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What to do if you do not have ID

Updated

In this article:

Why do you need ID?

Some OneFeather services require you to verify your identity before you can use them. This process helps protect you and your information. We’ll only ask you to verify your identity when it’s truly needed for the service you’re accessing.

We work with trusted partners, including Indigenous Services Canada and Canada Post, to deliver certain services. If a partner requires information from us to complete a service, we will always tell you exactly what’s being asked for and get your consent first before proceeding. We will never continue without your explicit approval, and we ensure our partners do not retain or share your information beyond what’s necessary for the service you are accessing.

 

Some of our services that require a valid government-issued ID:

  • Renewing or replacing your status card
  • Voting
  • Accessing our financial tools

 

Why having ID matters

Government-issued ID is needed for things like:

  • Applying for other forms of essential ID such as: A driver's license, status card, or passport

  • Accessing financial services such as: Opening a bank account, acquiring prepaid reloadable credit products, student loans or bursaries, making investments, etc.

  • Accessing health care and social services

  • Voting in Band, provincial/territorial, national voting events

  • Accessing government benefits, tax benefits, treaty payments, etc.

  • Travelling: Air travel, transportation rentals, booking accommodations, and border crossing

     

What if you have absolutely no ID at all (including your birth certificate)?

A birth certificate is the starting point for getting most other government-issued ID in Canada. If you don’t have one, or never had one issued, this is usually the first document you’ll need to apply for.

Begin by reaching out to your Band or Nation office. They can often help you with the application process, provide supporting documents, or connect you with the right services.
If they’re unable to assist, your next step is to contact your provincial or territorial government. Most provincial and territorial governments with direct you to their Vital Statistics department in order to request a birth certificate or get help rebuilding your identity. Below are some links and resources to get you started on your way:

 

Step 1 — Start with your Birth Certificate (if you were born in Canada)

This is usually the foundation document needed to get other kinds of ID.

You must order it from the province or territory where you were born:

 

What if you don’t have any documents to apply with? Most Vital Statistics offices allow:

  • A guarantor (elder, community leader or staff member, friend, social worker, etc.) to assist in proving your identity. Ask for a guarantor form from your provincial/territorial vital statistics or service office.

  • Additional questions or personal history to confirm your identity*

  • Police or fire reports (if your birth certificate was destroyed in a flood/fire/etc.)

*In some cases, you may need to provide some information in order to get your birth certificate, such as your parent's full legal names and their place and date of birth. If you know this information, have it handy for when you talk with a government service agent. If you do not have this information, reach out to your Nation or a social worker to help assist.

 

Step 2 — Use local Indigenous-friendly services that can help

Many Indigenous-focused agencies can help gather documents, act as guarantors, and navigate ID applications:

  • Friendship Centres (nation-wide)

  • Band offices / Nation administration offices

  • Health centres / Indigenous primary care networks

  • Indigenous homelessness support agencies, shelters, and outreach teams

Some provinces also have special ID clinics:

  • BC – Kettle Society ID Bank, PHS Community Services

  • Ontario – ID clinics through community health centres and Indigenous agencies

  • Prairies – Many shelters and Friendship Centres offer ID support

  • North – Local health centres and hamlet offices often help with ID forms

These services often assist with guarantor forms, photocopying, fee waivers, and navigating government questions.

 

Step 3 — Apply for a Provincial/Territorial Photo ID Card

Once you have a birth certificate, you can apply for a government photo ID. Each province/territory has a non-driver ID card:

  • BC – BC Services Card

  • Alberta – Alberta ID Card

  • Saskatchewan – SGI Non-Driver ID

  • Manitoba – Manitoba Identification Card

  • Ontario – Ontario Photo Card

  • Québec – Québec Health Insurance Card (RAMQ) or Identity Card for non-drivers

  • Atlantic Provinces – Provincial ID Card

  • Yukon, NWT, Nunavut – Territorial General Identification Card

These cards usually require that you provide:

  • Birth certificate (primary/foundational ID)

  • Proof of address (band office letter works in most regions)

  • A fee (fees vary; some organizations can help pay)

 

If You Still Have Your Birth Certificate (but lost your wallet)

This is much easier, however you may need to apply for additional ID in-person. Always contact the issuing agency to see if an in-person appointment is required. 

 

Step 1 – Replace your Provincial/Territorial Photo ID or Driver’s Licence

Visit or contact your provincial/territorial licensing office. Bring:

  • Your birth certificate

  • Proof of address (band letter, utility bill, mail, etc.)

 

Step 2 – Replace your Health Card

Each province/territory has its own health authority (ex. MSP in BC, OHIP in Ontario).
Use your birth certificate and replacement ID to start the process.

 

Step 3 – Replace Status Card (SCIS)

Once you have 1 piece of government-issued photo ID, you can apply for a replacement status card easily online with us, at a government service centre, or in some cases with your Nation/Band* directly.

*Please note: As the Band-issued laminated paper cards (Certificate of Indian Status) are being phased out, some Nations may no longer be able to issue status cards directly but can help support you with alternative methods or applying with the government directly. 

You’ll need:

  • 1 piece of valid (not expired) government-issued ID that has all of the following attributes: A photo, your full name, your date of birth, and your signature.

You may need:

  • A guarantor. Someone that meets the following criteria:

    • They are 18 years of age or older

    • The have their own status number

    • They've known you for least 2 years

    • They are reachable by Indigenous Services Canada, if necessary

See more on how to apply for a renewal or replacement status card with OneFeather...

 

Helpful Tips

  1. Keep your birth certificate somewhere safe, never in your wallet! Keep it in a secure place protected from water and heat with other important documents. If you tend to move frequently, ask a trusted relative or elder to keep it somewhere safe for you. A photo of your birth certificate is not a valid format for presenting ID, you must have the original, unaltered paper document.

  2. Do NOT laminate official paper documents or certificates. Laminating your birth certificate or other government-issued documents (with the exception of the band-issued paper Certificate of Indian status card, or 'CIS card') makes them invalid—they cannot be used to prove of your identity.

  3. An official letter from your Band/Nation can act as a Proof of Residency document. Reach out to your Nation directly for help.

  4. A guarantor* can be a huge help in replacing missing ID. Elders, Nation leaders and staff, friends, family, community healthcare workers, social workers, shelter staff, etc. typically meet necessary requirements.
    *A guarantor is someone who can guarantee you are who you say you are by confirming your identity. They will need to know you personally or professionally for a specific length of time (typically a minimum of 2 years), and will need to fill out a guarantor form provided by your province or territory for the ID you are trying to acquire.

  5. Fee waivers or cost-coverage programs may exist — Check with Friendship Centres or Band offices.

  6. If everything was destroyed, mention it when applying; many Vital Stats offices have special processes for this.

 

 

 

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