How to Apply for a Canadian Passport: A Step-by-Step Guide
By WelcomeAide Team
Quick Summary
- Only Canadian citizens can apply for a Canadian passport. You must have proof of Canadian citizenship.
- Adult passport fees are $160 for a 5-year passport and $260 for a 10-year passport.
- You need two passport photos, a guarantor, and two references who have known you for at least two years.
- Standard processing takes 10 business days in person or 20 business days by mail.
- Urgent (next business day) and express (2-9 business days) services are available for an additional fee.
Who Can Apply for a Canadian Passport?
A Canadian passport is available only to Canadian citizens. If you are a permanent resident, you must first become a Canadian citizen before you can apply. To learn about the citizenship process, visit the IRCC citizenship page. If you have recently taken the oath of citizenship, you can apply for your passport right away using your citizenship certificate as proof.
Children under 16 must have their own passport for international travel. A parent or legal guardian must apply on behalf of a child. Both parents must consent to the child's passport application unless one parent has sole custody with a court order.
Types of Passport Applications
There are different application forms depending on your situation:
- PPTC 153: Adult general application for applicants aged 16 and older. This is the most common form.
- PPTC 155: Child general application for applicants under 16.
- PPTC 028: Adult renewal application. You can use this simpler form if your previous passport was issued within the last 15 years, was valid for 5 or 10 years, and is not damaged.
Download the forms from the Government of Canada passport page. Forms must be printed and filled out in ink. Do not fill them out digitally as the signature must be original.
Documents You Need
For a First-Time Adult Application (PPTC 153)
- Completed and signed PPTC 153 form.
- Your original Canadian citizenship certificate or certificate of naturalization. This document will be returned to you.
- Two identical passport photos meeting Canadian specifications.
- One piece of supporting identification (such as a Canadian driver's licence, health card with photo, or Canadian Forces ID card).
- The names and contact information of two references who have known you for at least two years and who are not your guarantor.
- A completed guarantor section (see below).
Warning
If you submit your citizenship certificate with your passport application, you will be without it until your passport is processed and the certificate is returned. Plan accordingly and do not mail your only proof of citizenship near a time when you might need it for other purposes.
Passport Photo Requirements
Canadian passport photos must meet specific requirements set by IRCC photo specifications. Key requirements include:
- Photos must be 50 mm wide by 70 mm high (2 inches by 2.75 inches).
- The face must be between 31 mm and 36 mm from chin to crown of head.
- Photos must be taken within the last 6 months.
- White or light-coloured plain background.
- Neutral expression with mouth closed.
- Both eyes open and clearly visible.
- No glasses (as of 2020, glasses are not allowed in passport photos).
- One photo must be signed on the back by your guarantor.
Most pharmacies (Shoppers Drug Mart, London Drugs) and photography studios offer Canadian passport photo services for about $15 to $20. Some places will retake the photo at no charge if it is rejected.
The Guarantor Requirement
Your guarantor is someone who confirms your identity by signing your application and one of your photos. The guarantor must:
- Have known you personally for at least two years.
- Be a Canadian citizen and hold a valid Canadian passport (or one that expired no more than one year ago at the time of signing).
- Be 18 years of age or older.
- Not be your spouse, common-law partner, parent, or sibling (they can be a reference, but not a guarantor).
If you are a new citizen and do not know anyone who qualifies as a guarantor, there is a simplified process. You can use a statutory declaration in lieu of a guarantor by visiting a Service Canada Centre. A Service Canada officer can help you with this option.
Tip
Common guarantors include friends, coworkers, neighbours, religious leaders, teachers, or doctors who are Canadian citizens with valid passports. If you are newly settled, ask your settlement worker, language teacher, or faith community leader if they qualify.
How to Submit Your Application
In Person
You can submit your application in person at a passport office or Service Canada Centre that accepts passport applications. Bring your completed form, photos, citizenship certificate, and supporting ID. The officer will review your application on the spot and let you know if anything is missing.
By Mail
Mail your completed application, photos, citizenship certificate, and a cheque or money order for the fee to:
Passport Program
Gatineau, QC K1A 0G3
Canada
Use registered or tracked mail to protect your documents. Do not send cash.
Fees
As of 2024, passport fees for Canadian applicants within Canada are:
- Adult 10-year passport: $260
- Adult 5-year passport: $160
- Child passport (0-15 years, valid for 5 years): $100
- Express fee (in person): additional $50
- Urgent fee (in person, next business day pickup): additional $110
Payment can be made by credit card, debit card, cheque, money order, or cash (in person only). Fees are non-refundable.
Processing Times
Standard processing times are:
- In person at a passport office: 10 business days.
- By mail or at a Service Canada Centre: 20 business days (plus mailing time).
- Express service (in person at passport office): 2 to 9 business days. Additional $50 fee.
- Urgent service (in person at passport office): next business day. Additional $110 fee.
To check the status of your application, call 1-800-567-6868 (in Canada) or 819-997-8338 (outside Canada). You can also check online through the passport application status checker.
Warning
During peak travel seasons (spring and summer), processing times may be longer than stated. Apply well in advance of any planned travel. Do not book non-refundable flights before you have your passport in hand.
Renewing Your Passport
If you already have a Canadian passport and it was issued when you were 16 or older, was valid for 5 or 10 years, is not damaged, and was issued within the last 15 years, you can use the simplified renewal form PPTC 028. Renewals do not require a guarantor or citizenship certificate, making the process faster and simpler.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Submitting photos that do not meet the exact size and quality specifications.
- Having a guarantor who does not hold a valid (or recently expired) Canadian passport.
- Forgetting to sign the application form.
- Not including payment or including the wrong amount.
- Using a digital signature instead of an original ink signature.
Next Steps After Getting Your Passport
With your Canadian passport, you can travel to over 180 countries and territories visa-free or with visa on arrival. Before travelling, check the Government of Canada travel advisories for your destination. Make sure you also have your SIN and have filed your tax return to ensure all your settlement steps are complete.
WelcomeAide is here to support your journey from newcomer to citizen. Our AI Newcomer Navigator can answer your passport and citizenship questions. Learn about our mission, explore our programs, see our impact, or browse more guides on our blog.