All you need is the # though ,the physical card isn't necessary,that is why it is so important to protect the # .

Well when I got my student loan cleared at the Canada Post office they needed to see my actual card. Apart from that I've never actually needed the card on hand, maybe for the odd gov't thing you'd need it on hand but that's it.

It says "Keep on Your Person" on the back of the SIN card, no joke

Mine doesn't, it says "This is not an identity card. However, it should be kept in a safe place." I got it... almost 4 years ago.

Well if you guys must shit on me and ask, i carried it because at that time i had my temporary lisence and i needed it for getting into clubs and such or bars, but when i got my lisence...i just didnt put it back at home and it just so happened it lost it within that span.

But yeah, i went back to customer service there yesterday and it just so happened that someone returned it but they took my credit cards and debit card but i could careless cause i have cancelled them already. So all the ID's i have were back so thank god. =)

But just because you have your important IDs back, you still have to be wary of identity theft...

how do u check if someone identity thefted u after u lost/got back ur sin card or in the future?

service canada?

this is why you DONT leave you citizen and SIN car in your wallet. memorize your SIN number (I havent had a card in years) and you should never need your citizen car unless crossing the border.

My friend did that when she only had a temp license, when she gave her sin card to the bouncer he was like "uhh, you really shouldnt show me this" you don't know who that guy is, he could easily remember your number. that's why if you waited to get your license and you're gonna need photo ID but not have a physical license for a bit, get a BCID. as far as you SIN even if you get it back I'd say cancel it asap.