Protecting your SIN

The best way to protect your SIN is to limit who has access to it.

By following these guidelines, you will help ensure your SIN remains secure and prevent its unauthorized use:

• Access:

  Use secure platforms like My Service Canada Account (MSCA) to view your SIN. Avoid writing it down or carrying documents with your SIN unless necessary

• Storage:

  Keep documents containing your SIN (confirmation of SIN letters, SIN cards and income tax documents) in a locked cabinet or safe, or on password-protected devices. Do not keep your confirmation of SIN letter or your SIN card in your wallet or bag. If you lost your confirmation of SIN letter or SIN card, see the SIN Overview page for more information.

• Disposal:

  Shred documents containing your SIN and personal information before disposal

Only provide your SIN when the law requires it.

You are legally required to provide your SIN in the following situations:

• Employment:

  Employers need your SIN to report your income for tax and social benefits. Your SIN is only required after hiring and upon earning income

• Financial accounts:

  Financial institutions need your SIN to report income like interest and dividends for tax purposes

• Government services:

  The government uses your SIN to process tax returns, verify eligibility, and provide access to benefits like employment insurance, student loans, grants and public pensions. The Social Insurance Number Code of Practice provides more information about authorized federal uses of the SIN

Asking for purpose

Before sharing your SIN, ask these questions:

• Is it legally required
• Why is it needed
• How will it be used, and who will have access to it

If you are asked to provide your SIN when it isn't legally required, it is your choice to decide if you will provide it. You should only do so if:

• you understand that providing your SIN to another person or organization may increase your risk of fraud or identity theft
• you are prepared to accept the risk

The Directive on Social Insurance Number provides a list of federal laws that refer to SIN.

Your confirmation of SIN letter or SIN card are not identity documents. Do not use your SIN as identification. Use your passport, driver's license, health card, or another document to prove your identity.

Some businesses may ask for your SIN. This is strongly discouraged, but not illegal.

You do not have to provide your SIN to:

• fill out a job application
• apply for a credit card, a mortgage or a line of credit or to cash a cheque
• rent a property (application, lease negotiation)
• sign up for telecommunication and utility services such as phone, internet or cable service (except Hydro Quebec, which must collect the SIN by provincial law)
• rent a car
• complete a medical history questionnaire
• write a last will or testament
• apply for post-secondary education
• request a credit report

Declining to provide your SIN

You cannot be denied a product or service for refusing to provide your SIN when it is not legally required.

If a business requests your SIN when it is not legally required:

• politely explain that it is not required by law and decline to provide it
• offer alternative forms of identification, such as driver's license or passport
• if services or products are denied for this reason, escalate your concern by:
  • speaking with the person in charge. Many people are unaware of the appropriate uses of a SIN. Once they understand, they may change their practices
  • filing a complaint with the Office of the Privacy Commissioner of Canada if you are not satisfied with the response
  • contacting the association, ombudsman or complaint office of the group or entity that asked for your SIN

Learn more about what to do when someone asks for your SIN.

Scammers and fraudsters often use various tactics to obtain your SIN. It's important to remain vigilant. Here are some key precautions to follow to avoid scams:

• never provide your SIN by phone unless you made the call and know that it is legally required
• avoid sharing your SIN with unknown contacts or during unsolicited requests
• be cautious of phone calls, text messages or emails from unknown sources that:
  • claim your SIN is compromised
  • offer to replace your SIN
  • threaten to lock or cancel your SIN
  • request personal information
  • require urgent action
• be cautious of messages about something you didn't expect or ask for
• be especially cautious about messages that claim to be from the government
• contact organizations directly if you are unsure about a message or request
• be cautious online and avoid posting your SIN publicly. Never disclose your SIN where privacy cannot be assured

Learn about scam and fraud prevention to protect yourself and your SIN.

Service Canada stores personal information requested to apply for a SIN in the Social Insurance Register. This information includes:

• your name
• your date of birth
• your place of birth
• your parents' names

Dates of death are also recorded in the Register.

Service Canada protects your SIN by storing personal information securely in computer systems that are only accessible by authorized employees who have a "need to know".

If you think someone else is using your SIN or if your SIN was included in a data breach, see SIN fraud and data breaches.