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How do I get or replace my Social Insurance Number (SIN)?

✓ Verified answer Written from official pages, with checked citations and a verification date.

The SIN is a 9-digit number you need to work in Canada or to access government programs and benefits. If you already know your SIN, you do not need to apply again: you can view and print it in My Service Canada Account. Otherwise (first SIN, confirmation, update), you apply to Service Canada with all the required documents. There is no fee, and Service Canada no longer issues plastic SIN cards.

Official page: Social Insurance Number – Apply (Service Canada) ↗

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Key facts

Cost: No fee to apply for a SIN
Processing time online: About 5 business days (complete application)
Processing time by mail: About 20 business days (complete application)
Who can apply: Anyone 12 or older, on their own behalf; a parent or legal guardian for a minor child
Required documents: A primary identity document and a secondary identity document (and supporting documents if your name has changed)
Card: Service Canada no longer issues plastic SIN cards

Steps

If you know your SIN, sign in to or register for My Service Canada Account to view and print it: you do not need to apply.
If you need a first SIN, want to confirm your SIN, update your information or correct an error, submit an application with all the required documents.
Gather a primary identity document (proving your legal status in Canada) and a secondary identity document (confirming your identity). If your name has changed, add supporting documents.
If a document is not in English or French, provide the original and its translation, done by a translator (not by a family member).
Apply online for faster processing, or by mail or in person. Online, upload clear digital copies (both sides). By mail or in person, send or present the original documents.
Wait for your SIN: about 5 business days if you applied online, about 20 business days by mail, if your application is complete.
If you have no news after more than 10 business days (online) or more than 25 business days (by mail), contact the SIN program.

Sources

Numéro d'assurance sociale : Présenter une demande (Service Canada (Emploi et Développement social Canada))
Numéro d'assurance sociale : Documents requis (Service Canada (Emploi et Développement social Canada))
État de votre demande et réception de votre NAS (Service Canada (Emploi et Développement social Canada))

Checked on October 4, 2026. Rules, deadlines and fees can change: always confirm on the official page above. Demande au Québec is an independent website, not a government site.