How to renew a passport outside Canada and the US


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Outside Canada and the US


Special measures for Canadian citizens or permanent residents in Iran

If you’re a Canadian citizen or permanent resident currently in Iran, you can apply for the following documents for free:

  • Canadian passport
  • Canadian citizenship certificate
  • permanent resident travel document

Learn more about the special measures.

If you already have an adult passport, you may be able to renew it. Renewing a passport is simpler than applying for a new one. This is because you don’t need

  • a guarantor
  • proof of Canadian citizenship
  • supporting identification

On this page

Who can renew a passport

Only adult passports can be renewed.

Valid passports

  • must be sent with your application, and
  • will be cancelled and cannot be used for travel

An expired, damaged, lost or stolen passport can be renewed if

Not sure when you should renew your passport?

Learn when to renew your passport and when it’s too soon to renew.

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.

How to get a passport abroad

  1. Complete the form
  2. Get all the required documents and your passport photos
  3. Find 2 references
  4. Pay your fees
  5. Submit your application
  6. Get your passport

If you need a passport urgently, contact the nearest Government of Canada office. Additional fees apply.

1. Complete the form

  • Fill out the form on your computer to save time.
    • Save the form on your computer and use Adobe Reader 10 or higher.
    • Don’t use your phone or tablet. The form will not work properly.
  • Read the instructions at the end of the form to make sure you’ve completed it properly.
  • Sign each page of the application.

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.

Get help with the form or alternate formats

2. Get all the required documents and your passport photos

You need to include the following with your application:

  • the following 3 pieces of information:
    • the date your passport was issued
    • the date it expired
    • its passport number
  • your most recent passport, if it’s still valid
  • 2 identical passport photos
    • On the back of one of the photos, the photographer must write
      • their name
      • their complete address and
      • the date the photos were taken
    • You do not need a guarantor’s signature on the photo. Passport renewals don’t need a guarantor.
    • Read the full photo requirements(opens in a new tab)  for more information.

Passport photo requirements abroad may be different than in Canada

Your photos must follow Canadian photo requirements. We’ll reject and return your application to you if you don’t submit an acceptable photo.

To avoid any problems, print a copy of the passport photo specifications (PDF, 652.38 KB) and bring it to the photographer.

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. Pay your fees

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

Fees and methods of payment for applications outside Canada and the U.S. (opens in a new tab)

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

  • cancel your application
  • are refused a passport or 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 fee, which applies to all adult applications, is refundable if a passport is not issued.

5. Submit your application

After you pay the fees, submit your application and payment receipt to the nearest Government of Canada office abroad.

6. Get your passport

The office you applied at will let you know when your passport is ready. They will also tell you when and how you can pick it up.

If you applied by mail

We’ll return your passport and any original documentation to you. They may arrive in 2 separate packages.

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

Contact the Canadian embassy or consulate where you applied 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 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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