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
  • 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:
    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”)
  • 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.

Find a ServiceOntario centre

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:

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