Acceptable Proof - Documentation

Acceptable Proof of identity documentation

Library and Archives Canada accepts the following documents as proof of identity. We require two separate pieces, preferably from the list below. However, a secondary document with your name and address can also be used to validate your identity.

The documents must be valid (not expired).

If you cannot submit a combination of any of the following documents with a secondary piece of identity, please contact us.

Please note that health cards, tax documents and bank statements are not accepted as proof of identification.

  • 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)

Acceptable Proof of Death documentation

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