Child safety: Add a child’s name to the passport system lookout

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If you’re worried someone might try to get a passport for your child without your consent, let us know. We’ll add your child’s name to a special list for their safety. We call this list the passport system lookout.

Once on the list, the child’s name will remain there until

  • they turn 16, at which time they can apply for an adult passport on their own, or
  • you, the parent or legal guardian of the child, send us a written request to have their name removed from the list

If we get a passport application for your child, we

  • take extra precautions before we process it
  • check to see that it was authorized by you, the parent or legal guardian.

If you think a child may have been abducted, contact the police immediately.

How we process applications for children on the lookout list

  • We complete additional verifications during processing
  • We review all legal documents on file
  • We ensure that there are no known restrictions on the child’s mobility
  • We check that there is no other information that would prevent the issuance of a passport for the child
  • We don’t cancel an existing valid Canadian passport issued in the child’s name to prevent a child from leaving the country
  • We don’t share the child’s name with other Canadian or foreign departments or agencies such as the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA)
  • We can’t guarantee that a Canadian passport will not be issued for your child, specifically if the application meets all the requirements and conditions

How to add a child’s name to the system lookout

Are you the parent or legal guardian of the child you’re worried about?

How to add a child’s name to the system lookout by mail

1. Print and complete the form

If you can’t print the form

You can submit a written request that includes the following information and documents:

  • for the child:
    • full name and date of birth
    • copy of detailed Canadian or foreign birth certificate
    • copy of Canadian citizenship certificate (if applicable)
    • copies of all court documents (including any divorce judgment or order) pertaining to the child that refer to custody, decision-making responsibilities, access, parenting time or mobility (if applicable)
      • You can consult a legal representative if you need to get a court order for any changes to custody or if you fear a child abduction.
  • for both of the child’s parents or legal guardians:
    • full names and dates of birth
    • addresses
    • telephone numbers
  • for you:
    • reason for requesting that the child be added to the passport system lookout
      • You must sign your reason.
    • copy of a valid identification document (ID) that includes your photo and signature

2. Make copies of all the required documents

We need all of the following:

  • your identification document (ID) with a signature
  • all documents about custody or mobility of, or access to the child
  • the child’s detailed (long-form) Canadian or foreign birth certificate
  • the child’s Canadian citizenship certificate (if applicable)

All your documents must be in English or French.

3. Mail us your completed form and copies of the required documents

Send them to

Passport Entitlement and Investigations Division – Domestic Network
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada
PO Box 1421
Gatineau, Québec J8X 3Y3

We’ll contact you if we need more information.

How to add a child’s name to the system lookout by fax

1. Print and complete the form

If you can’t print the form

You can submit a written request that includes the following information and documents:

  • for the child:
    • full name and date of birth
    • copy of detailed Canadian or foreign birth certificate
    • copy of Canadian citizenship certificate (if applicable)
    • copies of all court documents (including any divorce judgment or order) pertaining to the child that refer to custody, decision-making responsibilities, access, parenting time or mobility (if applicable)
      • You can consult a legal representative if you need to get a court order for any changes to custody or if you fear a child abduction.
  • for both of the child’s parents or legal guardians:
    • full names and dates of birth
    • addresses
    • telephone numbers
  • for you:
    • reason for requesting that the child be added to the passport system lookout
      • You must sign your reason.
    • copy of a valid identification document (ID) that includes your photo and signature

2. Make copies of all the required documents

We need all of the following:

  • your identification document (ID) with a signature
  • all documents about custody or mobility of, or access to the child
  • the child’s detailed (long-form) Canadian or foreign birth certificate
  • the child’s Canadian citizenship certificate (if applicable)

All your documents must be in English or French.

3. Fax us your completed form and supporting documents

Send them to 1-819-953-5856.
We’ll contact you if we need more information.

How to add a child’s name to the system lookout in Canada in person

1. Print and complete the form

If you can’t print the form

You can submit a written request that includes the following information and documents:

  • for the child:
    • full name and date of birth
    • copy of detailed Canadian or foreign birth certificate
    • copy of Canadian citizenship certificate (if applicable)
    • copies of all court documents (including any divorce judgment or order) pertaining to the child that refer to custody, decision-making responsibilities, access, parenting time or mobility (if applicable)
      • You can consult a legal representative if you need to get a court order for any changes to custody or if you fear a child abduction.
  • for both of the child’s parents or legal guardians:
    • full names and dates of birth
    • addresses
    • telephone numbers
  • for you:
    • reason for requesting that the child be added to the passport system lookout
      • You must sign your reason.
    • copy of a valid identification document (ID) that includes your photo and signature

2. Make copies of all the required documents

We need all of the following:

  • your identification document (ID) with a signature
  • all documents about custody or mobility of, or access to the child
  • the child’s detailed (long-form) Canadian or foreign birth certificate
  • the child’s Canadian citizenship certificate (if applicable)

All your documents must be in English or French.

3. Bring us the completed form and required documents

Go to a passport office (opens in a new tab).

 Do not go to a Service Canada Centre.

Tell us you’re there because you’re afraid someone may submit an application for your child without your consent.

We’ll take your completed form and the copies of the required documents.

How to add a child’s name to the system lookout outside Canada

If you can’t print the form

You can submit a written request that includes the following information and documents:

  • for the child:
    • full name and date of birth
    • copy of detailed Canadian or foreign birth certificate
    • copy of Canadian citizenship certificate (if applicable)
    • copies of all court documents (including any divorce judgment or order) pertaining to the child that refer to custody, decision-making responsibilities, access, parenting time or mobility (if applicable)
      • You can consult a legal representative if you need to get a court order for any changes to custody or if you fear a child abduction.
  • for both of the child’s parents or legal guardians:
    • full names and dates of birth
    • addresses
    • telephone numbers
  • for you:
    • reason for requesting that the child be added to the passport system lookout
      • You must sign your reason.
    • copy of a valid identification document (ID) that includes your photo and signature

2. Make copies of all the required documents

We need all of the following:

  • your identification document (ID) with a signature
  • all documents about custody or mobility of, or access to the child
  • the child’s detailed (long-form) Canadian or foreign birth certificate
  • the child’s Canadian citizenship certificate (if applicable)

All your documents must be in English or French.

3. Contact an office abroad to find out how to submit your completed form and supporting documents

Contact the closest Government of Canada office abroad. Let them know you want to add a child’s name to the passport system lookout. They will tell you how to submit your information.

Not the parent or legal guardian of the child: You can’t add this child’s name to the system lookout

For the safety of the child, it must be the parent or legal guardian who makes this request.

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