What is a Canadian passport?
A Canadian passport is an official travel document issued by the Government of Canada to Canadian citizens for the purpose of international travel.
Canadian citizenship is conferred either by birth in Canada, by descent through having an Canadian parent, or by naturalization in Canada through immigration.
How long is a Canadian passport valid?
For Canadian citizens who are 16 years of age or older, Canadian passport is valid for 5 or 10 years. A child’s passport is valid for 5 years.
How long will it take to get my passport after I apply?
Steps to apply for a New Canadian Passport inside Canada
Step 1: Complete the application form. Download it from here
Step 2: Gather your documents:
- proof of Canadian citizenship
- a guarantor to sign your application, 1 of your passport photos and all copies of your supporting identity documents
- 2 identical passport photos certified by your guarantor
- certified documents confirming your identity.
Step 3: Find 2 references who have known you for at least 2 years to list on your passport application.
Step 4: Submit your passport application and supporting documents: You can submit the application, supporting documents and required fees in two ways:
- By Mail
Mailing address (Canada Post)
Government of Canada
Passport Program
Gatineau, Quebec K1A 0G3
Courier address
Government of Canada
Passport Program
22 de Varennes Street
Gatineau, Quebec J8T 8R1
- In person at a participating Passport Canada office, Service Canada Centre or a post office.
How to Renew a Canadian Passport Inside Canada
Canadian passports can be renewed using the same method in either Canada or the United States.
Step 1: Complete the application form PPTC 054. You can download the form here
Step 2: Gather your documents:
- your most recent passport
- 2 identical passport photos
- On the back of one of the photos, the photographer must write
- their name
- their complete address and
- the date the photos were taken
- On the back of one of the photos, the photographer must write
Step 3: Find 2 references who have known you for at least 2 years to list on your passport application.
Step 4: Submit your passport renewal application and supporting documents: You can submit the application, supporting documents and required fees in two ways, by mail and in-person at a participating Passport Canada office, Service Canada Centre or a post office.
Only original documents are accepted and they will be returned to you.
Who can I use as references on my passport application?
Any two persons who are NOT a family member or relative and who have known you for at least 2 years. These references should be Canadian citizens or permanent residents. It is also recommended that you choose references who are easy to reach and will be available to respond to a request from Passport Canada. to confirm your identity.
What is a Guarantor?
If you are applying for a new Canadian Passport you will need a guarantor to confirm your identity.
The guarantor must:
- be able to communicate in English or French;
- have known you personally for at least two (2) years. Meaning that the guarantor is able to confirm aspects of the applicant’s personal attributes such as name, approximate age, place of birth, physical description, and some personal history such as occupation and place of residence.
- be a Canadian citizen 18 years of age or older
- be accessible to Passport Canada for verification.
What does a Guarantor do?
Your guarantor must perform the following three (3) tasks free of charge:
- Complete and sign the “Declaration of Guarantor” section of the passport application form;
- Write, “I certify this to be a true likeness of (your name)” on the back of one of the passport photos and sign it;
- Sign and date a copy of each document to support your identity.
What if you do not have a Guarantor?
If you do not have a Guarantor, you can explore the other available option which is to complete the Statutory Declaration in Lieu of Guarantor (Form PPTC 132) and get it certified.
Do I need to send in my Birth Certificate or my Citizenship Card/Certificate when applying for a passport?
If you are applying for a new Canadian passport, you need to submit the original copy of your proof of Canadian Citizenship (e.g. Canadian Birth certificate or Canadian citizenship certificate/card).
However, you do not submit your birth certificate or citizenship card/certificate when you are renewing your passport. You must send in your current valid passport.
Can I travel after I submit my application?
No. Once you submit your application you can no longer use your passport to travel so it is always advised not to make any travel plans until you receive your new passport.
How much is the fee?
Fees for applications Inside Canada Outside Canada
- 5-year adult passport (age 16 or over) $120 $190
- 10-year adult passport (age 16 or over) $160 $260
- Child passport (0 to 15 years of age) $57 $100
What additional fees I may pay?
