Losing your wallet or having your bag stolen can leave you without the papers you need for almost everything. This guide explains how to replace lost ID in Ontario, starting with the documents most people need first: your health card, your birth certificate and your social insurance number.
At Friendship House in Brantford, ID matters too: our Food Bank asks for ID and proof of address for everyone in the household. We know how stressful it is to rebuild your papers, so here is where to start.
Quick answer
How do I replace lost ID in Ontario?
For an unexpired photo health card with no change of name or address, call ServiceOntario at 1-800-664-8988; otherwise visit a ServiceOntario centre with original documents. Order a replacement Ontario birth certificate online, by mail or in person; a regular replacement costs $35. Service Canada no longer issues plastic SIN cards, but you can see your number in My Service Canada Account.
Start with what you still have
Replacing ID is easier when you have at least one document left. Make a list of what you lost and what you still have, such as a passport, a bank card, a lease or a recent bill.
If your ID was stolen, report it to the police and keep the report number. Watch your bank accounts for strange activity, and tell your bank right away.
Replace your Ontario health card
How you replace your health card depends on the kind of card you had. The Ontario.ca health card page (opens in a new tab) sets out the options.
| Your card | How to replace it | What to bring |
|---|---|---|
| Unexpired photo card, same name and address | Call ServiceOntario at 1-800-664-8988 | Nothing to bring; you do it by phone |
| Expired photo card, or your name or address changed | Visit a ServiceOntario centre | 2 original documents: proof you live in Ontario and proof of identity |
| Old red and white card | Visit a ServiceOntario centre | A completed registration form and 3 original documents |
For a red and white card, the three documents are proof of citizenship or eligible immigration status, proof that you live in Ontario and proof of identity. Ontario.ca says your new photo card arrives in 4 to 6 weeks. Photocopies are not accepted.
Replace your Ontario birth certificate
If you were born in Ontario, you can order a replacement birth certificate online, by mail or in person at certain ServiceOntario locations in Toronto and Ottawa. You can apply for yourself if you are at least 13.
- Regular online replacement: $35 (ready in 15 business days plus mailing time)
- Premium online replacement: $65 (ready in 5 business days, including courier)
- A guarantor is needed if the person named on the certificate is 9 or older
- Ordering a replacement cancels the old certificate
Have your birth details ready, including your parents’ information, and a credit or debit card for online orders. If you were born outside Ontario, contact the province, territory or country where you were born.
Your social insurance number
Service Canada no longer issues plastic SIN cards. If you know your number and have lost only the card, you do not need a new one.
You can see your SIN by signing in to My Service Canada Account. If you never had a SIN, Service Canada says there is no fee to apply, and you can apply online, by mail or in person.
Proof of address
Many services ask for proof of address as well as photo ID. Common examples include a lease, a recent utility bill or a letter from a government office with your name and address.
Keep one recent letter with your address in a safe place at home. If you are staying with someone else or in a shelter, ask the service you need what it accepts.
ID for the Friendship House Food Bank
Since May 5, 2025, our Food Bank asks everyone in the household to show ID and proof of address. Our page on the Food Bank ID requirement (opens in a new tab) explains what to bring.
Friendship House also serves a free breakfast from 8 a.m. and a hot meal Monday to Thursday, 10 to 11 a.m. If you are unsure what to bring for any service, call us at 519-753-8511.
Which ID to replace first
If you lost everything, replace documents in an order that makes the next step easier. Your birth certificate or immigration papers often help you get other ID, so start there if you can.
- Birth certificate or immigration document
- Ontario health card, so you can see a doctor
- Your SIN, if you need to confirm it for work or benefits
- Photo ID, such as a driver’s licence or Ontario Photo Card
- Bank cards, by calling your bank
Ask each office what it accepts before you go. Rules for each document are different, and checking first can save you a wasted trip. Keep a simple checklist of what you have replaced and what is still in progress.
Tips to protect your ID from now on
- Take photos of your ID and store them somewhere safe, such as a secure email folder.
- Keep your birth certificate and SIN letter at home, not in your wallet.
- Never share your SIN with someone who calls you unexpectedly.
- Shred old letters that show your name, address and account numbers.
- Keep a list of your card numbers and the phone numbers to report them lost.
Thieves sometimes use stolen ID for scams. Our guide on how to spot a scam (opens in a new tab) covers the warning signs and where to report fraud.
If you cannot afford the fees
Some replacement documents cost money. If the fee is a barrier, ask a caseworker, a community legal clinic or 211 Ontario (opens in a new tab) whether local programs can help.
Our guide to free legal help in Ontario (opens in a new tab) can point you to a clinic.
Frequently asked questions
How do I replace a lost Ontario health card?
If you have an unexpired photo card and your name and address have not changed, call ServiceOntario at 1-800-664-8988. Otherwise, visit a ServiceOntario centre with original documents.
How much does it cost to replace an Ontario birth certificate?
A regular online replacement costs $35 and takes 15 business days plus mailing time. Premium service costs $65.
Do I need a new SIN card if I lost mine?
No. Service Canada no longer issues plastic SIN cards. You can see your number in My Service Canada Account.
How long does a new Ontario health card take?
Ontario.ca says a new photo card arrives in 4 to 6 weeks if you are replacing a red and white card at a ServiceOntario centre.
What ID does the Friendship House Food Bank need?
Since May 5, 2025, the Food Bank asks for ID and proof of address for everyone in the household. Call 519-753-8511 if you have questions.
Rebuilding your ID takes a few steps, but you do not have to do it all at once. Start with the card you need most, and visit our free services at Friendship House (opens in a new tab) for a warm meal in the meantime.
