How to apply for an adult passport in Canada


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A Canadian passport is a travel document that Canadian citizens can apply for.

If you already have an adult passport, you may be able to renew your adult passport. Renewing a passport is simpler than applying for a new one.

Find out if you should renew your passport instead of applying for a new one.

We’re issuing new passport booklets as of June 18, 2023

Until we finish installing the printers for the new passports in all offices, you may still get the current passport when you apply. By spring 2024, we’ll just be issuing the new passports.

If you have a valid passport already, it’s still secure and reliable. You don’t need to apply for a new one.

Forms, instructions and fees

Answer the questions below. We’ll then

  • give you all the forms you need
  • tell you how to submit your application
  • show the costs for different passport services

You need to contact us as soon as possible to report the theft or loss of your previous passport.

1. Complete the form

To save time, complete the form on your computer. Sign each page of the application.

Including your email address makes it easier to check the status of your application online after you apply.

If your passport is lost or stolen but still valid

Since your passport is still valid, you also need to

If your passport is damaged but still valid

Since your passport is still valid, you also need to add a complete declaration concerning a lost, stolen, inaccessible, damaged or found Canadian travel document (PDF, 1.33 MB) to your application.

If your passport has a valid visa in it

Tell us on your form if you need the visa and want your original passport back. If you don’t, the visa could be damaged when the previous passport is cancelled.

Instructions and tips
  • To save time, complete the form on your computer.
  • Read the instructions at the end of the form to make sure you complete it properly.
  • Sign each page of the application.
  • If the term “mother’s surname” doesn’t apply to you
    • cross it out on the form and write “parent’s surname at birth”
    • fill in the field with the surname (last name) at birth of 1 parent
      and
    • write your initials in the margin

 Avoid this mistake

Don’t forget to tell us if you want a 5 or 10 year passport under section 4 of the form (Period of validity).

2. Gather all necessary documents and get your passport photos

Include the following documents with your application form:

  •  proof of Canadian citizenship
    • This can be a birth certificate or citizenship certificate.
      • If you have a paper certificate, it must be the original document, not a photocopy.
      • If you have a citizenship e-certificate, you must attach a printed copy.
  •  any valid Canadian passport or other travel document (refugee travel document or certificate of identity) issued to you
  •  a document to support your identity
    • This can be a photocopy or the original.
      • If you want to use a photocopy of your ID, make sure you show both sides and have it signed and dated by your guarantor or signing official.
  •  2 identical passport photos
    • On the back of one of the photos, the photographer must write
      • their name
      • their complete address
      • the date the photos were taken
    • Your guarantor must also sign the back of this photo.
    • Read the full photo requirements for more information.

All your documents must be in either English or French. If a document is in another language, you must provide an official translation(opens in a new tab) .

3. Find 2 references

You need to include 2 references(opens in a new tab)  to include on your application.

  • They must have known you for at least 2 years.
  • They cannot be a family member.

4. Call us and pay the fees (weekend or statutory holiday)

Call us ahead of time at 1-800-567-6868 to find out how to submit the application. We answer calls Monday to Friday

  • 8:30 am to 5 pm (your local time)
  • 9:00 am to 5:30 pm (Newfoundland)
  • except for statutory holidays

You must provide proof that you need the passport.

Paying your fees

Your fees depend on what services you’re getting and how you’re applying.

To get the weekend or statutory holiday service, you need to pay an additional $335.

Fees for family members using the weekend or statutory holiday service

If you need the weekend or holiday service for your family members at the same time, you need to pay an urgent service fee of $110 per family member.

For example, if you apply for a 10-year passport for yourself and a 5-year passport for your child, the fees will be

  • $160 for your passport
  • $335 for your weekend or statutory holiday service
  • $57 for the child’s passport
  • $110 for the child’s urgent service
Fees and methods of payment for in-Canada applications (opens in a new tab) 

You won’t receive a refund for the service fee if you

  • cancel your application
  • are refused a travel document
  • are issued a passport for a shorter validity period than requested
    • For example, if we issue a passport that’s valid for less than 5 years, despite you applying for a 5- or 10-year passport.
      • This may happen if you’ve lost your passport multiple times.

