Old Age Security (OAS) Identification Card

When you began receiving your Old Age Security pension, you also received your Old Age Security card. You may ask what it's for.

Before direct deposit was available, the card was used to identify persons receiving the Old Age Security pension when they cashed their pension cheques at their bank. It's still used for that purpose. It's also useful as a proof of age so you can receive senior's discounts from stores or from restaurants. It can be used as proof of age for public transportation.

Please be aware, though, that the Old Age Security card has no official standing as a means of identification.

We have your security in mind

When you receive your card, please sign the back. A space is also provided for emergency contact information. For your security, your Old Age Security card contains no personal information. In the past, a person's Social Insurance Number was placed on the front of the card for their convenience when cashing their cheque at the bank. Now, to reduce the risk of identity theft or fraud, cards issued after January 1, 2008 will no longer have a Social Insurance Number on them.

Getting a Replacement

If you lose or damage your card, or if you would like a card without your Social Insurance number on it, we can replace it for you. All you have to do is contact us by phone or mail, and provide us with the following information:

• your full name
• your Social Insurance Number
• your mailing address

Contact us by phone

Toll free in Canada and the United States:

For service in English: 1 800 277-9914
For service in French: 1 800 277-9915
TTY: 1 800 255-4786

From other countries:1 613 990-2244

Write to us

If you are sending your request by mail, please send it to the nearest Service Canada Regional Office.

If you are writing to us from outside Canada, your letter should be sent to the Service Canada Regional Office in the province where you last resided.