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.

Personal Access Code (PAC) is used by Employment Insurance (EI), Canada Pension Plan (CPP), and Old Age Security (OAS) to help validate your identity for My Service Canada Account and to keep your account secure. 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.

3 options to request your PAC

1. 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 your PAC

2. In-Person at Service Canada Centres

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

3. By phone – Pension call centre only

The Service Canada agent will let you know when you can receive your access code. The time frame will vary by case. This service is only available for returning clients of the Canada Pension Plan. Employment Insurance beneficiaries cannot get a PAC by phone.

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