Apply for a passport: How to apply

Apply for a passport – adult in Canada

If you have a valid passport, you must submit it with your application so we can cancel it. You can’t travel with a cancelled passport.

1. Complete the application form

   The term “mother’s maiden name” may not apply to everyone. If this term does not apply to you, until our forms are updated

   • cross out the term on the form and write “parent’s surname at birth”
   • fill in the field with the surname (last name) at birth of one parent
   • write your initials in the margin

   To save time, complete the form on your computer and then print it.
   Sign each page of the application.

   Complete the Adult General Passport Application form (PPTC 153) (PDF, 421.64KB).

   Contact us to get a Braille instruction booklet or large-print form sent to you.

2. Gather all necessary documents and get your passport photo

   Include the following documents with your application form:

   • proof of Canadian citizenship (original only)
   • a document to support your identity
   • 2 identical passport photos (the name and the complete address of the photographer and the date the photos were taken must be included on the back of one of the photos. Read the full requirements for more information)
   • any valid Canadian travel document issued in your name

   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
   • update the gender identifier on your passport

   All documents must be submitted in either French or English. If a document is in another language, an official translation must be provided.

3. Find a guarantor and 2 references

   For new passport applications you will need to find a guarantor to sign your application, one of your passport photos and all copies of any supporting identity documents you are submitting with your application.

   You will also need 2 references to include on your application. Your references must have known you for at least 2 years. You cannot use a family member or your guarantor as a reference.

4. Find out how to submit your application and pay your fees

   Due to the impacts of COVID-19, we’ll tell you how to apply—depending on when you need your passport.

   Use our tool to find out how to submit  your application.

   How did we tell you to apply?

   • By mail
   • By appointment

   If you’re applying by mail

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

   Address for mail:

   Government of Canada
   Passport program
   Gatineau, Quebec K1A 0G3
   Canada

   If using a courier:

   Government of Canada
   Passport program
   22 de Varennes Street
   Gatineau, Quebec J8T 8R1
   Canada

   Paying your fees

   Your fees depend on what services you’re getting.

   Fees and methods of payment for in-Canada applications  

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

   • cancel your application
   • are refused a travel document, or
   • are issued a passport for a shorter validity period than requested (for example, in cases where an individual has had multiple losses)

   Only the consular fee, which applies to all adult applications, is refundable if a passport is not issued.

   If you’re applying at an in-person appointment

   You must be 16 years of age or older to submit an application in person.

   You can submit your application yourself. If this isn’t possible, someone else can submit your application for you.

   If you want to pick up your passport in person, you need to pay the additional fee when you apply.

   Paying your fees

   Your fees depend on what services you’re getting and how you’re applying.

   Fees and methods of payment for in-Canada applications  

   You won’t receive 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, in cases where an individual has had multiple losses)

   Only the consular fee, which applies to all adult applications, is refundable if a passport is not issued.

5. Receiving your passport

   If you applied by mail, the passport (and any original documentation you submitted) will be returned to you by mail, and may be in 2 separate packages.

   If you applied in person and paid for a pickup 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 written authorization from you to do so.

   NEXUS cardholders – Make sure your personal information is up to date.

Apply for a passport – adults in the United States

Governments of Canada consular offices in the United States don’t provide passport services. You must send your application by mail.

If you have a valid passport, you must submit it with your application so we can cancel it. You can’t travel with a cancelled passport.

1. Complete the application form

   To save time, complete the form on your computer and then print it. Sign each page of the application.

   Complete the Adult General Passport Application form (PPTC 153) (PDF, 421.64 KB).

   If you choose an occupation-based guarantor, complete the Adult General Passport Application Form [PPTC 140] (PDF, 406.53 KB) instead. PPTC 140 is only available online.

   You may not be able to open these forms in your internet browser. Get help opening an application form.

   Contact us to get a Braille instruction booklet or large print form sent to you.

   The term “mother’s maiden name” may not apply to everyone. If this term does not apply to you, until our forms are updated:

   • cross out the expression on the form and write “Parent’s surname at birth”;
   • fill in the field with the surname (last name) at birth of one parent;
   • write your initials in the margin.

