Lost Wallet

Losing your wallet or purse with your government identification can be stressful. Don't panic: There are things you can do right away to protect yourself from further loss and inconvenience. Take the following steps immediately:

• Contact your bank(s) or other financial institution(s) and report your missing bank and/or credit cards.
  
  
• Contact your local police and report that your wallet has been lost, in case it is turned in.
  
  

Helpful Hints

The helpful hints below provide a checklist of important information to make it easier for you to replace your documentation.

If you've lost any piece of identification or amount of money, you should report it immediately to your local police.

• If you've lost a credit card, notify the credit card company immediately and they will cancel the card and issue a replacement at no charge.
  
  
• If you've lost a retail credit card, immediately notify the Customer Service or Credit Department of that retail company.
  
  
• If you've lost your keys, you are strongly advised to change your locks.

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When replacing some documents, proof of identification is required, but that is difficult to do if all your documentation was in your wallet. We suggest that you begin replacing your documentation in the following order:

• Driver's Licence - In many provinces, a replacement driver's licence may be issued on the spot.
  
  
• Birth Certificate - Identification is required to pick up your birth certificate. A driver's licence is an acceptable form of identification to pick up your certificate.
  
  
• Citizenship Card - Two pieces of personal identification are required when applying for a citizenship certificate. The application kit gives details on what identification is acceptable.
  To replace a lost, stolen, damaged or destroyed citizenship certificate or certificate of registration of birth abroad (RBA), visit the Citizenship and Immigration Web site.
  
  
• Health Card - Two or more pieces of personal identification may be required to apply for your replacement health insurance card. A driver's licence and birth certificate are acceptable in most provinces. However, you should contact the provincial or territorial government department responsible for health cards directly to confirm which forms of identification are acceptable.
  
  
• Passport - Either a birth certificate or Canadian citizenship card is required to apply for your replacement passport.
  
  
• Social Insurance Number (SIN) - You must provide a primary document and a supporting document if the name you are now using is different than the name appearing on your primary document.
  
  

When you have all your replacement documentation, it's a good idea to photocopy them and keep them in a safe place. Having photocopies available will help in the replacement process should you lose any of your identification in the future.

If you need help, please contact us, or call 1 800 O-Canada for more information.

Return to the Identification Cards page.

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