How to apply for an adult passport in Canada


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Mailed applications should be sent by courier

Due to the potential Canada Post labour disruption, you should use a courier if you want to apply by mail.

You can still apply for passports in person at a Service Canada Centre or passport office.

Contact us or visit us in person if you applied by mail and now need a passport urgently. We may be able to transfer your application to a passport office that has pickup service.

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

If you already have an adult passport, you may be able to renew your adult passport. Renewing a passport is simpler than applying for a new one.

Find out if you should renew your passport instead of applying for a new one.

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.

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.
  • Include your email address to make it easier to check the status of your application online after you apply.

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.

If your passport has a valid visa in it

Tell us on your form if you need the visa and want your original passport back. If you don’t, the visa could be damaged when the previous passport is cancelled.

Get help with the form or alternate formats

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.

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. Call us and pay the fees (weekend or statutory holiday)

Call us ahead of time at 1-800-567-6868 to find out how to submit the application. We answer the phone Monday to Friday

  • from 8:30 am to 5 pm (your local time)
  • from 9:00 am to 5:30 pm (Newfoundland)
  • except for statutory holidays

You must provide proof you need the passport.

Get information on emergency passport services outside these hours

You can leave a message and ask for us to call you back

  • on Friday or a weekday before a statutory holiday after 5 pm (your local time), 5:30 pm (Newfoundland)
  • on Saturday or Sunday

We’ll call you with information on emergency services between 9 am and 5 pm (your local time).

Paying your fees

To get the weekend or statutory holiday service, you need to pay an additional $335 on top of the regular passport fees.

If you need the weekend or holiday service for your family members at the same time, you need to pay an urgent service fee of $110 per family member.

For example, if you apply for a 10-year passport for yourself and a 5-year passport for your child, the fees will be

  • $160 for your passport
  • $335 for your weekend or statutory holiday service
  • $57 for the child’s passport
  • $110 for the child’s urgent service
Fees for weekend or statutory holiday passport service
Passport type CAN$
5-year adult passport (age 16 or over) 120
10-year adult passport (age 16 or over) 160
Child passport (0 to 15 years of age) 57

There are other fees for

  • replacing a lost or stolen passport
  • other administrative services
Services CAN$

Weekend or statutory holiday

This service is only

  • for emergencies and
  • if you have to travel over that specific weekend or statutory holiday
335

Additional administrative fee for replacing a valid lost or stolen passport

You must pay this fee if you report a passport as lost or stolen and are applying for a replacement. This fee does not include the cost of the new passport.

45
File transfer (to a different passport office in Canada) 45
How to pay your fees in person

You can pay using any of the following:

  • credit card or prepaid card (Visa®, MasterCard® or American Express®)
  • debit card
  • certified cheque or money order (postal or bank)
    • in Canadian funds
    • with the exact amount
  • cheque from Canadian provincial, territorial or federal government departments
    • For example, the Ministry of Social Services.

All cheques must be made payable to the Receiver General for Canada.

We don’t accept cash or personal cheques.

You can’t pay online for in-Canada services.

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

  • cancel your application
  • are refused a 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 fees (opens in a new tab) , which apply to all adult applications, are refundable if a passport is not issued.

5. Get your passport

The pickup date will be indicated on your receipt.

You can send someone else to pick up your passport if they have

  • valid identification and
  • something in writing from you saying they’re allowed to
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.

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.
  • Include your email address to make it easier to check the status of your application online after you apply.

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.

If your passport has a valid visa in it

Tell us on your form if you need the visa and want your original passport back. If you don’t, the visa could be damaged when the previous passport is cancelled.

Get help with the form or alternate formats

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.

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. Submit your application and pay your fees

If you need your passport by end of next business day

Paying your fees

Your fees depend on what services you’re getting. How you can pay them depends on how you’re applying.

Passport type CAN$
5-year adult passport (age 16 or over) 120
10-year adult passport (age 16 or over) 160

There are other fees for

  • urgent pickup
  • replacing a lost or stolen passport that’s still valid
  • other administrative services
Services CAN$
Urgent pickup (by the end of the next business day) 110

Additional fee for replacing a lost or stolen passport that was still valid

You must pay this fee if you report a passport as lost or stolen and are applying for a replacement. This fee does not include the cost of the new passport.

45

File transfer (to a different passport office in Canada)

You must pay this fee if you previously applied for a passport and now need it transferred to a passport office for urgent processing.

45

How to pay your fees in person

You can pay using any of the following:

  • credit card or prepaid card (Visa®, MasterCard® or American Express®)
  • debit card
  • certified cheque or money order (postal or bank)
    • in Canadian funds
    • with the exact amount
  • cheque from Canadian provincial, territorial or federal government departments
    • For example, the Ministry of Social Services.

All cheques must be made payable to the Receiver General for Canada.

We don’t accept cash or personal cheques.

You can’t pay online for in-Canada services.

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

  • cancel your application
  • are refused a 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 fees (opens in a new tab) , which apply to all adult applications, are refundable if a passport is not issued.

5. Get your passport

The pickup date will be indicated on your receipt.

You can send someone else to pick up your passport if they have

  • valid identification and
  • something in writing from you saying they’re allowed to
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.

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.
  • Include your email address to make it easier to check the status of your application online after you apply.

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.