2. Gather all necessary documents and get your passport photo

   Include the following documents with your application form:

   • proof of Canadian citizenship (original only)
   • a document to support your identity
   • two identical passport photos (the name and the complete address of the photographer and the date the photos were taken must be included on the back of one of the photos. Read the full requirements for more information)
   • any valid Canadian travel document issued in your name

   Extra documents may need to be provided if you:

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

   All documents must be submitted in either French or English. If a document is in another language, an official translation must be provided.

3. Find a guarantor and two references

   For new passport applications you will need to find a guarantor to sign your application, one of your passport photos and all copies of any supporting identity documents you are submitting with your application.

   You will also need two references to include on your application. Your references must have known you for at least two years. You cannot use a family member or your guarantor as a reference.

4. Submit your application and pay your fees

   You must mail your application to our office in Canada. Using a certified courier or traceable mail service can reduce the delivery time of your application and help protect your documents.

   By mail:

   Government of Canada
   Passport Program
   Gatineau QC K1A 0G3
   Canada

   By certified courier:

   Government of Canada
   Passport Program
   22 de Varennes Street
   Gatineau QC J8T 8R1
   Canada

   Paying your fees

   Your fees depend on what services you’re getting.

   Fees and methods of payment for U.S. applications

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

   • cancel your application
   • are refused a travel document, or
   • are issued a passport for a shorter validity period than requested (for example, if you have lost your passport multiple times)

   Only the consular fee, which applies to all adult applications, is refundable if a passport is not issued.

5. Receiving your passport

   We’ll mail the passport and any original documentation you submitted to your address in the United States by courier service. They may arrive in 2 different packages.

   NEXUS cardholders – Make sure your personal information is up to date.

Apply for a passport – adults outside Canada and the United States

If you have a valid passport, you must submit it with your application so we can cancel it. You can’t travel with a cancelled passport.

1. Complete the application form

   To complete the application form:

   The term “mother’s maiden name” may not apply to everyone. If this term does not apply to you, until our forms are updated:

   • cross out the expression on the form and write “Parent’s surname at birth”;
   • fill in the field with the surname (last name) at birth of one parent;
   • write your initials in the margin.
   • Fill out the Adult General Passport Application form (PPTC 040) (PDF, 1.47 MB) on your computer.
     • If you can’t open it in your browser, get help opening an application form.
     • If you need to, contact us or your nearest Canadian embassy or consulate to get a Braille instruction booklet or large print form.
   • Print it.
   • Sign each page.

2. Gather all necessary documents and get your passport photo

   Include the following documents with your application form:

   • proof of Canadian citizenship (original only)
   • a document to support your identity
   • two identical passport photos that show, on the back:
     • the name and the complete address of the photographer
     • the date the photos were taken
     • the signature of the guarantor (on 1 photo)
   • any valid Canadian travel document issued in your name (this would be your most recent passport, if you have one)

   You may need to provide extra documents if you’re:

   • changing your name
   • replacing a lost, stolen or damaged passport
   • omitting your place of birth
   • updating your gender identifier

   Submit all documents in French or English. If a document is in another language, provide an official translation.

3. Find a guarantor and 2 references

   For new passport applications, you need to find a guarantor to sign:

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

   You also need to include 2 references on your application. They:

   • must have known you for 2 or more years
   • can’t be a family member
   • can’t be the guarantor

4. Pay your fees

   You need to pay your fees before you submit your application. Your fees and payment options depend on:

   • the type of passport you’re applying for
   • the services you need

   If you apply for a passport and we refuse your application, we only refund the consular fee. We can’t refund any other fees.

   Find out what the fees are and how to pay them.

5. Submit your application

   After you pay, include your receipt with your application and submit it to your nearest Canadian embassy or consulate.

6. After you apply

   Are you also submitting an application for your child? Find out how to apply for a passport for your child.

   nexus cardholders – Make sure your personal information is up to date.

   The office where you applied will let you know when your passport is ready and tell you when and how to pick it up.