Only the consular fees, which apply to all adult applications, are refundable if a passport is not issued.

5. Get your passport

The pickup date will be indicated on your receipt.

You can send someone else to pick up your passport if they have

  • valid identification and
  • something in writing from you saying they’re allowed to
If you have a NEXUS card

When you get your new passport, make sure your personal information is up to date(opens in a new tab)  in the Trusted Traveler Programs (TTP) System.

1. Complete the form

To save time, complete the form on your computer. Sign each page of the application.

Including your email address makes it easier to check the status of your application online after you apply.

If your passport is lost or stolen but still valid

Since your passport is still valid, you also need to

If your passport is damaged but still valid

Since your passport is still valid, you also need to add a complete declaration concerning a lost, stolen, inaccessible, damaged or found Canadian travel document (PDF, 1.33 MB) to your application.

If your passport has a valid visa in it

Tell us on your form if you need the visa and want your original passport back. If you don’t, the visa could be damaged when the previous passport is cancelled.

Instructions and tips
  • To save time, complete the form on your computer.
  • Read the instructions at the end of the form to make sure you complete it properly.
  • Sign each page of the application.
  • If the term “mother’s surname” doesn’t apply to you
    • cross it out on the form and write “parent’s surname at birth”
    • fill in the field with the surname (last name) at birth of 1 parent
      and
    • write your initials in the margin

 Avoid this mistake

Don’t forget to tell us if you want a 5 or 10 year passport under section 4 of the form (Period of validity).

2. Gather all necessary documents and get your passport photos

Include the following documents with your application form:

  •  proof of Canadian citizenship
    • This can be a birth certificate or citizenship certificate.
      • If you have a paper certificate, it must be the original document, not a photocopy.
      • If you have a citizenship e-certificate, you must attach a printed copy.
  •  any valid Canadian passport or other travel document (refugee travel document or certificate of identity) issued to you
  •  a document to support your identity
    • This can be a photocopy or the original.
      • If you want to use a photocopy of your ID, make sure you show both sides and have it signed and dated by your guarantor or signing official.
  •  2 identical passport photos
    • On the back of one of the photos, the photographer must write
      • their name
      • their complete address
      • the date the photos were taken
    • Your guarantor must also sign the back of this photo.
    • Read the full photo requirements for more information.

All your documents must be in either English or French. If a document is in another language, you must provide an official translation(opens in a new tab) .

3. Find 2 references

You need to include 2 references(opens in a new tab)  to include on your application.

  • They must have known you for at least 2 years.
  • They cannot be a family member.

4. Submit your application and pay your fees

If you need your passport by end of next business day

Paying your fees

Your fees depend on what services you’re getting and how you’re applying.

Fees and methods of payment for in-Canada applications (opens in a new tab)

You won’t receive a refund for the service fee if you

  • cancel your application
  • are refused a travel document
  • are issued a passport for a shorter validity period than requested
    • For example, if we issue a passport that’s valid for less than 5 years, despite you applying for a 5- or 10-year passport.
      • This may happen if you’ve lost your passport multiple times.

Only the consular fees(opens in a new tab) , which apply to all adult applications, are refundable if a passport is not issued.

5. Get your passport

The pickup date will be indicated on your receipt.

You can send someone else to pick up your passport if they have

  • valid identification and
  • something in writing from you saying they’re allowed to
If you have a NEXUS card

When you get your new passport, make sure your personal information is up to date(opens in a new tab)  in the Trusted Traveler Programs (TTP) System.

1. Complete the form

To save time, complete the form on your computer. Sign each page of the application.

Including your email address makes it easier to check the status of your application online after you apply.

If your passport is lost or stolen but still valid

Since your passport is still valid, you also need to

If your passport is damaged but still valid

Since your passport is still valid, you also need to add a complete declaration concerning a lost, stolen, inaccessible, damaged or found Canadian travel document (PDF, 1.33 MB) to your application.

If your passport has a valid visa in it

Tell us on your form if you need the visa and want your original passport back. If you don’t, the visa could be damaged when the previous passport is cancelled.

