Identification cards recognition index

Learn how to identify foundational and supporting evidence of identity and how to validate that they were issued by a governmental authority in Canada.

Foundational evidence of identity

This is a piece of identification, issued by a governmental authority in Canada that establishes core identity information such as:

• given name
• surname
• date of birth
• sex
• place of birth

Accepted types of foundational evidence of identity

• Canadian birth certificate
• Canadian citizenship certificate or citizens card
• Confirmation of permanent residence document
• Record of landing document

Canadian birth certificate

A Canadian birth certificate is an extract of information from the original birth registration and includes:

• name
• date of birth
• sex
• birthplace
• date of registration
• registration number
• date of issue
• certificate number

Canadian citizenship certificate or citizenship card

A Canadian citizenship certificate or citizenship card is a letter-sized document and wallet-sized card that certifies proof of Canadian citizenship which includes a:

• certificate number
• unique client Identifier (UCI)
• family name and given name(s)
• date of birth
• sex
• effective date of citizenship

Confirmation of permanent residence document

A confirmation of permanent residence document is an identification and a travel document (IMM 5292) for permanent residents of Canada.

Record of landing document

A record of landing (IMM 1000) is a document that new permanent residents received when they landed in Canada prior to July 2002 (also called a Landing Paper or Verification of Status Request).

Supporting evidence of identity

This is a valid piece of identification (for example, not expired), issued by a governmental authority in Canada that supports the information provided by the foundational evidence of identity, links the core identity information to an individual and provides additional information such as:

• photo
• signature
• current address

Accepted types of supporting evidence of identity

• Canadian passport
• Driver’s licence or enhanced driver’s licence
• Provincial photo card for non-drivers
• Nexus card
• Firearms license
• Student authorization/study permit
• Employment authorization/work permit
• Secure certificate of Indian Status

Canadian passport

A Canadian passport is an official document certifying the holder's identity and citizenship and entitling them to travel under its protection to and from foreign countries.

Driver’s licence or enhanced driver’s licence

A driver’s licence or enhanced driver’s licence is a wallet-sized card permitting a specific individual to operate one or more types of motorized vehicles, such as a:

• motorcycle
• automobile, truck
• bus on a public road

An enhanced driver’s licence is a western hemisphere travel initiative compliant document that permits a specific individual to operate one or more types of motorized vehicles and acts as proof of identity and citizenship when travelling to the United States by road or water.

Provincial photo card for non-drivers

A provincial photo card for non-drivers is wallet-sized card that provides identification to residents who do not have a driver's licence.

Nexus card

A Nexus card recognizes an individual as a member of a government-sponsored Trusted Traveller Program that allows pre-screened U.S. and Canadian citizens to expedite border crossings.

Firearms license

A fire arm licence is a document that allows the licensee to buy, own, possess, and carry a firearm.

Student authorization/study permit

A student authorization or study permit (Visitor record IMM 1442) is a document that allows foreign nationals to study at designated learning institutions in Canada.

Employment authorization/work permit

An employment authorization/work permit (Visitor record IMM 1442) is a document that allows an individual to work for any employer in Canada.

An employer-specific work permit allows an individual to work according to the conditions on their work permit.

Secure certificate of Indian Status

A secure certificate of Indian status is an identity document that confirms Indian status registration under the Indian Act.

More information

• Conduct background checks for personnel security screening
• About identity verification requirements