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How to apply for an official passport if you have no valid passport

We’re processing a lot of applications right now

We’re prioritizing people travelling within 10 business days to make sure they get their official passport on time.

If you need to travel urgently, contact us.

Follow the steps below to apply for an official (special or diplomatic) passport if you don’t have a valid regular (blue) passport before.

If you do have a valid regular passport

Follow these instructions to apply for your official passport.

1. Get your documents ready

Include these documents with your application:

  •  the original copy of your proof of citizenship(opens in a new tab) 
  • 1 piece of ID(opens in a new tab) 
    • You can use a copy as long as your guarantor’s signature and the date are on both sides of the copy to indicate they’ve seen the originals.
  •  2 identical passport photos(opens in a new tab) 
    • On the back of 1 photo:
      • there must be a signature from your guarantor(opens in a new tab)  and
      • the photographer must write
        • the photographer’s name, address and postal code
        • the date the photo was taken
  •  a copy of 1 of the following documents:
    • the signed travel authority and advance form
    • the posting confirmation form
    • a signed letter from your department
  •  a detailed flight itinerary, if available

You may need extra documents if

Changing your name on a special or diplomatic passport

You also need to include

  •  a document explaining why you have a new last name.
    • For example, it could be because of
      • a relationship change
      • a legal name change, a court order or an adoption order
      • the reclamation of your Indigenous name
  •  supporting ID (opens in a new tab)  that shows the new name
  •  your proof of citizenship
  •  your current passport, if it’s still valid

2. Find out if you need a visa

Check to see if the country you’re travelling to requires a visa.

Find out if you need a visa(opens in a new tab) 

If it does, add 3 to 45 business days (depending on the country) to the 15 business days it takes for us to process your passport application.

Each country sets its own visa requirements and processing times. We have no influence over the time it takes a foreign mission to issue a visa.

3. Complete your application

To save time, complete the form on your computer. Sign each page of the application. If it’s incomplete, we’ll return it to you without processing it. This may cause travel delays.

Download the adult special or diplomatic application form (PPTC 636) (PDF, 2.4 MB)
If you need a visa for the country you’re travelling to

Include a complete visa facilitation form (PPTC 639) (PDF, 1.6 MB).

If you’re an employee of Global Affairs Canada

Include an agreement regarding continued custody of diplomatic passport (PPTC 446) (PDF, 1.07 MB).

4. Pay the fees

Special or diplomatic passport: $225

Visa: $90 per visa (if required)

How you pay depends on why you’re applying to travel on official government business or who in the Government of Canada you’re representing abroad.

A federal department or agency

Complete and include the passport information billing form [PPTC 467] (PDF, 2.2 MB).

A Crown corporation

Pay your fees online(opens in a new tab) 

After you pay, you need to print a receipt and include it with your application.

National Defence
If you’re being posted somewhere

Complete and include the National Defence posting confirmation [PPTC 458] (PDF, 1.3 MB).

If you are not being posted somewhere

Complete and include the requisition form for official passports [PPTC 455] (PDF, 2.1 MB).

None of the above
If you’re paying with a credit card

Pay your fees online(opens in a new tab) 

After you pay, you need to print a receipt and include it with your application.

If you’re not paying with a credit card or you’re not sure what method of payment to use

Fill out our contact form(opens in a new tab) . We’ll let you know what you need to do next.

5. Submit your application

You can apply by mail, or in-person by appointment or by walking in.

There may be a service disruption at Canada Post

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

By mail, by courier or by messenger

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

Address for applicants from the Department of National Defence (DND)

DND – Official Travel section (Passports)
101 Colonel By Drive
Ottawa, ON  K1A 0K2

Address for all other applicants

Passport Program – Official Travel
PO Box 8790, STN T CSC
Ottawa, ON  K1G 5K8

In person

Official Travel
Place du Centre
200 Promenade du Portage, Commercial Level 2, Suite 270
Gatineau, QC J8X 4B7

Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Eastern Time

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