Apply for a Canadian Passport
Once you become a Canadian citizen, you can apply for a passport. As of April 1, 2026, the government offers a 30-business-day processing guarantee or your fee is refunded.
Who Can Apply
Only Canadian citizens can apply for a Canadian passport. Permanent residents and other non-citizens cannot. If you are a permanent resident, your passport for international travel is the one issued by your country of citizenship, used together with your PR card to re-enter Canada.
Children under 16 need a parent or legal guardian to apply on their behalf. Both parents must consent unless one parent has sole custody (proven with a court order).
New vs Renewal
Most newcomers will be applying for their first Canadian passport (a "new adult passport"). If you already have a passport, you may be able to renew it through a much simpler process.
Renew (If Eligible)
Available if your most recent passport: was issued when you were 16 or older, was issued in the past 15 years, has not been damaged, lost, or stolen, has your current name. You can renew online with no guarantor or supporting documents needed.
Check renewal eligibility →New Application
Required if you have never had a passport, your last passport expired more than 15 years ago, your last passport was lost or stolen, or your name has changed. You need a guarantor and proof of citizenship.
Read the new application guide →Required Documents (New Application)
1. Proof of Canadian citizenship (one of):
2. Supporting identification:
One piece of valid Canadian government-issued ID with your name, date of birth, and signature. Examples: Ontario driver's licence, Ontario Photo Card, provincial health card with photo, or another federally-issued document. Foreign IDs are not accepted as primary support.
3. Two passport photos:
Specific size and quality requirements (50mm wide x 70mm tall, taken within the past 6 months, plain white background, neutral expression, no glasses). Most pharmacies and photo studios offer "passport photos" service for $15 to $25, including pairs that meet government specs. One of the photos must be signed on the back by your guarantor.
4. Two references:
Two people who have known you for at least 2 years and can confirm your identity. They cannot be family members. They must be Canadian citizens or permanent residents reachable by phone. Provide their name, address, phone, and how long they have known you.
5. Guarantor:
A guarantor must be a Canadian passport holder with a passport issued in the past 5 years (or expired less than 1 year ago), known you for at least 2 years, and is not a family member or your spouse. The guarantor signs your application form and the back of one passport photo. If you cannot find a guarantor who meets these requirements, you can complete a "Statutory Declaration in Lieu of Guarantor" form (PPTC 132) signed in front of a notary public or commissioner of oaths.
6. Application fee payment:
$163.50 for a 10-year adult passport, $113.50 for a 5-year adult passport. Pay with credit card (Visa, Mastercard, or Amex), debit card (in person only), certified cheque, or money order. Service Canada does not accept cash or personal cheques.
Three Ways to Apply
If you qualify for renewal (most adult Canadians who got their last passport when 16+ and within the past 15 years), the Online Renewal Portal is the simplest option. You stay home, upload a digital photo, and pay online.
Note: Online renewal is for renewals only, not first-time applications. New applicants must apply in person or by mail.
Two types of in-person locations exist:
How to apply in person:
Mail applications take about 20 business days from the day Service Canada receives your envelope. Mail in your completed application, both photos (one signed by your guarantor), proof of citizenship, supporting ID, and certified cheque or money order to:
Gatineau QC K1A 0G3
Canada
Use a tracked mail service so you can confirm delivery. Service Canada is not liable for lost mail. Your original documents (citizenship certificate or birth certificate) are returned with your new passport.
Note: Avoid mail applications if you have any urgency. The fastest route is in person at a passport office.
Fees (As of March 31, 2026)
The 30-Day Guarantee
As of April 1, 2026, the federal government introduced a service guarantee on passport processing. If your complete application takes more than 30 business days to process (excluding mailing time), the government will automatically refund your application fee by cheque.
"Complete" means your application included all required documents, photos, and payment. Applications returned for missing items do not count toward the 30-day clock until you resubmit them properly.
The refund is automatic. You do not need to apply or fight for it. If your application qualifies, the cheque arrives in the mail with no further action on your part.
Urgent and Express Services
Three faster options exist if you need a passport before the standard 10 to 20 business days:
Express service (next business day pickup, +$110):
Apply at a passport office before the daily cutoff. Your passport is ready for pickup the next business day. Available only at full passport offices, not regular Service Canada Centres. You must show proof of travel within the next few days.
Urgent service (2 to 9 business days, +$50):
Apply at a passport office. Your passport is ready in 2 to 9 business days. You must show proof of travel within those days (flight booking, etc.).
Emergency passport (same day, additional fees vary):
For genuine emergencies (death of a family member abroad, urgent medical situation, etc.). Call 1-800-567-6868 to arrange. Available outside business hours and on weekends with extra fees.
Photos: Get Them Right
Photo rejection is the most common reason for passport application delays. The specifications are strict.
Pharmacies (Shoppers Drug Mart, Rexall, Walmart) and dedicated photo studios all offer passport photo services for $15 to $25. They know the specs and provide compliant pairs. Avoid taking your own photos for the application; the rejection rate is high.