You may need to pay extra fees on top of the fees above if you need
- to replace a lost or stolen passport
- urgent and express processing (only available if you apply in person at a passport office)
- standard pickup at a passport office
- other administrative services
Can I apply for urgent application processing?
Yes! You can request for expedited service for additional fee. It is only available if you apply in person at a passport office.
Fees for expediated services inside Canada
- Urgent pickup (by the end of the next business day) $110
- Express pickup (within 2 to 9 business days) $50
- Standard pickup (on or after 10 business days) $20
How to Renew a Canadian Passport Outside Canada or the US for Adults
Step 1: Complete the application form PPTC 040. You can download the form here
Step 2: Gather the documents to submit with your passport application:
- proof of Canadian citizenship (ORIGINAL ONLY)
- a document to support your identity
- 2 identical passport photos
- On the back of one of the photos, the photographer must write
- their name
- their complete address and
- the date the photos were taken
- Your guarantor must also sign the back of this photo.
- On the back of one of the photos, the photographer must write
- any valid Canadian passport or travel document (refugee travel document or certificate of identity) issued in your current name or any other name of yours
Step 3: Find a Guarantor and 2 References:
Step 4: Pay your fees:
For Canadian passport applications made outside of Canada and the US, you need to pay your fees before you submit your application. See fees here
Step 5: Submit your application to the nearest Canadian consulate or Embassy.
After you pay, include your receipt with your application and submit it to your nearest Canadian embassy or consulate.
You don’t need a guarantor if you’re renewing a passport.
APPLICATION FOR A CHILD PASSPORT
Can I renew a Child Passport?
You can’t renew a child passport. When the child turns 16, they can apply for a new adult passport. Until then, you need to apply for a new child passport when it expires.
How long is a child passport valid?
A child passport is valid for a maximum of 5 years. It’s valid until it reaches its expiry date, even after the child turns 16.
Does my child need a passport to travel to the US by land or sea?
Children 15 and under don’t need a passport to enter the United States or return to Canada by land or sea.
Documents you can use instead of a passport:
- original or copy of their birth certificate
- It should be issued by the vital statistics department from the province or territory where they were born.
- original Canadian citizenship certificate
- Canadian citizenship card
When they turn 16, they need a passport if they’re going to enter the US.
Who can apply for a child passport?
To apply for a child passport, you must be one of the following:
- one of the child’s parents (if you’re not separated or divorced)
- the parent who has custody of the child (if you are separated or divorced) with the correct documentation
- Include all documents (including any divorce judgment) about the child’s custody, mobility or access.
- the child’s legal guardian, with the correct documentation
- Include all legal documents proving your legal guardianship of the child.
All parents or legal guardians should sign the application form.
What if I am worried that someone might apply for a passport for my child without my consent?
If you’re worried someone might try to get a passport for your child without your consent, enter here to add your child’s name to the passport system lookout.
Once on the list, the child’s name will remain there until
- they turn 16, at which time they can apply for an adult passport on their own, or
- you, the parent or legal guardian of the child, send us a written request to have their name removed from the list
How to pay my Canadian passport fees in Canada
Online – you can’t pay online for in-Canada services.
Apply in person
You can pay using any of the following:
- credit card or prepaid card (Visa®, MasterCard® or American Express®)
- debit card
- certified cheque or money order (postal or bank)
Apply by mail
Fill out the payment section on your application form with any of the following:
- a credit card (Visa®, MasterCard® or American Express®)
- an embossed prepaid card that has raised letters or numbers (Visa®, MasterCard® or American Express®)
- a certified cheque or money order (postal or bank)
Passport Canada does not accept cash or personal cheques.
How Can All-Canada Notary Help You?
All-Canada Notary is a network of notaries public. We can notarize the forms related to the Canadian passport application.
At All-Canada Notary, we operate physical and virtual notary services. You can book your appointment online, use our online notary service or walk into any of our in-person locations any day.
