Apply for a new passport abroad

1. Complete the application 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.

2. Gather all necessary documents and get your passport photos

Include the following documents with your application form:

•  proof of Canadian citizenship
  • This can be a birth certificate or citizenship certificate.
    • If you have a paper certificate, it must be the original document, not a photocopy.
    • If you have a citizenship e-certificate, you must attach a printed copy.
•  any valid Canadian passport or other travel document (refugee travel document or certificate of identity) issued to you
•  a document to support your identity
  • This can be a photocopy or the original.
    • If you want to use a photocopy of your ID, make sure you show both sides and have it signed and dated by your guarantor or signing official.
•  2 identical passport photos
  • On the back of one of the photos, the photographer must write
    • their name
    • their complete address
    • the date the photos were taken
  • Your guarantor must also sign the back of this photo.
  • Read the full photo requirements for more information.

Extra documents may need to be provided if you

• have changed your name
• are replacing a lost, stolen or damaged passport
• want to omit your place of birth on your passport
• are updating the gender identifier on your passport

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 and 2 references

You need a guarantor to sign

• your application
• 1 of your passport photos and
• all copies of your supporting identity documents

You also need 2 references to include on your application.

• Your references must have known you for at least 2 years.
• Your references cannot be
  • a family member or
  • your guarantor

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’re moving, but haven’t received your passport yet

Contact us to update your mailing address if you

• haven’t received your passport and
• are moving within 30 days of submitting your application