Acceptable proof - Documentation

Library and Archives Canada accepts the following documents as proof of identity and proof of death.

Basic requirements

  • You must submit two pieces of identification, preferably from the list below. However, we can use a secondary document with your name and address to validate your identity.
  • Documents must be valid and not expired.
  • We don't accept health cards, social insurance numbers, tax documents or banks statements
  • If you can't submit both, please contact us.

Proof of identity documentation

  • Passports
  • Driver's licences or enhanced driver’s licences
  • Government-issued Identification card (Provincial or territorial photo cards for non-drivers)
  • Birth Certificate
  • Canadian Military Identification Card
  • Certificates of Indian Status (status cards)
  • Métis Status Cards
  • Citizenship cards or national identity cards
  • Canadian Permanent resident cards
  • Nexus cards
  • Record of landing forms/confirmation of permanent residence (IMM 5292)
  • Immigration documents issued to foreign nationals present in Canada (e.g., work permit, study permit, refugee approved status)

Proof of death documentation

  • Death certificate
  • Newspaper obituary
  • Funeral notice
  • Photograph of a gravestone or funerary urn
  • Document from funeral home