Stuck in Canadian ID limbo.

Muzzmuzz

Recently, I lost my wallet, along with all my ID.

I tend to go lean when it comes to carrying cards, so all that was lost was my bank card, birth certificate, and health card (which functions as photo ID, since I don't drive). The first two were rather straightforward to get, the last....not so much.

You see, in order to get my health card, I need something with my name embossed on it, as well as a signature, like a credit card. Now, I don't have one, but I thinks to myself "Hell, I should get one anyway, just a little one. That way, I can build up credit, get the health card, save the card for emergencies.

So, I call up my bank, thinking that getting a tiny 500 limit card would be a cinch, seeing as they can see I have no money issues, account wise. Unfortunately, they can't process the application because.....

....I don't have photo ID listed on my account (in my defense, the account was created back when I was a kid).

So, in short, I need a credit card to get a photo ID, and I need a photo ID to get a credit card....


Talking to the government rep, it looks like all I need is a official looking card with my name, and signature, such as a library card (sadly, my library just gives out number only cards)

Any suggestions?

Greeper

You never had a passport, I take it?

Muzzmuzz

Yeah, no passport. Basically, I just had the bare bones ID. Trust me, I wish I did now.

alltheolive

http://www.servicecanada.gc.ca/eng/lifeevents/wallet.shtml#cn_7 It sounds like you SHOULD be able to get a passport? It's roundabout, but then you could use the passport to get back your Health ID card.

Or you could call every nearby library until you find one with a signature card, if you really think they'll take that; can your bank issue you a checkbook, so you can write someone a check and get the check after it's been cashed? Can you open an account with an online bank, like Ally? I know Ally issues signature debit cards. Opening a whole new bank account seems like less benefit to you, and more likely to require that you already have a photo ID, than getting a passport.

Buttcleft

Is it normal in Canada to carry your birth certificate around with you? because down below the birth certificate is a pretty important piece of paper that almost never leaves the safe.

Kilgore Trout

What province are you in? In Ontario there is a fairly long list of potential ID documents. Regardless, maybe it will give you an idea of something you have that you didn't think of being able to use.

http://www.forms.ssb.gov.on.ca/mbs/ssb/forms/ssbforms.nsf/GetFileAttach/014-9998E-82~1/$File/9998-82E.pdf

WiseManTobes

The first step is your Birth Certificate, everything else can be gotten from that.

Google "Birth Certificate Replacement" + Your Province

breton-brawler

also I think every province offers an Provincial ID that has a photo, mainly for people who do not have a driver's licence. also as above Birth certificate is important.

Muzzmuzz

Yes, I looked into the age of majority card, and it appears to have similar requirements as a health card.

But, on the bright side, it looks like I can get a SCENE movie points card, that should be able to work.

WiseManTobes

While I'm glad that will work, understanding why it will work makes my brain misfire

Gilbert0

If your not BC, ignore.

If your in BC, you should be able to go back into ICBC and they'll verify a replacement card with the photo on file as your primary ID. Then for a secondary ID there is a HUUUGE list of secondary ID you can present. Anything that has your name actually on the card. The Scene card is actually one that's recommended (as it's really easy to get). Things like Gas cards or points cards or anything with your name.


And yes, please keep your foundational ID (ID that can make other ID; your Birth Certificate) at home in a permanent safe location.