How to register for MSCA with GCKey

This page provides you with the information you need to register for My Service Canada Account (MSCA) with GCKey. Once you have read the instructions, click the “Register with GCKey” button at the bottom of the page.

A GCKey is a unique electronic credential issued by the Government of Canada for use with online Government services.

1. Meet the MSCA eligibility criteria

   To register for MSCA, you must:

   • be at least 12 years old
   • only access and use MSCA as yourself. No one is authorized to use or create an account on your behalf

2. Sign up for GCKey

   If you have an existing GCKey, sign in with your GCKey. You will then be redirected to create your My Service Canada Account.

   If you don't have a GCKey, select the “Sign up” button on the Welcome to GCKey page to create your username and password.

3. Provide your Social Insurance Number (SIN)

   To start creating your profile, you will need to provide your SIN.

   If you have recently applied for a SIN online, you can use your:

   • Birth Registration Number found on your Canadian birth certificate, or
   • Unique Client Identifier (UCI), also known as client identification (client ID) number issued by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada

4. Verify your identity

   Once you have signed in with GCKey, you will be presented with 3 options to help verify your identity:

   1. Use Interac® verification service Recommended

      The Interac® verification service will allow you to register for MSCA in real-time. To help verify your identity using this option, you must use your online banking information.

      View the full list of participating financial institutions

      • BMO
      • CIBC
      • Desjardins
      • RBC
      • Scotiabank
      • TD

      For more information, please refer to the  Help verify your identity using Interac® verification service page.

   2. Use a personal access code (PAC)

      PACs are used to help verify your identity. You need it to register for MSCA with GCKey. To verify your identity using this option, you must ensure you have received your PAC before registering for MSCA. You will need to enter your PAC when creating your MSCA profile.

      You may already have a PAC. If you don’t, you can request one and it will be delivered to you by mail. Wait times vary depending on the way you choose to request your PAC.

      Request a PAC:

      Online

      You can request a PAC online and receive it by mail within 5 to 10 business days.

      You will need:

      • your Social Insurance Number (SIN)
      • your parent's family name at birth
      • your postal code if you are a Canadian resident or your country of residence if you are a foreign resident

      Have your JavaScript enabled.

      Request a PAC

      In person at a Service Canada Office

      You can request a PAC by visiting a Service Canada Office.

      You will need:

      • your Social Insurance Number (SIN)
      • your parent's family name at birth
      • your postal code if you are a Canadian resident or your country of residence if you are a foreign resident
      • a valid (not expired) acceptable proof of identity, such as:
        • Canadian passport
        • certification of Canadian citizenship
        • certification of Indian status
        • certificate of registration of birth abroad
        • driver's license (provincial or territorial)
        • health card
        • permanent resident card
        • provincial identification card

      Find a Service Canada Office

      If you require assistance, you can submit an eServiceCanada form. A Service Canada representative will contact you by telephone within 2 business days. We can book an appointment for you at a Service Canada Centre, if needed.

      By phone

      Note: This service is only available for returning clients of the Canada Pension Plan.

      The Service Canada agent will let you know when you could receive your access code. The time frame will vary by case.

      Call Service Canada at 1-800-277-9914 Monday to Friday between 8:30 am and 4:30 pm local time. You can also call this number to check the status of your PAC request or disable your PAC.

      You will need:

      • your Social Insurance Number (SIN)
      • answers to various security questions to verify your identity

   3. Use a SIN Application Number

      You can only use this option if you have recently applied for a SIN online. You will receive a SIN Application Number once you submit your application. Make sure you have received an email confirming your SIN application has been processed before registering for MSCA.

5. Secure your account with multi-factor authentication

   Once you have verified your identity, you will be directed to secure your account. For more information, visit the Multi-factor authentication page.

Register with GCKey