If your passport has a valid visa in it

Tell us on your form if you need the visa and want your original passport back. If you don’t, the visa could be damaged when the previous passport is cancelled.

Get help with the form or alternate formats

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.

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. Submit your application and pay your fees

If you’re applying in person and need your passport in 2 to 9 business days

You may need to provide proof that you need the passport.

By appointment

You can book an appointment online  (opens in a new tab).

Some locations have a high demand for appointments. Their availability may vary.

Without an appointment (walk-in)

Go to a passport office with express pick-up service (opens in a new tab) .

If the location is busy, we may prioritize people who need a passport within 48 hours.

5. Get your passport

The pickup date will be indicated on your receipt.

You can send someone else to pick up your passport if they have

  • valid identification and
  • something in writing from you saying they’re allowed to
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.

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.
  • Include your email address to make it easier to check the status of your application online after you apply.

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.

If your passport has a valid visa in it

Tell us on your form if you need the visa and want your original passport back. If you don’t, the visa could be damaged when the previous passport is cancelled.

Get help with the form or alternate formats

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.

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. Submit your application and pay your fees

If you’re applying in person and need your passport in 10-20 business days

By appointment

You can book an appointment online (opens in a new tab) .

Some locations have a high demand for appointments. Their availability may vary.

Without an appointment (walk-in)

You can get walk-in services at a Service Canada Centre or a passport office (opens in a new tab) .

Wait times may be long at some passport offices. If the location is busy, we may prioritize people who need a passport within 48 hours.

Someone else can submit your application for you if you can’t go yourself. Learn more about who can submit a passport application on your behalf (opens in a new tab) .

Paying your fees

Your fees depend on what services you’re getting. How you can pay them depends on how you’re applying.

Passport type CAN$
5-year adult passport (age 16 or over) 120
10-year adult passport (age 16 or over) 160

There are other fees for

  • standard pickup at a passport office
  • replacing a lost or stolen passport that’s still valid

There’s no fee for having your passport mailed to you.

Services CAN$
Standard pickup (on or after 10 business days) 20

Additional fee for replacing a lost or stolen passport that was still valid

You must pay this fee if you report a passport as lost or stolen and are applying for a replacement. This fee does not include the cost of the new passport.

45

How to pay your fees in person

You can pay using any of the following:

  • credit card or prepaid card (Visa®, MasterCard® or American Express®)
  • debit card
  • certified cheque or money order (postal or bank)
    • in Canadian funds
    • with the exact amount
  • cheque from Canadian provincial, territorial or federal government departments
    • For example, the Ministry of Social Services.

All cheques must be made payable to the Receiver General for Canada.

We don’t accept cash or personal cheques.

You can’t pay online for in-Canada services.

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

  • cancel your application
  • are refused a 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 fees (opens in a new tab) , which apply to all adult applications, are refundable if a passport is not issued.

5. Get your passport

When your passport is processed, it will be mailed to you unless you paid for pick-up service. Mail time is usually 5 business days, but it can vary across the country.

Wildfires in parts of Canada may affect the delivery of passports by mail

Contact us if you need your passport urgently and

  • you can’t access your mail
  • you’ve asked to have your passport delivered to you

While you’re waiting for your passport, you can check the status of your application online (opens in a new tab)  for instant updates.

If you applied by mail

Any original documents you submitted will be mailed back to you. They may be in a separate package than your passport.

If you paid for a pick-up service

The pickup date will be indicated on your receipt.

You can send someone else to pick up your passport if they have

  • valid identification and
  • something in writing from you saying they’re allowed to

Submit the application by mail from Alberta, Manitoba, Ontario, Quebec or Saskatchewan

Service standards don’t include mailing time. Mailing times vary across the country.

Use a certified courier or traceable mail service to reduce the delivery time of your application and help protect your documents.

Mailed applications should be sent by courier

Due to the potential Canada Post labour disruption, you should use a courier if you want to apply by mail.

Courier address

Government of Canada
Passport Program
22 De Varennes Street
Gatineau, Quebec  J8T 8R1

Submit the application by mail from British Columbia, Northwest Territories, Nunavut or Yukon

Service standards don’t include mailing time. Mailing times vary across the country.

Use a certified courier or traceable mail service to reduce the delivery time of your application and help protect your documents.

Mailed applications should be sent by courier

Due to the potential Canada Post labour disruption, you should use a courier if you want to apply by mail.

Courier address

Government of Canada
Passport Program
22 De Varennes Street
Gatineau, Quebec  J8T 8R1

Submit the application by mail from New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia or Prince Edward Island

Service standards don’t include mailing time. Mailing times vary across the country.

Use a certified courier or traceable mail service to reduce the delivery time of your application and help protect your documents.

Mailed applications should be sent by courier

Due to the potential Canada Post labour disruption, you should use a courier if you want to apply by mail.

Courier address

Government of Canada
Passport Program
22 De Varennes Street
Gatineau, Quebec  J8T 8R1

5. Get your passport

When your passport is processed, it will be mailed to you unless you paid for pick-up service. Mail time is usually 5 business days, but it can vary across the country.

Any original documents you submitted will be mailed back to you. They may be in a separate package than your passport.

While you’re waiting for your passport, you can check the status of your application online (opens in a new tab)  for instant updates.

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

If you have a community mailbox, make sure you check it before you contact us about 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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