Establishing Your Identity

Now it's time to establish your identity in Canada. While you do have your passport and PR card. You don't want to be carrying them around all the time. Opening a bank account, getting a library card and various other services require proof of identity.

The best ID you can carry is a driver's license. This is of course something you will always have to have if you drive a car. A driver's license is considered a primary ID. To get a driver's license, you have to pass a written exam and the road test.

You can search the Internet for the nearest driver services centre in your Province or just ask around. Search "Driver Licensing" then your province on Google (e.g "Driver Licensing BC").

If you don't drive, you'll have to get other forms of identification if you don't want to carry your PR card around all the time. For example, in British Columbia, they have the B.C. ID which is an alternative to a driver's license if you don't drive.

Your SIN is also considered an ID as well as your Provincial Health Card. But it is best not to show these around all the time due to the incidence of identity theft. More about these and how to protect your privacy later.

Apply for other ID that you can find, general carrying two IDs are good enough, anything more is overkill. You also would only be needing these during your first few years in Canada while you're establishing your identity and your credit.

You will want to apply for a library card immediately so you can start using their services. You usually need your library card to borrow books or access the library computers.