Passports

How to obtain a Canadian passport

Any Canadian citizen may apply for a Canadian passport.

The following checklist will help identify the steps required to obtain a passport.

Application requirements checklist

To ensure timely processing of your application, please be sure to submit all the necessary documents with your application. To obtain a passport, you must:

1. Complete and sign all pages of the application form. (Find out where to obtain application forms).

2. Provide two identical passport photos taken within the last 12 months.

3. Have the application form and one photo signed by an eligible guarantor.

4. Provide original proof of Canadian citizenship.

5. Provide any previous Canadian travel document issued to you within the last five years such as a passport, a certificate of identity or a travel document.

6. Provide at least one document to support your identity with your current name and signature, such as a driver's licence, a provincial health care card, an old age security card, etc.

   If you submit original supporting documents, they will be returned to you. If you are submitting photocopies, your guarantor must sign and date the photocopies to indicate that the originals have been seen.

7. Place of birth: Your place of birth must be provided on the application form. If you do not wish the place of birth to appear in the passport, submit a written request. Be sure to contact the consulate or embassy of every country you plan to visit to ensure that you will be admitted if the passport does not include your place of birth.

8. For United States residents: If you were accepted into the United States as a permanent resident before February 15, 1977, you must indicate on your application form the number and date of issue of your Alien Registration Card (green or pink card). Include a copy of this card with your application form.

9. Pay the appropriate passport fee.

Important: Please indicate the date of your travel (if known) in the "Date of Travel" field provided at the top of the application form. The issuing office will do its best to accommodate your needs.

Passport and travel document services

Applying in Canada

New fees in effect as of January 1, 2005

Document	Adults 16 or over	Children
		Under 3	3 to 15
24-page passport	$87	$22	$37
48-page passport	$92	$24	$39
Travel document *	$87	$22	$37
Certificate of identity *	$127	$22	$37

How long is a passport valid for?

The period of a passport's validity will vary depending on the age of the passport holder:

• Children under three years of age: Maximum of 3 years.
• Children three to fifteen years of age: Maximum of 5 years.
• Adult passport (sixteen years old and over): Maximum of 5 years.

Can a passport be renewed?

No, you must re-apply by providing a completed application form signed by an eligible guarantor. You must also provide two identical photos and an original document of proof of Canadian citizenship, as you did when you applied for your first passport.

Do I need a visa in addition to my passport?

You will need a visa to travel to certain countries. Your travel agent or the country's embassy or consulate in Canada can advise you of this requirement. Travel information and reports are also available from Foreign Affairs Canada.

Where can I get application forms?

In Canada, passport application forms may be obtained from any Passport Canada office, post office outlet or you may obtain them on-line. View a full list of where to obtain application forms.