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Introduction

A Canadian passport is your primary travel and identity document for travel outside Canada. This guide walks you through which forms to use, how to prepare supporting documents, how to take compliant passport photos, options to apply in person or by mail, urgent in-person services when travel is imminent, and how to handle special situations (lost/stolen, damaged, name change, children, and applying from abroad).

First-Time Applicants (Adults)

First-time adult applicants normally complete the appropriate application for an individual (the commonly used general adult form). First-time applicants must apply in person at a passport office or an acceptance agent (for paper submissions), supplying original proof of citizenship and ID.

1. Choose the right form: Use the general adult application form (available from the Government of Canada passport pages).
2. Proof of citizenship: Provide an original birth certificate (long-form) issued by the province/territory, a certificate of Canadian citizenship, or a previous Canadian passport.
3. Photo ID: Government-issued photo ID such as a driver’s licence or provincial ID; bring an additional supporting ID if available.
4. Passport photo: One photo meeting Canadian specifications (size, background, pose, no filters). See official photo requirements link in the Official Links section below.
5. Guarantor: Some applications require a guarantor who confirms your identity and signs the form/photo — check the form instructions carefully.
6. Submit in person: Attend a passport office or accepted facility with originals and the fee. The agent reviews and forwards your application for processing.

Renewal — When You Can Mail

You can renew by mail if you meet the eligibility rules (for example: previous passport issued when you were 16 or older and still valid or expired within a certain period). Renewals are often faster because Citizenship and Immigration Canada (Passport Program) can rely on the previous passport as identity evidence.

1. Confirm renewal eligibility on the official site.
2. Complete the adult renewal form if eligible (the simplified renewal package).
3. Include a compliant passport photo and the correct fee (see Fees section).
4. Mail using a secure/trackable service to the address shown on the form.

Applications for Minors (Under 16)

Children under 16 have more stringent requirements: parental consent, proof of relationship, and specific forms. Children’s passports are valid for 5 years.

• Use the child-specific application form.
• Provide the child’s long-form birth certificate or Canadian citizenship certificate.
• Both parents/guardians should sign or provide consent documentation if one parent cannot attend.
• Include a compliant photo of the child and applicable fees.

Urgent Service & Emergency Travel

If you must travel within a short timeframe, urgent in-person passport services are available at regional passport offices and some Service Canada locations. These services usually require proof of travel and additional fees.

• Bring proof of imminent travel (tickets, itinerary).
• Call the regional passport office to confirm appointment availability.
• Fees for urgent service differ from regular processing — check the fees page.

Special Circumstances

Several special cases require particular forms or extra documentation:

• Lost or stolen passport: Report immediately and follow the replacement application instructions — you may need a police report if abroad.
• Damaged passport: Submit the damaged passport with the replacement application; additional checks may be necessary.
• Name changes: Provide the legal document that proves the name change (marriage certificate, legal change certificate) and update supporting ID documents.
• Applying from outside Canada: Use Canadian embassies, high commissions, and Visa Application Centres (VAC) where available; procedures, fees and processing differ when applying overseas.

useful Sources

• Canada — Apply for or Renew a Passport (Government of Canada)
• Passport photo specifications — Government of Canada

Complete Documents Checklist

Before you go to a passport office or mail your package, ensure you have the originals and any required copies prepared:

• Proof of citizenship (long-form birth certificate, certificate of Canadian citizenship, or previous passport).
• Government-issued photo ID (driver’s licence, provincial ID).
• Photocopies of ID pages as required by the application instructions.
• Passport photo that meets Canadian specifications (size, lighting, background, no editing).
• The correct completed application form (adult first-time, renewal or child form).
• Fees paid via the accepted payment method (see official fee schedule).
• Parental consent documents for minors (if required) and any custody/legal documents if applicable.

Processing Times — What to Expect

Processing times vary by service selected and whether you apply in person or by mail. Routine processing is usually measured in business days; urgent or in-person appointments reduce processing time but require evidence of travel and extra fees. For up-to-date service standards and current estimated times, check the Government of Canada passport pages linked below.

Fees — Typical Ranges

Passport fees depend on the passport length and applicant age (e.g., adult 5-year, adult 10-year, child 5-year) and whether expedited/urgent services are requested. For precise current fees (which may change), consult the official fee page linked below.

Photo Requirements — Quick Summary

Passport photos for Canada have strict technical and appearance rules: correct size, neutral expression, plain light background, recent likeness, no heavy filters, and no obstructive headwear (exceptions for religious reasons). The photo supplier should be familiar with Canadian passport photo specifications; but always check the official photo specifications link below before taking or ordering photos.

Digital Preparation & Filing Tips

• Make clear, labelled photocopies of your identity and citizenship documents for your records (but send originals only where requested).
• For mailed applications, use sturdy envelopes and a tracked courier or Canada Post service.
• If applying from abroad, keep scanned copies on your phone to speed embassy/VAC appointments.
• Double-check every signature and date before submitting — unsigned forms are commonly rejected.

Travel Preparation After Receiving Passport

• Confirm visa requirements and entry rules for your destination well in advance.
• Keep the passport valid for the recommended period beyond your travel date (some countries require 6+ months).
• Create both digital and paper copies of the passport ID page for emergency use.
• Store the passport in a secure place (hotel safe) while travelling.

Common Problems & How to Avoid Them

• Missing originals: Read form instructions closely — many delays come from missing originals of citizenship documents.
• Photo non-compliance: Use a vendor who knows Canadian specs or check the photo guidance yourself before ordering.
• Incorrect form: Choose the correct form (first time / renewal / child). Using the wrong form creates rework.
• Late applications: Apply early and consider expedited service only when necessary.

Frequently Asked Questions