Canada Passport Eligibility — Who Can Apply and What You Must Meet
Eligibility for a Canadian passport is straightforward: you must be a Canadian citizen and provide valid identity, address, and date-of-birth documents. This page explains eligibility for adults, minors, special cases like name changes or adoption, police verification, and tips to avoid delays.
Core Eligibility — The Non-Negotiables
A Canadian passport is issued only to Canadian citizens who can prove identity, address, and date of birth. All applicants must meet legal requirements, and verification may vary for special cases.
Citizenship
Must be a Canadian citizen by birth or naturalization.
Permanent residents or non-citizens are not eligible.
Identity & Address
Provide a stable identity trail: driver’s license, health card, or previous passport.
Provide current address proof: utility bills, bank statements, or government-issued ID.
Date of Birth
Birth certificate or other accepted official records.
DOB must match exactly on all documents.
Tip: Ensure name order is consistent across all documents to avoid verification issues.
Adults (18+) — Typical Eligibility Pattern
Adults must demonstrate citizenship, identity, and address. Police or background checks may apply depending on circumstances. Legal issues may alter verification procedures but do not automatically prevent eligibility.
Marital status: Updated documents required if changing surname.
Police verification: Cooperate promptly to avoid delays.
Bank statements showing current address can serve as strong supporting documents.
Minors (Under 18) — Consent & Relationship Proofs
Minors require parental/guardian consent. Applications must be submitted by parents/guardians, capturing both parents’ information. Legal forms may be required if one parent is unavailable.
What to Prepare for Minors
DOB proof: Birth certificate.
Parents’ identity: Copies of IDs or passports.
Address proof: Usually a parent’s proof at the child’s residence.
Consent: Standard consent form; affidavits if one parent unavailable.
Ensure infant birth certificate matches chosen name and spelling.
Special Eligibility Situations
Life events may require extra documentation. Core eligibility remains proving identity, address, DOB, and citizenship.
1) Name Change
Provide marriage certificate or legal change documents.
Update all IDs for consistency.
2) Adoption
Provide adoption documents and updated birth records.
3) Guardianship / Single Parent
Submit lawful guardianship documents and consent forms.
4) Change of Address
Provide current address proof; keep old address records for verification.
5) Lost/Damaged Passport
File a police report and carry photocopies.
6) Short Stays Abroad
Provide local address proof if temporarily in Canada; eligibility remains unchanged.
7) Court/Legal Matters
Disclose pending cases to avoid refusal.
Do not submit inconsistent papers; correct documentation first.
Police Verification — When It Happens and Why It Matters
Verification ensures identity, address, and legal compliance. It may happen pre- or post-issuance depending on circumstances.
Be reachable: Keep your phone on.
Keep copies ready: Officers may request documents.