Whether from government departments or agencies, financial institutions, educational institutions, or companies, official or important documents are issued to you your entire life. Some of them must remain in your personal archives permanently. Others have a much shorter "shelf life." Here’s how long you must keep them.
For 6 months or less
- Monthly banking card or credit card statements.
- Receipts for upkeep or repair of an item that is not covered by a warranty or contract
Do you own a building or a vehicle?
Keeps receipts for repairs, upkeep or major work as long as you’re the owner.
For 3 years
- Invoices or statements for basic services (phone, internet, cable, electricity, natural gas)
- Municipal or school tax accounts or receipts
- Receipts for undeclared professional fees
For 6 years
- Tax returns and all supporting documents
- Statements of instalment payments or of the GST or QST
- Discharges of debt or mortgage
- Pay slips
- Documents concerning employment insurance or family allowances
- Chequebooks and cheques
For as long as the document is valid or until it is replaced
- Passport
- Document attesting to immigration or residency status
- Driver’s licence
- Health insurance card
For the period covered by a contract, warranty or certificate
- Leases or notices of an amended lease
- Guaranteed investment, term deposit or bond certificates
- Statements of student loans and bursaries
- Warranties for a good or service
- Receipts for the purchase, upkeep or repair of a good under guarantee or for which there is a contract
- Credit agreements
- Insurance policies
- Contracts for purchasing or leasing a good
- Service contracts
- Membership contracts
- Employment contracts
Is a claim underway?
Keep your documents, even expired ones, while claims are pending.
For life
- Act of birth, birth certificate, or marriage certificate
- Citizenship certificate
- Vaccination record
- Transcripts or report cards
- Diploma or certificate of studies
- Marriage, civil union or cohabitation contract
- Separation or divorce judgement or settlement
- Property purchase or sale contract
- Will or protection mandate
- Act or certificate of death of a loved one
Are you having problems with Government of Québec services?
Have you noticed a mistake or a delay in processing your request, or are you dissatisfied with the services provided? Contact the Protecteur du citoyen. We handle complaints about Government of Québec departments and agencies. Our services are free and confidential.
