Verify your identity with a Personal Access Code

Personal Access Codes (PAC) are used to verify your identity when you register for My Service Canada Account (MSCA).

If you already applied for Canada Pension Plan (CPP) or Old Age Security (OAS) benefits, Service Canada has sent you a PAC in a mailed letter. If you wish to access MSCA for other benefits, you need to request a PAC.

If you previously requested a PAC and lost it, you can request a new one.

You have 3 options to request a PAC:

By mail

You can request a PAC online and receive it by mail within 5 to 10 business days.

You will need your:

• Social Insurance Number (SIN)
• parents' last name at birth
• postal code if you are a Canadian resident or your country of residence if you are a foreign resident

Request a PAC online

In person at a Service Canada Office

You can request a PAC by visiting a Service Canada Office. You will need:

• your Social Insurance Number (SIN)
• your parents' last name at birth
• your postal code if you are a Canadian resident or your country of residence if you are a foreign resident
• a valid (not expired) acceptable proof of identity, such as:
  • Canadian passport
  • certificate of Canadian citizenship
  • certificate of Indian status
  • certificate of registration of birth abroad
  • driver's license (provincial or territorial)
  • health card
  • permanent resident card
  • provincial identification card

Find a Service Canada Office

If you require assistance, you can submit an eServiceCanada form. A Service Canada representative will contact you by telephone within 2 business days. We can book an appointment for you at a Service Canada Office, if needed.

By phone

Note: This service is only available for CPP/OAS returning clients.

We will let you know when you could receive your PAC. The time frame will vary by case.

Call Service Canada at 1-800-277-9914 Monday to Friday between 8:30 am and 4:30 pm local time. You can also call this number to check the status of your PAC request or disable your PAC.

You will need:

• your Social Insurance Number (SIN)
• your answers to the security questions to verify your identity