Our mascot, the cool hippie dude, Generation AwareIdentification

 

To do almost anything in this world, from getting a bank account to renting a movie, you need identification. This can include a birth certificate, a passport, a BC ID card, a driver's license (for those of you over 16), a Social Insurance Card and much more. Read on for more information on how to get these cards.

 

Birth Certificate

 

A birth certificate is needed to be able to get other ID. If you can, ask your parents if they have yours before you call this office. If they don't, you will need to apply for one.

You must know your mother's maiden name and where both of your parents were born. If you were not born in BC, you will have to get a form from this office and send it away to the province where you were born. If you were born in BC, you will have your certificate within a couple of weeks, if you are from out of province, it may take up to 5 weeks. The cost is about $20.

 
BC ID Card
38085 2nd Ave.
Squamish, BC
phone #892-5981
 
If you live in Squamish you can apply for your BC ID by going down to the Motor Vehicle branch in the Squamish Credit Union. You will need to bring your Birth Certificate with you as well as another piece of ID that has your signature on it. A fee will be charged.
 
BC ID Card
Motor Vehicle Branch
800 Hornby St. (Robson Square)
or 2277 Commercial Dr.
phone #604-660-2397 or 604-660-9191
hours: 8:30 am to 4:30 pm Monday to Friday
 
Drop-in to one of the above offices. It is best to go early in the morning or during "off-hours." It gets really busy around noon and later on in the day. You will need to bring your birth certificate and another piece of ID such as your bank card, your SIN (social insurance number), or Care card. Something with your signature on it. This costs about $35.
 
 
Driver's License
 
Check out our transportation section for information on how to get a driver's license. There is a fee for the learner's test and the road test.
 
 
First Nations Status Card
 
 
Native Indian Status Card
Highway #99, by Valleycliffe
phone #892-5166 or 892-5553
 
If you live in Squamish you can apply for your Native Indian Status Card by going down to the Squamish Nations' Cultural Centre on Highway #99. Applications can be made every two weeks and it usually takes one week to get your status card. To apply just go down to the office in person with your birth certificate and another piece of ID (preferably picture ID). If you are under 19 years of age, a parent, guardian or social worker will have to apply for you. You will also need to bring a passport photo of yourself.
 
 
Native Indian Status Card
1550 Alberni St.
phone #604-660-2059
hours: 9:00 am to 4:30 pm, Monday to Friday
 
You must be registered with your band as a First Nation's person. Once you have registered, you can drop in with your birth certificate and another piece of ID (preferably picture). If you are under 19 years of age, a parent, guardian or social worker will have to apply for you. You will also need to bring a passport photo of yourself.
 
You may want to call United Native Nations (UNN) at 604-688-1821 for further assistance or for further support.
 
 
Getting a Passport
 
Passport Office
Sinclair Centre, Rm. 240
757 West Hastings Street
phone #1-800-567-6868
 
Pick-up a passport application kit at the office. You must fill out the form, have passport photos taken (you can get these at most photo places, including the Bay and Sears), get a doctor, lawyer or other professional person to "vouch" that the photo is in fact you, and have a birth certificate in order to get your passport. It usually takes about a week to get, if you go to the main office, and costs about $35.
 
 
Social Insurance Number
 
 
Social Insurance Number
Human Resource Development
Capilano College
1150 Carson Place (behind Howe Sound Secondary School)
phone #892-3263
 
You need a SIN number in order to work and receive Unemployment Benefits, some Income Tax benefits etc. If you are 12 years or older and a Canadian citizen, just take your birth certificate to any Employment and Immigration office and fill out the form. There is no cost, but a replacement card will cost you $10.
 
In Vancouver or other areas of BC just go down to your local Human Resource Development office (unemployment centre).
 
 
Getting a Care Card
 
 
Care Card
1-800-663-7100
In Vancouver phone #604-683-7151
Open 8:30 am to 4:30 pm Monday to Friday
 
If your parents or guardians have medical insurance and you are either under the age of 18 or are a full time student (until the age of 25) you will be covered under their medical insurance. If you are 19 and are no longer a student you will have to get your own medical, and your own Care card.
 
If you don't have a Care Card you can go to a local office of the Ministry of Health (on 2nd Ave. in Squamish) or a government agents office to pick up an application form. If you take proof of your citizenship with you, your birth certificate for example, then you can fill out the application from while you're there. They will need to photocopy your proof of citizenship (birth certificate) in order to send a copy with your application form.
 
If you have had a Care Card before, and have been covered on your parents/guardians medical insurance and you have now turned 19 or you for some other reason are no longer covered under their insurance you can call the Medical Services Plan at 1-800-663-7100 or in Vancouver at 604-683-7151. They will ask you for you Personal Health Number, which is the number on your old Care Card, and will then send you a form to fill out in order to decide what coverage you are eligable for. If you are 19 or older and you make under $19,000 a year you will be eligable for coverage. This may mean that you will be paying a monthly fee of $36 (for a single person) in order to receive medical. Your prescriptions and dentistry will not be covered.
 
 

 
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