Canadian Passport Application for Adults and Children: Inside and Outside Canada

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:

      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

            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.

            

            A Statutory Declaration in Lieu of Guarantor (Form PPTC 326)

            Read More Here

            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.

            

            Schedule Your Appointment

            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
            Schedule Your Appointment

            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
                  • • 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.