 or other tax slip, a Record of Employment or an RRSP contribution receipt.
How do I get a Confirmation of SIN?
Submit a SIN application requesting confirmation of your existing number. The process uses the same required identity documents as a first-time SIN application and can be completed online, in person or by mail.
Will I receive a new SIN when I request confirmation?
No. A Confirmation of SIN confirms the number already assigned to you. It does not issue a new SIN.
How much does a Confirmation of SIN cost?
There is no fee to apply for a SIN or obtain confirmation of an existing SIN.
How long does an online SIN confirmation application take?
Service Canada states that a complete online SIN application is normally processed within about 5 business days.
How long does a SIN confirmation take by mail?
Service Canada lists about 20 business days for a complete mail application. Applicants are asked to wait 25 business days before checking the status.
What documents do I need to confirm my SIN?
You generally need 1 primary identity document proving your legal status in Canada and 1 valid secondary identity document showing your full legal name and date of birth. Name-change or translation documents are required when applicable.
Can I request a Confirmation of SIN in person?
Yes. You can apply at a Service Canada location with the original documents required for your situation.
Can I request a Confirmation of SIN online?
Yes. Online application is available and Service Canada describes it as the easiest way to obtain confirmation of an existing SIN.
Do I need a police report if my SIN confirmation letter was stolen?
A police report is not listed as a standard requirement simply to obtain confirmation of your existing SIN. If you determine that your SIN has actually been used fraudulently, Service Canada instructs you to file a police report and follow the fraud reporting process.
Will Service Canada give me a new SIN if my document was stolen?
Not merely because the document was stolen. A new SIN may only be considered when there is clear evidence that the existing number was used fraudulently.
What should I do if someone has used my SIN fraudulently?
File a police report, report the fraud to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre, monitor and contact the credit bureaus, notify affected creditors and financial institutions and report misuse to any affected government program.
Should I carry my Confirmation of SIN with me?
No. Service Canada recommends keeping documents containing your SIN in a secure location rather than carrying them in your wallet or bag.
Can I use a SIN confirmation letter as identification?
No. Service Canada states that a SIN confirmation letter or old SIN card is not an identity document.
Does a Canadian citizen or permanent resident SIN expire?
No. SINs for Canadian citizens and permanent residents are permanent and do not expire.
Official sources
Damaged, forgotten or lost Social Insurance NumberSocial Insurance NumberSocial Insurance Number required documentsSocial Insurance Number in My Service Canada AccountContact the Social Insurance Number ProgramProtect your Social Insurance NumberSocial Insurance Number fraud and data breachRelated procedures
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