Instructions and tips
  • To save time, complete the form on your computer.
  • Read the instructions at the end of the form to make sure you complete it properly.
  • Sign each page of the application.
  • If the term “mother’s surname” doesn’t apply to you
    • cross it out on the form and write “parent’s surname at birth”
    • fill in the field with the surname (last name) at birth of 1 parent
      and
    • write your initials in the margin

 Avoid this mistake

Don’t forget to tell us if you want a 5 or 10 year passport under section 4 of the form (Period of validity).

2. Gather all necessary documents and get your passport photos

Include the following documents with your application form:

  •  proof of Canadian citizenship
    • This can be a birth certificate or citizenship certificate.
      • If you have a paper certificate, it must be the original document, not a photocopy.
      • If you have a citizenship e-certificate, you must attach a printed copy.
  •  any valid Canadian passport or other travel document (refugee travel document or certificate of identity) issued to you
  •  a document to support your identity
    • This can be a photocopy or the original.
      • If you want to use a photocopy of your ID, make sure you show both sides and have it signed and dated by your guarantor or signing official.
  •  2 identical passport photos
    • On the back of one of the photos, the photographer must write
      • their name
      • their complete address
      • the date the photos were taken
    • Your guarantor must also sign the back of this photo.
    • Read the full photo requirements for more information.

All your documents must be in either English or French. If a document is in another language, you must provide an official translation(opens in a new tab) .

3. Find 2 references

You need to include 2 references(opens in a new tab)  to include on your application.

  • They must have known you for at least 2 years.
  • They cannot be a family member.

4. Submit your application and pay your fees

If you’re applying in person and need your passport in 2 to 9 business days

You may need to provide proof that you need the passport.

By appointment

You can book your appointment online  (opens in a new tab).

Some locations are seeing high demand for appointments. Appointment availability may vary.

Without an appointment (walk-in)

Go to a passport office with express pick-up service (opens in a new tab) .

You can check walk-in wait times(opens in a new tab)  before you go.

If the location is busy, we may prioritize people who need a passport within 48 hours.

Paying your fees

Your fees depend on what services you’re getting and how you’re applying.

Fees and methods of payment for in-Canada applications (opens in a new tab)

You won’t receive a refund for the service fee if you

  • cancel your application
  • are refused a travel document
  • are issued a passport for a shorter validity period than requested
    • For example, if we issue a passport that’s valid for less than 5 years, despite you applying for a 5- or 10-year passport.
      • This may happen if you’ve lost your passport multiple times.

Only the consular fees(opens in a new tab) , which apply to all adult applications, are refundable if a passport is not issued.

5. Get your passport

The pickup date will be indicated on your receipt.

You can send someone else to pick up your passport if they have

  • valid identification and
  • something in writing from you saying they’re allowed to
If you have a NEXUS card

When you get your new passport, make sure your personal information is up to date(opens in a new tab)  in the Trusted Traveler Programs (TTP) System.

1. Complete the form

To save time, complete the form on your computer. Sign each page of the application.

Including your email address makes it easier to check the status of your application online after you apply.

If your passport is lost or stolen but still valid

Since your passport is still valid, you also need to

If your passport is damaged but still valid

Since your passport is still valid, you also need to add a complete declaration concerning a lost, stolen, inaccessible, damaged or found Canadian travel document (PDF, 1.33 MB) to your application.

If your passport has a valid visa in it

Tell us on your form if you need the visa and want your original passport back. If you don’t, the visa could be damaged when the previous passport is cancelled.

Instructions and tips
  • To save time, complete the form on your computer.
  • Read the instructions at the end of the form to make sure you complete it properly.
  • Sign each page of the application.
  • If the term “mother’s surname” doesn’t apply to you
    • cross it out on the form and write “parent’s surname at birth”
    • fill in the field with the surname (last name) at birth of 1 parent
      and
    • write your initials in the margin

 Avoid this mistake

Don’t forget to tell us if you want a 5 or 10 year passport under section 4 of the form (Period of validity).

