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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.

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What you can do before your code arrives

Without verification you have limited access: you can see your tax return status, RRSP deduction limit and TFSA contribution room, notices of assessment and reassessment, and notification preferences. Applying for benefits and changing personal information need full access.

Step by step

  1. Wait 10 business days from your request.

    The code goes by mail to the physical address the CRA has on file.

  2. Still nothing, or it expired? Use the document verification service.

    Take a live photo of yourself and an accepted photo ID with your phone for immediate full access.

  3. Or request a new code.

    If the code expired, sign in and request a new one. If it never arrived, contact the CRA to have a new one mailed.

  4. Check your address.

    When you request a code you enter your postal code. If it doesn't match the CRA's records, you must contact the CRA to update your address first.

Phone numbers

CRA individual enquiries

1-800-959-8281

Monday to Friday, 8 am to 8 pm Eastern time

From outside Canada and the U.S.: 1-613-940-8495 (collect calls through an operator)

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. 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 My Account: Limited Access vs Full Access Until your identity is verified, CRA My Account gives limited access: tax return status, RRSP and TFSA room, notices of assessment and notification preferences. Full access, needed to apply for benefits or change personal information, comes after the document verification service or your mailed security code.

Frequently asked questions

Does the security code expire?

Yes, it has an expiry date. Use it before then, or request a new one or use the document verification service.

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.