How to apply for a child passport in Canada

Where are you right now? 
Canada
U.S.
International


A Canadian passport is a travel document that Canadian citizens can apply for.

A child passport is valid for a maximum of 5 years. It’s valid until it reaches its expiry date, even after the child turns 16.

 You can’t renew a child passport. When the child turns 16, they can apply for a new adult passport.

Until then, you need to apply for a new child passport when it expires.

Your child may not need a passport to travel to the U.S. by land or sea

Children 15 and under don’t need a passport to enter the United States or return to Canada by land or sea.

Documents you can use instead of a passport:

  • original or copy of their birth certificate
    • It should be issued by the vital statistics department from the province or territory where they were born.
  • original Canadian citizenship certificate
  • Canadian citizenship card

When they turn 16, they need a passport if they’re going to enter the US.

Learn more about traveling to the US from Canada.

Who can apply for a child passport

To apply for a child passport, you must be one of the following:

  • one of the child’s parents (if you’re not separated or divorced)
  • the parent who has custody of the child (if you are separated or divorced) with the correct documentation
  • the child’s legal guardian, with the correct documentation

All parents or legal guardians should sign the application form.

  • If you don’t know where the other parent or legal guardian is, contact us.
  • We may contact the other parent or legal guardian.

If you’re worried that someone might apply for a passport for your child without your consent

Find out how to add your child’s name to a special list for their safety.

Get the forms and instructions to apply

We’ll give you the right form and tell you how to apply based on when you need a passport.

Urgent
(Service standard: end of next business day)

Apply to get your child passport by the end of the next business day

Express
(Service standard: 2 to 9 business days)

  •  Go to a passport office with express pick-up service
  •  By appointment or walk-in
  •  You may need to provide proof that you need the passport
  •  Extra fees apply

Apply to get your child passport in 2 to 9 business days

Standard
(Service standard: 10 to 20 business days, plus mail time)

  •  Go to a
    • Service Canada Centre (20 business days)
    • passport office (10 business days)
  •  By appointment or walk-in
  •  You can also apply by mail (20 business days)

    * Service standards don’t include mail time. Mail time is usually 5 business days but can vary across the country.

Apply to get your child passport in 10 to 20 business days

Report a problem or mistake on this page
Please select all that apply:

Thank you for your help!

You will not receive a reply. For enquiries, contact us.

Date modified: