How to get my child's Social Insurance Number
You’ll need it to open their RESP — and we’ll help you apply (or find it) so you can start saving bit by bit for their future.
Let’s take the first step towards saving together
Want government grants? We’ve got you covered. First, you’ll need your child’s SIN (Social Insurance Number). It’s a 9 digit number provided by Service Canada. Don’t have yet? Let’s go through it together.
Ready to apply for your child's SIN?
Recommended: Apply when you register their birth
After giving birth, some provinces offer a Newborn Registration Service. This means you don’t even need to leave the hospital to apply for your child’s SIN, it’s as simple as checking a box in the birth registration forms. Then in a few weeks, your child’s SIN will arrive in the mail.
The best part? No extra paperwork required.
Want more info? Find out how registering a birth works in your province.
Apply online
Already registered your child’s birth? Don’t worry, you can still easily apply online for your child’s SIN through Service Canada. Just upload digital copies of the necessary documents along with your application and you’ll receive your child’s SIN in the mail.
Go in person to a Service Canada Centre
In a rush to get your child’s SIN? The fastest way to get it is by going in person. You’ll need to bring all your original documentation with you and as well as a completed application form.
Apply through the mail
Don’t want to apply online or live too far from Service Canada to go in person? You can also mail your application. Just make sure to sign and complete the SIN application form. You should receive your child’s SIN through the mail in 10 to 20 business days!
Gather what you’ll need:
- Their original birth certificate
- Your own ID (driver’s licence, passport, etc.)
- Any supporting docs (if names don’t match)
- Proof of address
- Your signature on the form
Check existing documents
Don’t stress just yet! Their SIN might already be listed on documents you already have like:
- CRA letters or tax returns
- T4 or ROE slips
- RESP or RRSP paperwork
- Previous RESP application attempts
Log in to MSCA (My Service Canada Account)
If you’ve already set up an MSCA using their SIN, you may be able to view or download it securely.
Visit Service Canada in person
Make sure to bring:
- Your child’s original birth certificate
- Your photo ID
They’ll print a Confirmation of SIN letter on the spot. Free of charge.
Request for it online
As long as you have the necessary documents, like your child’s birth certificate, your government-issued ID, and any supporting documents, you can use the eSIN Application online to recover your child’s SIN.
Request by mail
If you sign and complete the SIN application form, you can just mail your child’s original birth certificate, your government-issued ID, as well as any supporting documents to Service Canada. Then, you’ll receive a SIN confirmation letter through the mail along with your original documents.
Has your child’s SIN been affected by fraud?
Don’t stress just yet! If your child’s SIN has been affected by fraud or a data breach, you can visit Service Canada for a full replacement. In the meantime, it’s recommended to monitor credit reports, financial statements, and your mail.