How to Renew a Canadian Passport

Canadian passports are issued to residents of Canada for the purpose of international travel and identification. Depending on circumstances, Canadian passports need to be renewed every 2, 5, or 10 years. Check the expiration date on your passport to learn when yours expires, and try to renew no later than one year after that date so you qualify for the simpler renewal method. If you are under 16 years old, or if your previous passport expired more than one year ago, you will need to fill out a new application form instead of a renewal form.

Steps

Using the Simplified Renewal Application

1. Check whether you qualify for renewal. Instead of going through the full application process, which includes resubmitting proof of citizenship, many Canadian adults may fill out a simplified form instead. If every item on the list below describes your situation, you may follow the instructions in this section.^[1] Otherwise, skip to the general application section.
   
   • The last time you applied for a Canadian passport or a renewal, you were at least 16 years old.
   • You own a Canadian passport that is not damaged, and has not been reported lost or stolen.
   • That same passport is either still valid or expired no more than one year ago.
   • That passport was issued to be valid for 5 or 10 years exactly. (The difference in time between the issue date and the expiration date is 5 or 10 years.)
   • Your name is still exactly the same as it appears on page 2 of that passport.
2. Print the adult simplified renewal form. Download the simplified renewal form from the Canadian government website by clicking this link. Print the form at home, or find a location near you with a publicly accessible printer. Copy shops and libraries are good places to look.
   
   • If your pdf viewer allows you to fill out forms before you print, you may do so. Type using all capital letters.
3. Fill out section 1 of the form in dark ink and capital letters. Use a black or dark blue pen to fill out section 1. This section lists personal information, such as your physical description and contact information. If you have any questions, look further down the form at section H. In certain situations, this section may require additional forms.
   
4. Fill out the remaining sections of the form. Continue to use dark ink and capital letters. Note that section 3 of the form is only required if you were born outside of Canada between February 15, 1977 and April 16, 1981. All other numbered sections are required for all applicants.
   
   • Note that a passport valid for 10 years costs additional fees, as described below and in section C of your form.
   • If you are required to fill out section 3, and you do not have a certificate of citizenship issued in 2007 or later, print and fill out this form as well.
5. Have two photos taken that match Canadian passport requirements. You are required to have a commercial photographer take your photo and give you two identical copies to include with your application. The photo should include your face and shoulders, with eyes open and a neutral expression (no smiling). It should measure 50 mm wide X 70 mm high (2 inches x 2 3/4 inches).
   
   • Any place that advertises passport photo services should be able to follow the correct instructions. If it is located outside of Canada, let them know that they should follow Canadian passport photo requirements. You may wish to print these instructions for them.
   • The back of one photo should list the name and address of the photography studio, and the date taken. You do not need the photographer's signature for a renewal application.^[2]
6. Attach your previous passport, asking for a return if necessary. You will need to mail (or give in person) your previous passport along with your application. This passport will be destroyed if you do not specify otherwise in section 2 of your renewal form.
   
   • Note: Your passport will be marked invalid as soon as the passport office receives it. If your passport contains a valid visa you intend to use for travel, include a letter stating that the visa should be returned to you intact.^[3]
7. Pay the renewal fees. If you are delivering your application in person to a passport office, you may pay in person using any credit card, debit card, prepaid card, certified cheque (not a personal cheque), or money order.. If you are mailing your application as described below, you should either fill out section D of the renewal form to pay by credit card, or include a certified cheque or money order.^[4]
   
   • Cash or personal cheques are never accepted. Debit cards are not accepted by mail. Prepaid cards may only be mailed if they include embossed (raised) lettering or numbers.^[5]
   • If you are in Canada, a 10 year passport will cost C$160, while a 5 year passport will cost C$120.
   • If you are in the United States or a U.S. territory, a 10 year passport will cost C$260, while a 5 year passport will cost C$190.
   • If you are located outside Canada and the U.S., or you wish to pay for additional services such as faster processing time or copies of documents, see this page for additional fee information. Note that not all services are available in all regions, as described in the footnotes to that page.
8. Mail these documents in one envelope or present them in person. You have now prepared a completed renewal form, two passport photos, your old passport, a method of fee payment, and any additional forms that apply to your specific situation. Check to make sure all of these documents are present.
   
   • To present in person within Canada, find a passport office or receiving agent by clicking this link. Note that a receiving agent, unlike a passport office, may charge an additional fee, and will not be able to provide all extra services, such as urgent pickup.^[6]
   • Mail documents from Canada or the U.S. to "Passport Canada Program, Gatineau QC K1A 0G3, Canada" or, if using a courier service instead of ordinary post, to "Passport Canada Program, 22 de Varennes Street, Gatineau QC J8T 8R1, Canada"/
   • If you are located outside Canada and the U.S., find the nearest consulate or embassy by clicking this link and ask them for mailing instructions.
9. Allow 10–20 days minimum for your new passport to be issued. A passport office will attempt to process your application in 10 days, while a receiving agent will likely take 20 days. This does not include the time it takes for your application and passport to travel through the mail. Your passport application may take longer if the office is receiving a large number of applications.
   
