Canadian Passport Applications

*Updated April 2015

Canadian Passport Application: Online Forms

Many people question where to get Canadian passport applications and how to complete the process of renewing or obtaining a passport. Research can easily be done on travel.gc.ca, The Government of Canada website, but we’ve done a quick round-up to give you the basics.

In short, Canadian passport applications can be found online but must be submitted in person or by mail. Fees range from $57 (for children under 15) to $160 for 10-year adult passports. Here’s how to apply:

Adult Passport Renewal

Complete your Canadian passport application online, using this form. Print it and sign each page. Include with your application your most recent passport and two identical passport photos (one with the name and address of the photographer and the date the photos were taken), as well as the required fees.

Your current passport must be:

Valid or expired for no more than one year
In the same name as current application

Must not be:

Damaged or reported lost or stolen
A passport from when you were younger than 16 years old

Adult Application (16 years of age and older)

Complete your Canadian passport application online, using this form (note, this form is different from the form above). Print it and sign each page. Include with your application:

Original proof of Canadian citizenship (birth certificate or certificate of citizenship)
One document to support identity (must include your name, sex, date of birth, photo, signature, and issued from a government authority) Examples include a driver’s license, military identification, Canadian passport (if it’s still valid or has expired less than one year ago), Certificate of Indian Status, etc.
2 identical passport photos (one signed by the guarantor)
Required fees

Have your guarantor:

Complete and sign the “Declaration of Guarantor” section in your application form.
Write, “I certify this to be a true likeness of (name of application or child)” on the back of one of the passport photos and sign
Your guarantor must hold a 5-10 year valid Passport or one that has been expired for no more than one year, have known you personally for at least two years, be a Canadian citizen 18 years of age or older, and be accessible to Passport Canada for verification

You may complete a “Statutory Declaration in Lieu of Guarantor” at a Passport Canada office in the case that you do not know an eligible guarantor.

Child Application (under 16 years of age)

One of the child’s parents, the custodial parent in the case of separation or divorce, or the legal guardian can complete this Canadian passport application online using this form (note, it is different from the form above). Print it and sign each page. Include with your application:

Child’s original proof of Canadian citizenship
Proof of parentage (the long-form birth certificate that indicates the name of the parent(s) or a court-issued adoption order)
2 identical passport photos (one signed by the guarantor)
Required fees

In the case of separation or divorce, both parents must sign the application form. If you are the parent applying for your child’s passport, you cannot act as the guarantor, the other parent can. Parents do not sign the passport. Only children 11 years or older must sign their passport.

How long does it take?

Processing Canadian passport applications generally takes 10 business days if you submit the application in person and 20 business days if you submit by mail. This excludes delivery time and the drop-off day.

You can apply at a Passport Canada Office and pay an extra fee if you’d like to expedite processing for travel within the next 20 business days. Proof of travel is required for urgent service and cannot be submitted by a third party. Prices: 24 hours: $110; 2-9 business days: $50; 10 business days: $20

NOTE: Your previous passport will be void when you submit an application for a new one.

Passport Photos

Photos must be taken by a commercial photographer and follow the guidelines listed here. As of May 9, 2015, photos will be valid for six months from the date they were taken and tinted eye glasses cannot be worn. Passport photos are not hard to find; Shoppers Drug Mart passport photos or similar are sufficient.

Government of Canada Resources

Name Changes
Lost, Stolen, or Damaged Passport