Documents needed to get a health card
What you need to get, renew or replace your health card.
To get, renew or replace your health card – including switching from a red-and-white card to a photo card – you will need three separate identification documents (Photocopies not accepted):
- an original one that proves your Canadian citizenship or OHIP-eligible immigration status
- an original, printed or digital/electronic one that proves you live in Ontario
- an original one that confirms your identity
Proof of Canadian citizenship or OHIP-eligible immigration status
One of your documents needs to prove your Canadian citizenship or OHIP-eligible immigration status – choose one from this list:
For Canadian citizens
- Canadian passport
- valid or expired no more than five years
- birth certificate from Ontario or other Canadian province or territory (issued under Vital Statistics Act)
- Canadian Certificate of Registration of Birth Abroad
- Certified Statement of Live Birth from Ontario, or other Canadian province or territory
- Certificate of Canadian Citizenship or Certificate of Naturalization (paper document or card, not commemorative issue)
- Certificate of Indian Status (paper or plastic card)
- Registered Indian Record (certified)
- Temporary Confirmation of Registration document
For permanent residents (formerly called “landed immigrants”)
- Permanent Resident Card
- must be valid or expired no more than five years
- Confirmation of Permanent Residence (Imm 5292, 5688)
- Canadian Immigration Identification Card
- Record of Landing (Imm 1000)
For applicants for permanent residence
- Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) letter (IRCC used to be called Citizenship and Immigration Canada, or CIC). The letter must:
- be on IRCC letterhead, addressed to you as applicant
- state IRCC has confirmed you meet the eligibility requirements to apply for permanent residence in Canada and you have not yet been denied.
- IRCC document (e.g. work permit, visitor record, temporary resident permit or study permit), with a note confirming all three of the following. You have:
- applied for permanent residence
- met the eligibility requirements to apply for permanent residence
- have not been denied
Other immigration status
- letter from Immigration and Refugee Board confirming Convention Refugee or Protected Person status
- Protected Person Status document
- temporary resident permit (case types 86 through 95 only)
- work permit (proof of full-time employment for an employer in Ontario is required – restrictions apply)
- this must be an original or digital document (contract or letter) on employer company letterhead signed and dated by the employer and state:
- that the employee is working full-time
- the title/occupation of the position
- the start date of employment, and
- that the employer intends to employ the employee for a minimum of six (6) months (the letter can state the employee is permanent. However, this does not replace the criteria to confirm “Full Time”)
- this must be an original or digital document (contract or letter) on employer company letterhead signed and dated by the employer and state:
- Verification of Status (Imm 5716 or Imm 5715)
- written confirmation from IRCC that you are eligible to apply for Canadian citizenship under section 5.1 of Canada’s Citizenship Act
Proof of residency in Ontario
A second, different document needs to prove you live in Ontario – choose one from this list. You may show an original, printed version (no photocopies) or digital image:
- valid Ontario driver’s licence
- temporary driver’s licence
- only if accompanied by photo licence card with the same address
- valid Ontario Photo Card
- utility bill (e.g. cable TV, hydro, gas, water)
- monthly bank account statements
- does not include receipts, bank books, letters or automated teller receipts
- employer record (e.g. pay stub, letter from employer on company letterhead)
- school, college or university report card or transcript
- Child Tax Benefit statement
- most recent income tax Notice of Assessment
- insurance policy (e.g. home, tenant, auto or life)
- mortgage, rental or lease agreement
- Ontario motor vehicle permit (plate or vehicle portions)
- property tax bill
- phone bill (e.g. home phone, cell phone)
- credit card statement
- statement of direct deposit for Ontario Works or for Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP)
- statement of Employment Insurance Benefits Paid (T4E)
- statement of Old Age Security (T4A) or statement of Canada Pension Plan Benefits (T4A) (P)
- Any of the following statements from a bank, trust company or credit union:
- Registered Retirement Savings Plan (RRSP)
- Registered Retirement Income Fund (RRIF)
- Registered Home Ownership Savings Plan (RHOSP)
- Workplace Safety and Insurance Board Statement of Benefits (T5007)
- Canada Pension Plan Statement of Contributions
Only original documents will be accepted for:
- valid Ontario driver’s licence
- temporary driver’s licence
- only if accompanied by photo licence card with the same address
- valid Ontario Photo Card
- Ontario motor vehicle permit (plate or vehicle portions)
Proof of identity
A third, different document needs to prove who you are. These documents must include your name and signature. Choose one from this list:
- credit card
- valid Ontario driver’s licence or temporary driver’s licence
- valid Ontario Photo Card
- Canadian Immigration Identification Card
- Certificate of Canadian Citizenship (plastic card)
- Certificate of Indian Status (paper or plastic card)
- Confirmation of Permanent Residence (Imm 5292)
- only if signature is shown
- current employee ID card
- current professional association licence
- Old Age Security Card
- Ontario motor vehicle permit (plate portion only)
- passport (Canadian or foreign)
- Permanent Resident Card
- only if signature is shown
- Record of Landing (Imm 1000)
- student ID card
- union card
Find a ServiceOntario centre
Take your three documents – originals only – and completed application form to ServiceOntario.
You may be able to book an appointment ahead of your visit.
If you have any questions about choosing documents for your health card, call ServiceOntario: