Places For Me

ID & Documents

Help replacing ID, health cards, and vital documents.

No fixed address? You can still get ID.

You can get government ID in Nova Scotia without a permanent address. This page explains exactly how, step by step. If you get stuck, call 2-1-1 — free, 24/7.

Step by step: get your ID in order

Do these in order. Each one makes the next one easier.

Birth Certificate

Why first — every other ID requires proof of birth.
  • Apply through Vital Statistics Nova Scotia: novascotia.ca/vstat or call 902-424-4380.
  • Fee: $39.20 standard, $62.70 rush.
  • Fee waiver: if you’re on income assistance, the fee can be waived — ask your NS Community Services caseworker or call 902-424-5200.
  • No fixed address needed to apply — use a shelter or org address (see Section 3 below).
  • Processing: 4–6 weeks standard, 3–5 days rush.
  • Born outside NS? You need to contact the vital statistics office of the province you were born in. 2-1-1 can help find the right contact.

Social Insurance Number (SIN)

Why — needed for employment and many benefits.
  • Apply at any Service Canada location — free, no fee ever.
  • Halifax Service Canada: 1800 Argyle Street, Suite 101 — 1-800-206-7218.
  • No fixed address required — you can use a shelter address.
  • Bring: birth certificate or immigration document.
  • Same-day service usually available.
  • Lost your SIN card? You don’t need the physical card — your number is permanent. Request a confirmation letter instead.

Nova Scotia ID Card (if you don’t drive)

Why — primary photo ID for everyday use.
  • Apply at any Access Nova Scotia centre.
  • Halifax: 300 Horseshoe Lake Dr, Halifax, NS B3S 0B4 — 1-800-670-4357.
  • Dartmouth: 250 Baker Dr — 902-424-5851.
  • Lower Sackville: 752 Sackville Dr — 902-424-5200.
  • Fee: $17.05.
  • Fee waiver: available for people on income assistance — ask at the counter.
  • No fixed address required — use a shelter or org address.
  • Bring: birth certificate + SIN + proof of NS residence (a letter from a shelter confirming you stay there counts).
  • Processing: same day at most locations.

NS Health Card (MSI)

Why — covers most medical care in NS.
  • Apply at MSI (Medavie Blue Cross administers for NS Health).
  • Call: 1-800-563-8880.
  • Online: novascotia.ca/MSI.
  • No fixed address required — use a shelter address for mailing.
  • Bring or have ready: proof of identity (birth certificate or NS ID), proof you live in NS (shelter letter counts).
  • New residents: 3-month waiting period — during this time you can still access emergency care.

Federal documents (if needed)

Why — passport, name change, immigration documents.

Passport

  • Apply at any Service Canada or passport office.
  • Halifax Passport Office: 1800 Argyle Street, Suite 101 (same building as Service Canada) — 1-800-206-7218.
  • Requires: birth certificate + photo ID + $120 fee.
  • Emergency passport available for urgent travel needs.
  • Fee assistance: not automatically available — speak to Legal Aid NS if cost is a barrier.

Name change

  • Legal Aid NS: 1-800-665-9779.
  • Can help with name changes related to gender identity, marriage, or other circumstances.

Getting a letter from a shelter

Many shelters will provide a letter confirming you stay there for use as proof of address with government offices. Ask any shelter staff member for a “proof of residence letter” or “confirmation of stay letter”. They’ve done this before — it’s a common request.

The letter should include

Most government offices accept this. If one doesn’t, ask to speak to a supervisor or call 2-1-1 for support.

Organizations that accept your mail

These organizations will receive mail on your behalf so you can use their address for government ID applications. Call ahead to confirm they have capacity before using their address.

Emergency shelters (HRM)

Brunswick Street Mission
2107 Brunswick St, Halifax 902-423-4605
Souls Harbour Halifax
5568 Cunard St, Halifax 902-405-4663
Metro Turning Point
2170 Barrington St, Halifax 902-420-3282
Adsum House — women / gender diverse
2421 Brunswick St, Halifax 902-423-4443
Barry House — women / gender diverse
2706 Gottingen St, Halifax 902-422-8324
Phoenix Youth Shelter — youth 16–24
1094 Tower Rd, Halifax 902-446-4663

Transitional housing (more stable for longer-term mail)

Viola’s Place Society
189 Marsh St, New Glasgow 902-752-0550
Haven House
29 Arthur St, Truro 902-814-2936
Cornerstone
10 Prince Arthur St, Amherst 902-669-1935

Tip: Transitional housing addresses are often better for mail because stays are longer. Ask your shelter worker if transitional housing mail services are available to you even before you move in.

Request a mail address

Select a shelter, fill in your name and a short note, and we’ll draft the request for you ready to send.

This opens your email app with the message pre-written. If you don’t have email access, ask a shelter staff member or drop-in worker to send it on your behalf, or call 2-1-1.

When you need more than a guide:

Legal Aid NS — free legal advice
1-800-665-9779
  • · Name changes
  • · Document issues related to immigration status
  • · Complex ID situations (criminal record affecting ID access)
Dalhousie Legal Aid Service — free walk-in legal help, no appointment needed
2209 Gottingen St, Halifax 902-423-8105 Mon–Fri 9am–12pm, 1–4pm
NS Human Rights Commission
1-877-269-7699 If you’ve been refused ID or services based on discrimination.

Frequently asked

I was born in another country. Can I still get NS ID?
Yes, but the process is different. You’ll need your immigration documents (PR card, study/work permit, refugee document) instead of a birth certificate. Call 2-1-1 or Legal Aid NS (1-800-665-9779) — they can walk you through the specific process for your situation.
I lost everything — no ID at all. Where do I start?
Start with your birth certificate even if you have nothing else. Vital Statistics NS can verify your birth record using your name and approximate birth date — call 902-424-4380 and explain your situation. From there, each step gets easier.
I have a criminal record. Does that affect getting ID?
A criminal record does not prevent you from getting government ID. Birth certificates, SINs, health cards, and provincial ID are all available regardless of criminal history. Call Legal Aid NS if you run into any barriers.
Can someone help me do this in person?
Yes. Brunswick Street Mission drop-in (Mon–Fri 9am–2pm) has staff who help with ID regularly. Dalhousie Legal Aid (2209 Gottingen St) offers walk-in help. Your shelter worker can also assist — ask them directly.
I’m trans and my ID doesn’t match my name or gender. What can I do?
Nova Scotia allows gender marker change on provincial ID without surgery — you just need a signed declaration. Legal Aid NS and the Nova Scotia Rainbow Action Project (NSRAP: 902-423-6550) can both help with this process at no cost.