2. Gather all necessary documents and get your passport photos

Include the following documents with your application form:

  •  proof of Canadian citizenship
    • This can be a birth certificate or citizenship certificate.
      • If you have a paper certificate, it must be the original document, not a photocopy.
      • If you have a citizenship e-certificate, you must attach a printed copy.
  •  any valid Canadian passport or other travel document (refugee travel document or certificate of identity) issued to you
  •  a document to support your identity
    • This can be a photocopy or the original.
      • If you want to use a photocopy of your ID, make sure you show both sides and have it signed and dated by your guarantor or signing official.
  •  2 identical passport photos
    • On the back of one of the photos, the photographer must write
      • their name
      • their complete address
      • the date the photos were taken
    • Your guarantor must also sign the back of this photo.
    • Read the full photo requirements for more information.

All your documents must be in either English or French. If a document is in another language, you must provide an official translation(opens in a new tab) .

3. Find 2 references

You need to include 2 references(opens in a new tab)  to include on your application.

  • They must have known you for at least 2 years.
  • They cannot be a family member.

4. Submit your application and pay your fees

If you’re applying in person and need your passport in 10-20 business days

By appointment

You can book your appointment online (opens in a new tab) .

Some locations are seeing high demand for appointments. Appointment availability may vary.

Without an appointment (walk-in)

You can also get walk-in services at a Service Canada Centre or a passport office (opens in a new tab) .

If the location is busy, we may prioritize people who need a passport within 48 hours.

Someone else can submit your application for you if you can’t go yourself. Learn more about who can submit a passport application on your behalf (opens in a new tab) .

Submit the application by mail from Alberta, Manitoba, Ontario, Quebec or Saskatchewan

Service standards don’t include mailing time. Mailing times vary across the country.

Use a certified courier or traceable mail service to reduce the delivery time of your application and help protect your documents.

Mailing address (non-courier)

Government of Canada
Passport Program
Gatineau, Quebec  K1A 0G3

Courier address

Government of Canada
Passport Program
22 De Varennes Street
Gatineau, Quebec  J8T 8R1

Submit the application by mail from British Columbia, Northwest Territories, Nunavut or Yukon

Service standards don’t include mailing time. Mailing times vary across the country.

Use a certified courier or traceable mail service to reduce the delivery time of your application and help protect your documents.

Mailing address (non-courier)

Government of Canada
Passport Program
PO Box 4000 STN LCD 3
Mississauga, Ontario  L5K 0A9

Courier address

Government of Canada
Passport Program
22 De Varennes Street
Gatineau, Quebec  J8T 8R1

Submit the application by mail from New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia or Prince Edward Island

Service standards don’t include mailing time. Mailing times vary across the country.

Use a certified courier or traceable mail service to reduce the delivery time of your application and help protect your documents.

Mailing address (non-courier)

Government of Canada
Passport Program
Gatineau, Quebec  K1A 0G3

Courier address

Government of Canada
Passport Program
22 De Varennes Street
Gatineau, Quebec  J8T 8R1

Paying your fees

Your fees depend on what services you’re getting and how you’re applying.

Fees and methods of payment for in-Canada applications (opens in a new tab)

You won’t receive a refund for the service fee if you

  • cancel your application
  • are refused a travel document
  • are issued a passport for a shorter validity period than requested
    • For example, if we issue a passport that’s valid for less than 5 years, despite you applying for a 5- or 10-year passport.
      • This may happen if you’ve lost your passport multiple times.

Only the consular fees(opens in a new tab) , which apply to all adult applications, are refundable if a passport is not issued.

5. Get your passport

When your passport is processed, it will be mailed to you unless you paid for pick-up service. Mail time is usually 5 business days, but it can vary across the country.

While you’re waiting for your passport, you can check the status of your application online (opens in a new tab)  for instant updates.

If you applied by mail

Any original documents you submitted will be mailed back to you. They may be in a separate package than your passport.

If you paid for a pickup service

The pickup date will be indicated on your receipt.

You can send someone else to pick up your passport if they have

  • valid identification and
  • something in writing from you saying they’re allowed to

If you’re moving, but haven’t received your passport yet

Contact us to update your mailing address if you

  • haven’t received your passport and
  • are moving within 30 days of submitting your application

If you have a community mailbox, make sure you check it before you contact us about your application.

If you have a NEXUS card

When you get your new passport, make sure your personal information is up to date(opens in a new tab)  in the Trusted Traveler Programs (TTP) System.

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