How to apply
The application form is the same for travel documents and certificates of identity. Once we receive your application, we decide
- which type of travel document to give you
- how long it will be valid for
Answer a few questions to find out how to apply. Keep in mind
- you need to be in Canada to get service
- you need to submit your application by mail
- In person services are not available.
Apply for a travel document or certificate of identity: Adults
The application form is the same for refugee travel documents and certificates of identity. Once we receive your application, we decide
- which type of travel document to give you
- how long it will be valid for
1. Complete the application form
To save time, complete the form on a computer. Sign each page.
Get large-print forms or braille instructions
- In Canada or the US Contact us online (opens in a new tab) or call 1-800-567-6868 (TTY: 1-866-255-7655).
- Tell us whether you need a large print form or braille instructions, and your mailing address. We’ll mail you the forms.
- Outside Canada and the US: contact the closest Canadian government office abroad.
Getting help applying
- Someone else can help you complete the form, like a family member or a friend you trust. However, they must be 18 years of age or older.
- Don’t include a use of a representative form (IMM 5476) with your application. It’s only for temporary and permanent residence applications.
- If you can’t write and won’t be able to sign your document once you get it, include a medical letter explaining that you don’t write.
If you’re applying for an adult with a mental incapacity
- Complete the Declaration – Additional information to apply for travel document services for an adult who requires authorized third party assistance [PPTC 662] (PDF, 1.3 MB).
- Make sure all responsible parties have signed the declaration.
- Include 1 of the following:
- a power of attorney for the person with a doctor’s note confirming their mental incapacity
- a document that shows guardianship of the person you are authorized to apply for
- a judicial court order or a notarized summary of the court order that can’t be provided due to privacy reasons. The summary must show
- who has guardianship of the individual
- whether mobility restrictions exist (provide all details and end dates, if applicable)
- the issue date and court order number
- If you’re applying by mail, include a photocopy of both sides of your ID, and write the date the photocopy was made on it.
2. Gather all necessary documents and get a passport photo
Include the following documents with your application:
- a photocopy of your proof of immigration status in Canada
- a document to support your identity(opens in a new tab)
- It can be either
- the original document or
- a photocopy signed by your guarantor
- It can be either
- any valid passport or travel document issued in your name
- We’ll keep it, but you can ask to get your old travel document back. We’ll destroy it if you haven’t asked for it back 2 years after it expires.
- 2 identical passport photos
- On the back of 1 of the photos, you must have all of the following:
- The photographer must write their name, the complete address of their studio and the date the photo was taken.
- They can handwrite this or use a stamp.
- Stick-on labels are not accepted.
- Your guarantor(opens in a new tab) must sign it and write, “I certify this to be a true likeness of (your name).”
- The photographer must write their name, the complete address of their studio and the date the photo was taken.
- Read the full photo requirements(opens in a new tab) for more information.
- On the back of 1 of the photos, you must have all of the following:
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) .
You may need extra documents if you’re
- changing your name
- replacing a lost, stolen or damaged travel document
- changing the sex on your travel document
3. Find a guarantor and 2 references
You need a guarantor who meets the requirements for a travel document to sign
- your application
- the back of 1 of your passport photos
- the front and back of all photocopies of your supporting identity documents (ID)
You also need 2 references to include on your application.
Your references and guarantor must have known you for at least 6 months. Learn who’s eligible to act as a guarantor and as a reference.
4. Pay your fees
Your fees and payment methods depend on which document you apply for.
5. Mail us your application
We recommend you use a certified courier or traceable mail service to reduce delivery time, protect your documents and track delivery.
Courier address
Humanitarian and Identity Operations Branch – PPT-COI
3050 Wilson Ave
New Waterford, NS B1H 5V8
Mailing address (non-courier)
POD PPT-COI
PO Box 8100 Stn A
Sydney, NS B1P 0M2
Apply for a travel document or certificate of identity for a child (under 16 years of age)
The application form is the same for travel documents and certificates of identity. Once we receive your application, we decide:
- which type of travel document to give the child
- how long it will be valid for
1. Complete the form
To save time, complete the form on a computer. Sign each page of the application.
Get large-print forms or braille instructions
- In Canada or the US Contact us online (opens in a new tab) or call 1-800-567-6868 (TTY: 1-866-255-7655).
- Tell us whether you need a large print form or braille instructions, and your mailing address. We’ll mail you the forms.
- Outside Canada and the US: contact the closest Canadian government office abroad.
Getting help applying
- Someone else can help you complete the form, like a family member or a friend you trust. However, they must be 18 years of age or older.
- Don’t include a use of a representative form (IMM 5476) with your application. It’s only for temporary and permanent residence applications.
- If you can’t write and won’t be able to sign your document once you get it, include a medical letter explaining that you don’t write.
2. Gather all necessary documents and get a passport photo
Include the following documents with the application:
- a photocopy of the child’s proof of immigration status in Canada
- proof of parentage (opens in a new tab) or proof of legal guardianship (if applicable)
- all valid documents (opens in a new tab) that relate to custody, decision-making responsibilities, access, parenting time or mobility, including any document that contains a specific clause about your child’s passport Updated February 2026
- any valid passport or travel document issued in the child’s name
- We’ll keep it, but you can ask to get your old travel document back. We’ll destroy it if you haven’t asked for it back 2 years after it expires.
- 2 identical passport photos
- On the back of 1 of the passport photos, you must have all of the following:
- The photographer must write the name and complete address of the studio and the date the photo
was taken.
- They can handwrite this or use a stamp.
- Stick-on labels are not accepted.
- Your guarantor (opens in a new tab) must sign it and write, “I certify this to be a true likeness of (the child’s name).”
- Read the full photo requirements (opens in a new tab) for more information.
- The photographer must write the name and complete address of the studio and the date the photo
was taken.
- On the back of 1 of the passport photos, you must have all of the following:
You need to provide extra documents if you’re
- replacing a lost, stolen or damaged travel document (opens in a new tab)
- changing the child’s name
- This may include a legal name change certificate, a court order or an adoption order displaying the child’s old and new name.
- changing their gender identifier (opens in a new tab)
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 a guarantor
You need a guarantor who meets the requirements for a travel document to sign
- the child’s application
- the back of 1 of the child’s passport photos
The guarantor must have known you for at least 6 months and must know of your child.
4. Pay your fees
Your fees and payment methods depend on which document you apply for.
5. Mail us your application
We recommend you use a certified courier or traceable mail service to reduce delivery time, protect your documents and track delivery.
Courier address
Humanitarian and Identity Operations Branch – PPT-COI
3050 Wilson Ave
New Waterford, NS B1H 5V8
Mailing address (non-courier)
POD PPT-COI
PO Box 8100 Stn A
Sydney, NS B1P 0M2
You need to be in Canada to apply for a travel document
Travel document services aren’t available outside of Canada.
If you have an emergency, contact the nearest Government of Canada office abroad.