Documents needed to get a health card

What you need to get, renew or replace your health card.

On this page Skip this page navigation

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):

1. an original one that proves your Canadian citizenship or OHIP -eligible immigration status
2. an original, printed or digital/electronic one that proves you live in Ontario
3. 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

  For permanent residents (formerly called “landed immigrants”)

  • Permanent Resident Card
    • must be valid or expired no more than five years

    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.
      1. applied for permanent residence
      2. met the eligibility requirements to apply for permanent residence
      3. 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”)

          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
            • does not include receipts, bank books, letters or automated teller receipts
            • Registered Retirement Savings Plan ( RRSP )
            • Registered Retirement Income Fund ( RRIF )
            • Registered Home Ownership Savings Plan ( RHOSP )

            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

              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
                • only if signature is shown

                Find a ServiceOntario centre

                Take your three documents – originals only – and completed application form to ServiceOntario.

                If you have any questions about choosing documents for your health card, call ServiceOntario:

                1-800-268-1154 (toll-free in Ontario only)
                416-314-5518 (Toronto and GTA)
                1-800-387-5559 (toll-free TTY)

                Related information

                • Apply for OHIP and get a health card
                • Renew your health card
                • Replace, cancel or change information on your health card
                • What OHIP covers
                • OHIP coverage across Canada
                • OHIP coverage while outside Canada
                • Switch to a photo health card