A passport is an essential document that serves as identification and proof of citizenship. It allows individuals to travel internationally, work in foreign countries, and obtain various government services. 

Individuals may face significant challenges when attempting to cross international borders or prove their citizenship without a passport. Therefore, it is essential to understand the process of obtaining and maintaining a Canadian passport.

Here we will guide readers through the process of obtaining and maintaining a Canadian passport, including eligibility requirements, application processes, and travel regulations.

Eligibility for a Canadian Passport

To be eligible for a Canadian passport, an individual must be a Canadian citizen. Canadian citizenship can be obtained through birth or naturalization. Individuals born in Canada or abroad to Canadian parents may be eligible for Canadian citizenship by descent. 

Individuals not born in Canada or to Canadian parents must apply for Canadian citizenship through the naturalization process.

Valid Proof of Canadian Citizenship

To apply for a Canadian passport, individuals must provide valid proof of Canadian citizenship, such as a birth certificate or a certificate of Canadian citizenship.

Age Criteria for Adult and Child Passports

There are specific age criteria for obtaining adult and child passports. Adults (16 years and older) can apply for a regular five-year or ten-year passport. Children (15 years and younger) can apply for a five-year child passport.

How to Apply for a New Canadian Passport

To apply for a new Canadian passport, individuals must complete the appropriate application form, provide supporting documents, and pay the application fee. The application process can be completed in person, by mail, or online.

Adults can apply for a new passport in person at a Passport Canada office or Service Canada location, by mail, or online (if eligible).

Parents or guardians must apply for a child’s passport on behalf of the child in person at a Passport Canada office or Service Canada location or by mail.

Requirements Checklist

• All three (3) pages of the application form completed and signed within the last twelve (12) months and certified by the guarantor
• Two (2) identical and unaltered passport photos taken within the last six (6) months, one (1) certified by the guarantor
• Proof of Canadian citizenship (original only); the document will be returned to you
• Document(s) to support identity (original or copies); copies must be signed and dated by your guarantor
• Any valid Canadian travel document (passport, certificate of identity or refugee travel document) issued to you
• The fee

Application Fees (In Canada)

The application fee for a new Canadian passport varies depending on the type of passport and processing time.

Applications for passports submitted and mailed in Canada are subject to these fees.

Additional fees

• Depending on your situation, you may have to pay additional fees
• To replace a passport that has been lost or stolen
• Express processing (only available at passport offices if you apply in person)
• Standard pickup at a passport office
• Other administrative services

Expedited services fees (available only in person)

Weekend or Statutory Holiday

This service is only

Other Services

Passport Fee for Canadians Living Outside of Canada

How to Submit the Application

You can apply for a Canadian passport using the following three methods.

1. In-Person Submission

To submit an application in-person, individuals must make an appointment at a Passport Canada office or Service Canada location.

2. Mail-in Submission

To apply by mail, individuals must send the completed application form and supporting documents to Passport Canada.

3. Online Submission (if applicable)

To apply online, individuals must be eligible and create an account on the Government of Canada website.

Application Processing Times and Expediting Options

The processing time for a new Canadian passport varies depending on the type of passport and the processing option selected. Expediting options are available for an additional fee.

Renewing an Existing Canadian Passport

If you have a Canadian passport that is about to expire or has already expired, you should apply for a renewal as soon as possible. 

It is recommended that you apply for renewal at least six months before your passport’s expiration date, as some countries require visitors to have at least six months of validity on their passports to enter.

The renewal process for a Canadian passport is fairly straightforward. You can apply for a renewal online, by mail, or in person at a passport office or Service Canada location. 

The application requires you to provide information about yourself, your previous passport, and your citizenship. You will also need to provide a passport photo that meets specific requirements.

Documents Required For Renewal

To renew your Canadian passport, you will need to provide the following documents:

• Your previous Canadian passport
• A passport photo that meets specific requirements
• Your completed passport application form
• Proof of Canadian citizenship (if you were born outside of Canada)
• Any relevant legal documents (e.g. marriage certificate, divorce decree) if your name has changed since your last passport application

Payment can be made by credit card (online or in person), debit card (in person), certified cheque or money order (by mail), or cash (in person).

Replacing a Lost, Stolen, or Damaged Canadian Passport

If your Canadian passport has been lost or stolen, you should report it to the Government of Canada immediately. You can do this online or by calling the Passport Program’s toll-free number at 1-800-567-6868. Reporting a lost or stolen passport will help protect you against identity theft and fraud.

Replacing a damaged passport

If your Canadian passport has been damaged, you may need to replace it. If the damage is minor, such as a torn cover or a loose page, you may still be able to use your passport for travel. However, if the damage is more severe, such as water damage or a missing page, you must replace your passport.

Required documents for replacement

To replace a lost, stolen, or damaged Canadian passport, you will need to provide the following documents:

• A completed passport application form
• Your passport photo that meets specific requirements
• A police report (if your passport was stolen)
• Any relevant legal documents (e.g. marriage certificate, divorce decree) if your name has changed since your last passport application
• A signed statement explaining how your passport was lost, stolen, or damaged

Replacement fees and processing times

The fees for replacing a Canadian passport are the same as those for renewing a passport. Standard processing times for a replacement passport are typically 20 business days. You can choose to expedite your application for an additional fee:

• Express service (10 business days): $110
• Urgent service (2-9 business days): $190

Please note that processing times may vary depending on the volume of applications being processed. Visit the Government of Canada’s Passport website for more information on replacing a lost, stolen, or damaged Canadian passport.

Traveling with a Canadian Passport

As a Canadian passport holder, you have visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to over 185 countries worldwide, including popular destinations such as the United States, the United Kingdom, Mexico, and many others. 

However, some countries do require Canadians to obtain a visa before arrival. It is important to check the entry requirements for your destination country before you travel.

Passport Validity Rules for International Travel

Many countries require visitors to have at least six months of validity on their passports to enter. It is important to check the entry requirements for your destination country and ensure that your passport will still be valid for at least six months beyond your planned departure date.

Smart Tips for Keeping Your Passport Safe While Traveling

Your passport is one of the most important documents you will carry while traveling. Here are some smart tips for keeping it safe:

• Keep your passport in a secure location, such as a hotel safe or a money belt
• Make a photocopy of your passport and keep it separate from your actual passport
• Consider purchasing a passport cover to protect your passport from damage
• Be aware of your surroundings and keep your passport out of sight when not needed
• If you lose your passport while traveling, report it immediately to the nearest Canadian embassy or consulate.

NEXUS card and other trusted traveler programs for Canadians

As a Canadian passport holder, you may be eligible for the NEXUS program, which allows for expedited clearance at border crossings between Canada and the United States. 

Other trusted traveler programs available to Canadians include Global Entry and SENTRI. These programs require a separate application and fee, and eligibility requirements vary.

Please visit the Government of Canada’s Travel website for more information on traveling with a Canadian passport, including visa requirements and trusted traveler programs.

Frequently Asked Questions 

Name changes on a passport

If your name has changed since your last passport application, you must provide legal documentation to support the name change. This may include a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. 

Child custody and consent issues

If you are traveling with a child and you are not the child’s parent or legal guardian, you may need to provide additional documentation to show that you have the necessary consent to travel with the child. 

Special circumstances (e.g., dual citizenship, refugee travel documents)

If you have dual citizenship or hold a refugee travel document, there may be additional requirements or restrictions when applying for a Canadian passport.