How to Replace Lost SIN Card: Official Service Canada Guide (2026)

IMPORTANT NOTE: Service Canada permanently stopped issuing plastic SIN cards on March 31, 2014. If your SIN card is lost, stolen, or damaged, you will not receive a new plastic card. Instead, Service Canada issues an official Confirmation of SIN letter or allows instant online access through My Service Canada Account (MSCA).

Understanding the Confirmation of SIN Document

Your Social Insurance Number (SIN) is a confidential 9-digit identifier required to work in Canada and access government benefits. Service Canada no longer produces plastic SIN cards due to security and identity theft risks. If you lose your physical card, your actual 9-digit number does not change unless there is verified proof of identity fraud.

How to Retrieve or Replace Your Lost SIN Confirmation

Depending on your urgency and available documentation, you can retrieve or re-issue your Confirmation of SIN letter using four official methods:

Step-by-Step Replacement Instructions

Method 1: Instant Online Access via MSCA

1. Log in to your My Service Canada Account (MSCA).
2. Navigate to the Social Insurance Number section.
3. Click View / Print Confirmation of SIN.
4. Download the PDF directly for your records or employer verification.

Method 2: Same-Day In-Person Service

1. Locate your nearest Service Canada Centre.
2. Bring one original Primary Identity Document (e.g., Canadian Birth Certificate, PR Card, Work/Study Permit).
3. Bring one Secondary ID (e.g., Driver’s Licence, Provincial ID, Passport).
4. An agent will verify your identity and hand you a printed Confirmation of SIN letter on the spot.

Method 3: Online Request via Canada.ca Portal

1. Visit the official Canada.ca SIN Application Portal.
2. Select “Request a Confirmation of SIN”.
3. Upload digital copies of your Primary Identification Document, Secondary Identification Document, and Proof of Address.
4. Submit your application. Processing takes up to 5 business days, plus delivery time.

Required Documents Checklist

To request a Confirmation of SIN letter, you must provide valid, original documents (or certified true copies if applying by mail):

• Primary Identity Document: Canadian Birth Certificate, Certificate of Canadian Citizenship, Permanent Resident (PR) Card, or valid Work/Study Permit.
• Secondary Identity Document: Driver’s Licence, Provincial ID Card, or Passport.
• Proof of Address: Utility bill, bank statement, or lease agreement clearly showing your name and residential address.
• Supporting Document (If applicable): Legal Name Change Certificate, Marriage Certificate, or Divorce Decree (required if your current name differs from your primary document).

What to Do If Your SIN Is Stolen or Misused

Service Canada will not change your SIN simply because it was lost. However, if you suspect your SIN was stolen or used for fraudulent activity, follow these mandatory steps:

1. File a Police Report: Obtain a police report number showing evidence of identity theft or fraudulent use of your SIN.
2. Contact Credit Bureaus: Place a fraud alert on your credit reports with Equifax Canada (1-800-465-7166) and TransUnion Canada (1-800-663-9980).
3. Notify Canada Revenue Agency (CRA): Call 1-800-959-8281 to report potential tax fraud or unauthorized access to your CRA account.
4. Visit Service Canada: Bring your police report, proof of identity fraud, primary documents, and secondary ID to request a new Social Insurance Number.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I get a new plastic SIN card?

No. Service Canada stopped manufacturing plastic SIN cards in March 2014. All requests result in an official paper Confirmation of SIN letter or online digital confirmation.

Can an employer reject my paper Confirmation of SIN letter?

No. The paper Confirmation of SIN letter is the official document issued by the Government of Canada. Employers can verify an employee’s SIN by contacting Service Canada directly at 1-866-274-6627.

How much does it cost to replace a lost SIN letter?

Obtaining a Confirmation of SIN letter from Service Canada is completely free of charge.

Can I get my SIN over the phone?

No. For security reasons, Service Canada agents will never provide or confirm a Social Insurance Number over the phone.