Carrying identification and traveling outside of Canada

Identity documents

Official documents that state who you are and where you come from are very important and can be hard to replace if you lose them. These include health records, birth certificates, driver’s licences and passports.

You will need these identity documents to apply for important government services and benefits, and to get a Social Insurance Number (SIN) card and a health insurance card.

Do not to lend your important identity documents to your friends or let anyone else use them. You could lose your benefits if you give your personal identification to someone else.

What you should carry with you

It is important to have two pieces of identification with you at all times and at least one piece of identification with a photo. Common pieces of identification that you may be asked to show to prove your identity include: a driver’s licence, a photocopy of your permanent resident papers (the original should be kept in a safe place or in a safety deposit box at the bank), a health insurance card and a credit card.

It is not necessary to carry your Confirmation of Permanent Residence form or your permanent resident card around with you.

What you should not carry with you

You should not carry your birth certificate, SIN card or passport with you unless you need them for a specific purpose. If you carry these documents with you and your wallet or purse is lost or stolen, they will be difficult to replace. If they are stolen, there is a risk that someone could use your identity.

If your identification is lost or stolen

You should telephone the police to report it lost or stolen. You should also contact any credit card companies or banks to cancel your cards in case someone tries to make purchases using your cards.

If you have lost any government-issued identification such as a driver’s licence, SIN or health insurance card, you should contact the appropriate federal or provincial/territorial organization to report them lost or stolen and to request replacements.

Find out more about what you should do if you lose your identification and how to replace your cards and identification.

Traveling outside of Canada

Permanent resident status gives a non-Canadian the right to live in and move freely about Canada. However, individuals with permanent resident status have restrictions on their travel outside of Canada.

If you are a permanent resident and you want to leave Canada to visit another country, you will need your Permanent Resident Card to re-enter Canada.

Obtaining a Permanent Resident Card

If you are planning to travel outside Canada and have not yet obtained a Permanent Resident Card, be sure to send in your application well before you plan to leave. It usually takes eight to 12 weeks for the government to process your application and send you your card.

Application and information kits to obtain your first Permanent Resident Card or replace one that is expired, lost or stolen are available online. The application kit tells you what documents are required, how to fill out the application form and where to send it.

Keeping your permanent resident status

Your permanent resident status allows you to live in Canada, but there is also a time limit on how long you can live outside the country. To keep your status as a permanent resident, you must live in Canada for at least two years within a five-year period. Find out more about the residency obligations for permanent residents.

Let us know if you plan to travel

If you plan to travel outside of Canada, the Permanent Resident Card is the official proof of your status as a permanent resident in Canada. If you leave the country, you will need this card to return to Canada. If you plan to travel and have any questions about your obligations as a permanent resident, contact us before you plan to leave.

A citizenship certificate is proof of citizenship. It is not a travel document. Any Canadian citizen wanting to travel outside Canada should obtain a Canadian passport.

Traveling to the United States

For information on the rules for who may enter the United States, see the U.S. Department of State website.

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