Federal identity & documents
Choose a specific reviewed route below. Requirements depend on the service and location; these guides link to the current instructions from the issuing authority.
Apply for a Social Insurance Number
Start with Service Canada's application guide when you need your first Social Insurance Number. Its selector matches document requirements to your situation and preferred application route. The official page offers online, postal and in-person paths. Keep identity documents and your number private; this guide only helps you find the correct government service.
Read the guideUpdate or confirm a Social Insurance Number
Use Service Canada's SIN guidance to correct a record, report a legal name or status change, or update a temporary document's expiry information. The official contact guide separates these requests from checking an application already submitted. It also points to ways to locate an existing number, which may avoid an unnecessary application.
Read the guideRenew a Canadian adult passport
Check the official renewal guide before starting another passport application. Whether renewal is available depends on your existing passport and circumstances. The guide separates eligibility, required materials and submission choices, including an online option for eligible applicants. Choose the instructions for where you are applying and when you need the document.
Read the guideApply for a new Canadian adult passport
The adult passport application guide connects you to the current forms, evidence checklist, photo rules and submission options. It also helps existing passport holders check whether renewal is the better route. Application instructions differ by location and urgency, so use the official selector before making travel plans or arranging an office visit.
Read the guideCheck federal voter registration
Use Elections Canada’s official voter-registration service to check or update your federal registration. The page also explains alternatives when the online service cannot be used and separate information for Canadians abroad. Provincial and municipal elections have their own authorities.
Read the guideApply for a Canadian child passport
A child passport cannot be renewed. For a child under 16, use a new child-passport application, including when replacing an expiring passport. Choose the official instructions for where you are applying.
Read the guideReplace a lost or stolen Canadian passport
Start with IRCC’s lost-document questionnaire. A valid lost or stolen passport must be reported; replacing an expired passport follows different instructions. Your location and whether the passport belongs to an adult or child also matter.
Read the guideApply for a child’s Social Insurance Number
A parent or legal guardian can apply for a child below the age of majority. Children aged 12 or older can also apply themselves. If a baby is under one and the birth is not registered yet, provincial newborn registration can include the SIN application; territories use Service Canada.
Read the guideRenew an adult Canadian passport outside Canada and the US
For an adult renewal outside Canada and the US, use PPTC 482 and the instructions for the Canadian office serving your country. The submission options vary by office.
Read the guideRenew an adult Canadian passport from the United States
Adult passport renewals from the US use PPTC 054 and are mailed to Canada. Follow the US application instructions, including its payment rules.
Read the guideWhat to do after someone dies
Start with the official after-death checklist, proof-of-death documents and the organizations that need notifying. Your responsibilities depend on your relationship to the person and whether you are authorized to represent the estate.
Read the guide
Use the responsible authority
Each guide identifies its official sources and review date. Complete applications on the government website. This independent guide does not confirm eligibility or submit requests.