Health Card, Driver's Licence, Photo ID: Which Do You Need?

The documents you arrive with

• Your passport. At first it's likely to be your main photo ID, so keep it valid.
• Your immigration documents. A Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR) proves you have been approved for permanent residence, and you can use it to prove your status and to apply for a SIN while you wait for your PR card ^[1]. IRCC mails new permanent residents their PR card, and you must give IRCC a Canadian mailing address within 180 days of becoming a permanent resident or the card will be cancelled ^[2]. Temporary residents have a work permit, study permit or visitor record.
• Education and professional records, translated if they aren't in English or French.

Keep the originals at home in a safe place, and take them out only when an appointment requires them. Store a scan or photo of each in a secure place so you can replace them if they're lost.

Everyday ID you can get in Canada

Photo ID if you don't drive

Many provinces offer a government photo ID card for residents who don't have a driver's licence. In Ontario you can apply for an Ontario Photo Card in person at a ServiceOntario centre if you are an Ontario resident, 16 or older and without a driver's licence. You can't use it for international travel ^[4]. In Alberta you apply for an Alberta ID card at an authorized registry agent, and it is for identification only ^[5]. In British Columbia, if you are enrolled in the Medical Services Plan you can get a Photo BC Services Card, which replaces your CareCard and can be used as photo ID ^[6]. In other provinces, search for your province's name plus “photo ID card” on its official website.

A sensible order

This is a suggested order, not a legal requirement. Start with the documents that unlock others.

1. 1

   Step 1: Apply for your health card

   Do this early. Some provinces have a waiting period before coverage starts. See Applying for Your Health Card.

2. 2

   Step 2: Apply for your SIN

   You'll need it to work. There is no fee to apply ^[9]. See Understanding Your SIN.

3. 3

   Step 3: Open a bank account

   A bank statement with your address is a handy proof of address later on.

4. 4

   Step 4: Get a photo ID or driver's licence

   A provincial photo ID card or driver's licence is easier to carry than your passport.

5. 5

   Step 5: Collect proof of address

   A lease, utility bill or bank statement with your address is often requested alongside photo ID.

Keeping your ID safe

• Don't carry your SIN card, your passport or your original immigration documents unless you need them that day.
• Share copies only with people who have a real reason to ask, and don't email photos of ID to people you haven't verified.
• If something is lost or stolen, contact the office that issued it promptly. If your PR card is lost, stolen or damaged and you are in Canada, you apply to have it replaced ^[3]. For a lost foreign passport, contact your country's embassy or consulate.