   • You may pay additional fees for Express (2–9 days processing) or Urgent (24 hour processing) if you need your passport soon.
   • If you dropped off your application in person, you are expected to return to pick the new passport up. If you mailed the application, your new passport should be mailed back to you.
10. Sign the passport once it is received. When the new passport arrives, sign with ink in the space provided on page 3. Include contact information for someone in case of emergency on page 4.
    

Using the Adult General Application Form

1. Check whether you qualify for the simpler method first. Canadians adults who are at least 16 years old who own a recently valid passport may be able to renew their passport rather than fill out a new application form. Check the requirements at the start of the Simplified Renewal section for more details. If you do not meet those requirements, continue with this method.
   
   • Applicants under 16 should use the child general application method instead.
2. Download the adult general application form. Download the form by clicking this link. If you do not have printer access or the download does not work, you may wish to request the PPTC 153 form from a local passport office instead.
   
3. Fill out the form in dark ink, using capital letters. If you are able to fill out forms on your computer's pdf viewer, you may do so before printing. Alternatively, you may print the forms first and fill them out in capital letters using black or dark blue ink.
   
   • Note: If you don't know how to fill out a section, leave it blank for now. The requirements for supporting documents and Declaration of Guarantor are described below.
4. Decide on a payment method. If you are going to a passport office in person, you may pay then using a debit credit, credit card, money order, or certified cheque (not a personal cheque). If you are mailing in an application, either include a certified cheque or money order with the application, or fill out section D, Credit Card Information. Debit cards are not accepted for mail applications. Cash and personal cheques are never accepted.
   
   • To find out how much you owe, check the official page for up to date information and additional services you can purchase. As of July 2014, a standard 10-year passport for an applicant located in Canada costs C$160, while a 5-year passport costs C$120. Fees are higher for applicants outside of Canada.
5. Have two photos taken that match Canadian passport requirements. Find a commercial photographer that offers passport photo services and request two identical copies of a new photo to include with your application. The photo should include your face and shoulders, with eyes open and a neutral expression (no smiling). It should measure 50 mm wide X 70 mm high (2 inches x 2 3/4 inches).
   
   • If the photographer is located outside of Canada, let them know that they should follow Canadian passport photo requirements. You may wish to print these instructions for them.
   • Note: The name and address of the photographer or photography service must be included on the back of one of the photos. Handwriting, stickers, or stamps are all acceptable.
6. Provide a birth certificate or proof of citizenship. Only original documents are accepted, not photocopies. If you were born within Canadian borders and have a birth certificate, it will be accepted. Otherwise, learn about your other options:^[7]
   
   • If you were born inside Canada but do not own your original birth certificate, visit this website for information on obtaining it.
   • Alternatively, submit a certificate of citizenship, which can be obtained through a separate application process
   • If you have been issued one of the following, you may submit that instead: certificate of naturalization, certificate of retention of Canadian citizenship, certificate of registration of birth abroad.
7. Submit your previous passport or another document. If using your previous passport as document to support identity, it cannot have expired longer than one year ago. Alternatively, use another government-issued, valid document with your name and signature. This document must contain your full name as it appears on your passport application.
   
   • This must be issued by a government office within Canada, not another country.
   • This document may be a photocopy instead of an original, although both sides must be photocopied.
   • Examples include a driver's license, non-driver's license, government employee ID, or certificate of Indian status.^[8]
8. Have a friend or family member complete additional requirements. This person will be your "guarantor" who certifies that you are telling the truth on your application. This must be a Canadian citizen who has known you for at least 2 years, and received their current, valid Canadian passport when they were at least 16 years old. You are not legally allowed to pay someone to be your guarantor.^[9]
   
   • The guarantor fills out section 2 of the general application form.
   • The guarantor writes the following on the back of one of your passport photos: "I certify this to be a true likeness of (your name)."
   • If you are submitting any photocopied documents (not originals), the guarantor signs and dates each page.
   • If no one qualifies to be your guarantor, request a Declaration in Lieu of Guarantor form (form number PPTC 132) by contacting a passport office as described here.
9. Include additional forms. If you have an existing passport or travel document, include it with your application. If you have changed your name or if you are replacing a lost, stolen, or damaged passport, fill out the linked forms as well.
   
10. Deliver your documents in person or by mail. To present in person within Canada, find a passport office or receiving agent by clicking this link. Note that a receiving agent, unlike a passport office, may charge an additional fee, and will not be able to provide all extra services, such as urgent pickup.^[10]
    
    • Mail documents from Canada or the U.S. to "Passport Canada Program, Gatineau QC K1A 0G3, Canada" or, if using a courier service instead of ordinary post, to "Passport Canada Program, 22 de Varennes Street, Gatineau QC J8T 8R1, Canada"/
    • If you are located outside Canada and the U.S., find the nearest consulate or embassy by clicking this link and ask them for mailing instructions.
11. Sign the new passport once you receive it. Allow at least 10–20 days for your application to be processed, plus mailing time each way. When the new passport arrives, sign with ink in the space provided on page 3. Include contact information for someone in case of emergency on page 4.
    
