What documents prove my identity for a SIN?

Canadian citizens typically use a birth certificate or citizenship certificate, permanent residents use their PR card or confirmation of permanent residence, and temporary residents use a work or study permit. The form's instruction guide lists the accepted documents for each situation.

Can I apply for my child's SIN with this form?

Yes. A parent or legal guardian can complete the form on a child's behalf, providing the child's proof of identity and their own. Many parents obtain a SIN for a child to open savings plans that require one.

My documents are not in English or French. What do I do?

You need to include an official translation along with the original document, following the translation requirements described in the application instructions on canada.ca.

Is NAS-2120 the only way to get a SIN?

No. Most people apply online or at a Service Canada Centre without this form. NAS-2120 exists for applications submitted by mail.

Other

Fill Out Form NAS-2120 Online

Application for a Social Insurance Number

Employment and Social Development Canada

Applies for a first Social Insurance Number, a confirmation of your SIN, or a change to your SIN record.

Reviewed July 2026

How it works

1
Open the form. The official PDF loads straight into the editor, no download needed first.
2
Fill it out in the editor. Click anywhere to type, add checkmarks and place your signature.
3
Download your PDF. Save the completed form, ready to print or submit.

Form NAS-2120 is the Application for a Social Insurance Number, the nine-digit number you need to work in Canada and to access government programs and benefits. This 8-page form is specifically the mail-in route: Service Canada also accepts SIN applications online and in person at a Service Canada Centre, and those channels do not require this form at all.

You can complete NAS-2120 in the Universal PDF editor. Type your details into the form, review them against your identity documents, then download the finished PDF to print, sign, and mail with the required originals.

What is Form NAS-2120 used for

The form covers three requests: a first-time Social Insurance Number, a confirmation of an existing SIN, and an update to a SIN record, such as a legal name change or a correction to your date of birth. Whichever request you make, the form must be supported by valid identity documents that prove your identity and your status in Canada.

For mail applications, Service Canada requires original documents, not photocopies, and returns them by mail after processing. Service Canada notes that it is not responsible for documents lost in the mail, which is one reason many applicants prefer the online or in-person channels.

Who applies with Form NAS-2120

Use the paper form if you are applying by mail, for example because you live far from a Service Canada Centre or cannot use the online service. Canadian citizens, permanent residents, and temporary residents with a valid immigration document that authorizes them to work or study can all apply.

Parents and legal guardians can apply on behalf of children, and legal representatives can apply for people in their care. Newcomers to Canada often apply as part of their arrival paperwork, since a SIN is needed before starting work.

How to fill out Form NAS-2120

Have your identity documents in front of you so every field matches them exactly:

Choose the type of request: first SIN, confirmation of your SIN, or an amendment to your record.
Enter your legal name exactly as it appears on your primary identity document, plus any other names you have used.
Provide your date and place of birth and your parents' names as requested on the form.
Identify the document you are submitting as proof, such as a Canadian birth certificate, permanent resident card, or work or study permit.
If you are applying for another person, complete the representative section and indicate your relationship.
Sign and date the form. Applications without a signature are returned.

How to submit it

Mail the signed form together with your original identity documents to the Service Canada address listed in the form's instructions. Your documents are returned to you by mail once the application is processed.

If you would rather not mail original documents, you can apply online through the SIN application portal on canada.ca or in person at a Service Canada Centre, where staff check your documents and hand them straight back. Neither of those channels uses this form.

Frequently asked questions

Yes. Mail applications require valid original identity documents, which Service Canada returns by mail after processing. If you do not want to part with originals, apply online or in person instead.

Universal PDF is an independent product and is not affiliated with or endorsed by any government agency. Forms are provided from official government sources; always confirm you have the current version before filing.

This form is reproduced from official Canadian government sources. Universal PDF is not affiliated with or endorsed by any Canadian federal or provincial government body; always confirm you have the current version on the official site.