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CRA

How to Register for a CRA Account (My Account)

Go to the official CRA sign-in page, choose "Register", pick how you will sign in (your bank, a CRA user ID, or a B.C./Alberta provincial partner), set up two passcode methods, then confirm your identity: instantly with photo ID, or with a security code mailed within 10 business days.

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Which photo IDs work for instant access?

Original, valid documents only: Canadian driver's licence, Canadian permanent resident card, Secure Certificate of Indian Status (issued February 2019 or later), provincial or territorial photo ID card, or a Canadian, Australian, British or New Zealand passport. You must be 16 or older. Health cards, expired IDs and photocopies are not accepted.

Provincial partner (Alberta and B.C.)

If you register with an Alberta.ca Account or BC Services Card, you only need your social insurance number, and you don't need the photo check or a mailed code.

No social insurance number?

The CRA also accepts a temporary tax number (TTN) or individual tax number (ITN) for registration.

Step by step

  1. Gather what you need before you start.

    Your social insurance number, date of birth, and amounts from your most recent assessed tax return filed in the last 2 years (use the amounts you first reported, even if the return was reassessed). For instant access, also have a phone with a camera and an accepted photo ID. Your session expires after 18 minutes of inactivity and progress isn't saved.

  2. Choose your registration option.

    Sign-In Partner (your online banking), CRA user ID and password, or provincial partner (Alberta.ca Account or BC Services Card). You will use this same option every time you sign in. GCKey can't be used for CRA accounts.

  3. Set up multi-factor authentication.

    You are asked for two methods: an authenticator app, a passcode grid or a phone. You may skip the backup, but it saves trouble later.

  4. Verify your identity.

    Document verification service: take a live photo of yourself and your photo ID for immediate full access. Or a CRA security code: mailed to the address the CRA has on file within 10 business days.

  5. Add other accounts if you need them.

    After signing in, business, representative and other accounts can be added from your Welcome page using the same sign-in.

Related

CRA Phone Number and Contact Numbers (2026): Every Line and Hours The main CRA phone number is 1-800-959-8281 for personal tax and CRA account questions. For benefits like the Canada child benefit call 1-800-387-1193, and for businesses 1-800-959-5525. All three are open Monday to Friday, 8 am to 8 pm Eastern time, and closed on weekends and public holidays. How to Sign In to Your CRA Account (My Account): Steps and Fixes Go to the official "Sign in to your CRA account" page on canada.ca, choose the same sign-in option you registered with (your bank, a CRA user ID and password, or a B.C./Alberta provincial partner), then enter your one-time passcode. Stuck? The troubleshooter below gives the CRA's fix for your exact problem. CRA Document Verification Service: Get Instant Access With Photo ID Instead of waiting for a mailed security code, you can confirm your identity instantly by taking a live photo of yourself and an accepted government photo ID with your phone's camera. You must be 16 or older and use an original, valid ID. CRA Security Code Not Received or Expired: What to Do The CRA mails security codes within 10 business days to the address on file. If yours hasn't arrived after 10 business days, or it expired, skip the wait by verifying your identity online with the document verification service, or contact the CRA for a new code.

Frequently asked questions

How long does it take to register for a CRA account?

With the document verification service, you get full access immediately. With a mailed CRA security code, the code is mailed within 10 business days.

Can I register for someone else?

No. To help a family member or client, register for your own CRA account, add Represent a Client, and get their authorization.

Sources

North Help Desk is an independent guide, not a government website. Rules, amounts and phone hours can change; always confirm on the official page before you act. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.