Choose the correct document and application.
| Applicant | Application | Important |
|---|---|---|
| Canadian citizen age 16+ with eligible prior adult passport | Adult renewal | Simplified: generally no guarantor, proof of citizenship or supporting ID |
| Canadian citizen age 16+ not eligible to renew | New adult passport | Proof of citizenship, ID, guarantor, 2 references and photos |
| Canadian citizen age 0–15 | New child passport each time | Child passports cannot be renewed and are valid up to 5 years |
| Protected person or eligible stateless/non-citizen PR | Refugee travel document or certificate of identity | Not a Canadian passport; eligibility and destination acceptance differ |
New adult passport and renewal use different evidence.
New application
Use current PPTC form, original proof of Canadian citizenship, supporting ID, 2 photos, a guarantor and 2 references.
Renewal
Check prior-passport issue date, validity, name and other eligibility. Two references and photos remain required; guarantor/citizenship proof normally do not.
Validity
Adults may request a 5- or 10-year passport; issuance and validity remain at Passport Program discretion.
Location
Use the instructions for Canada, the United States, or another country; forms, payment and office differ.
Child passports require custody and safety review.
- 01
A parent with decision-making responsibility or legal guardian applies. All parents/guardians should sign, and the program may contact the others.
- 02
Provide proof of citizenship, parentage and every current court order, separation, divorce, custody, parenting, mobility or guardianship document containing relevant clauses.
- 03
A deceased parent requires an official death certificate. If another parent cannot be located or consent is unsafe/impossible, contact the Passport Program for case-specific instructions.
- 04
A child passport is valid for a maximum of 5 years and remains valid after the child turns 16 until expiry; it cannot be renewed.
Photos, guarantor and references are common failure points.
Photos
Use a commercial photographer and the current Canadian dimensions, neutral expression, lighting, date/studio and guarantor requirements.
Guarantor
Must meet the process-specific eligibility, know the applicant for the required period and complete/sign the declaration and photo where required.
References
Two people who meet the rules, are not prohibited relatives/guarantor and can confirm identity; ask permission and provide reachable details.
Original documents
Submit exactly the original/copy format required and request return of a valid passport containing a visa if needed.
Select service by when the passport is needed.
The fee schedule increased March 31, 2026. Link to the live fee page rather than relying on an old amount.
| Service in Canada | Published target | Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Standard at passport office | 10 business days plus mailing | In person; standard pickup may cost extra |
| Standard at Service Canada or by mail | 20 business days plus mailing | Complete application; no imminent-travel promise |
| Express pickup | 2–9 business days | In person at an eligible office, proof of need may be requested, extra fee |
| Urgent pickup | End of next business day | Walk-in at urgent office, proof of need, extra fee |
| Weekend/statutory holiday emergency | Emergency-specific | Contact first; strict proof and additional fee |
Report a valid lost or stolen passport immediately.
- 01
Contact the Passport Program or the nearest Canadian office abroad as soon as possible; a reported document is cancelled and cannot be used if found.
- 02
For replacement of a still-valid lost/stolen document, include PPTC 203 and the additional replacement fee; damaged valid documents also require the declaration.
- 03
Give a complete explanation. Repeated loss or damage can lead to limited validity, extra scrutiny, refusal or other measures.
- 04
For theft abroad, follow local police and Canadian consular instructions and do not assume an emergency document will be issued immediately.
Citizenship proof, passport and travel document are not interchangeable.
Dual Canadian citizens
Normally need a valid Canadian passport to board a flight to Canada, subject to limited exceptions.
Citizenship certificate
Proves citizenship but is not a travel document.
PR card
Not issued to a Canadian citizen and cannot replace a Canadian passport.
Destination rules
Check the destination’s entry and passport-validity requirements before booking; some countries require months of remaining validity.
Refugee travel documents and certificates of identity are separate.
- 01
A protected person in Canada may be eligible for a refugee travel document. Certain stateless permanent residents or eligible non-citizens unable to obtain a national passport may seek a certificate of identity.
- 02
Do not use or renew a home-country passport without understanding possible refugee-status consequences.
- 03
The receiving country decides whether the document is accepted and whether a visa is required.
- 04
Use the non-Canadian travel-document form, guarantor, references, photos and supporting status evidence—not the Canadian passport form.
Official sources
Check the live form and instructions again before applying.
This guide provides general information, not legal advice. Laws, forms, fees and application methods can change.