Registration under the Indian Act and applying for a status card, what's the difference?

Registration

• What is it? Your legal status as a person registered under the Indian Act.
• How long does it take? From 6 months to 2 years depending on the complexity of your file and the genealogical research needed.
• How do you register? You can apply by mail or in person at any Indigenous Services Canada or Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs office or at your First Nation office.
• Does it need to be renewed? No. Registration doesn't expire.
• What are the benefits? If you become registered, you may be entitled to a range of programs and services.
• Is there a fee? There's no fee to apply for registration.

Status card

• What is it? A federal identity document that confirms you are registered under the Indian Act. There are 2 versions: the Secure Certificate of Indian Status, or secure status card, and the Certificate of Indian Status, or status card.
• How long does it take? If you become registered or if you're already registered, it takes us from 8 to 12 weeks to issue a secure status card.
• How do you apply? You can apply by mail or in person at any Indigenous Services Canada or Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs office for a secure status card. Some First Nations issue status cards. Contact your First Nation to apply for one.
• Does it need to be renewed? Yes. A secure status card needs to be renewed every 10 years for adults and dependent adults and every 5 years for children. A status card needs to be renewed every 5 years for adults and dependent adults and every 3 years for children.
• What are the benefits? Both cards can be used to access programs and services and are acceptable forms of government-issued photo ID.
• Is there a fee? The Government of Canada does not charge a fee to apply for a secure status card.

Find out more: canada.ca/indian-status