    • Note that you are expected to pick up your passport in person if you delivered the application in person.

Using the Child General Application Form

1. Use this method if the applicant is under 16 years old. Even if the applicant hold a previous passport, anyone under 16 must fill out the general application form instead of using the simplified renewal process.
   
2. Download the child general application form. Download the form by clicking this link. If you do not have printer access or the download does not work, you may wish to request the PPTC 155 form from a local passport office instead.
   
3. Fill out the form in dark ink, using capital letters. The child's parent or legal guardian may legally fill out the form. If you are able to fill out forms on your computer's pdf viewer, you may do so before printing. Alternatively, you may print the forms first and fill them out in capital letters using black or dark blue ink.
   
   • Note: If you don't know how to fill out a section, leave it blank for now. The requirements for supporting documents and Declaration of Guarantor are described below.
4. Decide on a payment method. If you are going to a passport office in person, you may pay then using a debit credit, credit card, money order, or certified cheque (not a personal cheque). If you are mailing in an application, either include a certified cheque or money order with the application, or fill out section D, Credit Card Information. Debit cards are not accepted for mail applications. Cash and personal cheques are never accepted.
   
   • To find out how much you owe, check the official page for up to date information and additional services you can purchase. As of July 2014, child passports for applicants located in Canada cost C$57. Child applicants located in the United States are charged C$100 instead.
5. Submit the applicant's birth certificate or proof of citizenship. You will need to submit the original document, not a copy, although it should be returned to you once the application is completed. If the applicant was born outside of Canada, you will need a certificate of registration of birth abroad, or the applicant may apply for a certificate of citizenship.
   
6. Leave the proof of parentage blank unless the legal parent has changed since the last passport was issued. You do not need to submit new proof of parentage if the proof submitted for an earlier passport still applies.
   
   • If the applicant is in the foster care system, see detailed instructions at this link.
7. Have the other parent or another relative or friend complete additional requirements. The applicant's "guarantor", or person vouching for them, must be a Canadian citizen older than 16 with a valid, adult, Canadian passport. This can be one of the applicant's parents or guardians, as long as he or she meets this requirement and is not the same person who filled out the application form.
   
   • Have the guarantor fill out the Declaration of Guarantor section of the child application form. This is section 6.
   • Have the guarantor sign the back of one passport photo, and write "I certify this to be a true likeness of (applicant's name)".^[11]
8. Include additional documents if necessary. You may need to fill out additional forms if the child is requesting a change of name or replacing a missing or damaged passport. Include custody documents or other documents relating to legal access to or guardianship over the child.
   
9. Deliver your documents in person or by mail. To present in person within Canada, find a passport office or receiving agent by clicking this link. Note that a receiving agent, unlike a passport office, may charge an additional fee, and will not be able to provide all extra services, such as urgent pickup.^[12]
   
   • Mail documents from Canada or the U.S. to "Passport Canada Program, Gatineau QC K1A 0G3, Canada" or, if using a courier service instead of ordinary post, to "Passport Canada Program, 22 de Varennes Street, Gatineau QC J8T 8R1, Canada"/
   • If you are located outside Canada and the U.S., find the nearest consulate or embassy by clicking this link and ask them for mailing instructions.
10. Learn whether the new passport should be signed. Children under 11 should leave the signature section in their new passport blank. Children over 11 should sign the signature section on page 3 only if their signature also appears, printed, on page 2. No one else should sign the child's passport.^[13]
    

Tips

• Remember to verify the accuracy of the information once the new passport is received. Check to make sure the name, address and photos are correct. If there are any errors, contact Passport Canada immediately.
• If you are located in Bermuda, American Samoa, the Midway Islands, Puerto Rico, or the US Virgin Islands, follow the instructions and fee structure for applying from the United States.
• If you wish the place of birth section to be left blank on your new passport, fill out and sign this form.
• If you wish to request a passport with a different sex listed than your previous one (male or female), include this form, which includes both French and English forms. This may result in a shorter, 2-year passport being issued. There have been reports of further difficulties involved with this process, especially if the sex section is left blank.

Warnings

• Your full face must be visible in your passport photo or your application will be denied. You may only wear head coverings or hats if they are for religious purposes and do not cover any part of your face.
• Your old passport will be destroyed unless you specifically request it to be returned.
• All documents not in English or French must be translated into one of those languages by a certified translator, or your application may be rejected.^[14]

Things You'll Need

'Note: All of these are described in more detail in the instructions. A link to the correct form for each method is provided early in each section.

• Current passport
• Correct form
• Two recent passport photos
• Fees

Sources and Citations

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