Renew your passport: How to renew
To avoid wait times on the phone or at our offices, find out the best way to apply based on
- where you are
- when you need your passport
- why you need to renew your passport
Check if you’re eligible before you apply
Only adult passports can be renewed. If you’re under 16, you need to apply for a new child’s passport.
If you’re 16 or older, find out if you can renew your passport.
In Canada
How you apply depends on how soon you need a passport.
- 2 business days or less: Visit a passport office
- 3 to 25 business days: Book an appointment or visit a passport office
- 26 business days or more: Visit a Service Canada Centre or apply by mail
In the United States
You must apply by mail.
If you need a passport urgently
Contact the nearest Government of Canada office in the United States.
Outside Canada and the United States
You must apply at a Government of Canada office abroad.
If you need a passport urgently
Contact the nearest Government of Canada office.
We’re experiencing very high call volumes right now. If you don’t have travel plans in the next 2 weeks, we suggest you wait to call us.
If you were directly affected by the floods in British Columbia, there may be special measures for you. Find out how to apply.
Learn how to submit your application
Before you call, visit or send us your application, answer a few questions to find out the best way to apply.
The forms and documents you need to submit may be different depending on where you are.
Renew your adult passport in Canada
We’re experiencing a high demand for passport services.
- This may affect how quickly we can process your application.
- We may not always meet our service standards as a result.
We recommend you book an appointment (opens in a new tab) to apply in person.
Follow these steps to prepare and submit your application.
Service standards
See how long it may take us to process your application under normal circumstances.
We’re experiencing a high demand for passport services.
- This may affect how quickly we can process your application.
- We may not always meet our service standards as a result.
Follow these steps to prepare and submit your application.
Service standards
See how long it may take us to process your application under normal circumstances.
1. Complete the application form
If your passport is lost or stolen 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, 120 KB) to your application and
- pay the extra fee for replacing a lost or stolen passport
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, 120 KB) to your application.
Instructions and tips
- To save time, complete the form on your computer.
- If you can’t open the form, follow these instructions.
- To get a Braille instruction booklet or large-print forms, contact us.
- Read the instructions at the end of the form to make sure you complete it properly.
- Sign each page of the application.
- If the term “mother’s surname” doesn’t apply to you
- cross it out on the form and write “parent’s surname at birth”
- fill in the field with the surname (last name) at birth of 1 parent
and - write your initials in the margin
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.
2. Get all the required documents and your passport photos
You need to include the following with your application:
- the following 3 pieces of information:
- the date your passport was issued
- the date it expired
- its passport number
- your most recent passport, if it’s still valid
- 2 identical passport photos
- On the back of one of the photos, the photographer must write
- their name
- their complete address and
- the date the photos were taken
- Read the full photo requirements for more information.
- On the back of one of the photos, the photographer must write
Passport number, date of issue, and date of expiry
Check the date of issue. If the date it was issued is within the past 15 years and you meet the other eligibility requirements, you can apply to renew your passport.
All your documents must be in either English or French. If a document is in another language, you must provide an official translation.
3. Find 2 references
You need to include 2 references to include on your application.
- They must have known you for at least 2 years.
- They cannot be a family member.
4. Submit your application and pay your fees
If you’re applying in person and need your passport in 26 business days or more
By appointment
You can now book your appointment online (opens in a new tab). New
Without an appointment (walk-in)
You don’t need an appointment at Service Canada Centres (opens in a new tab).
Make sure you go to a Service Canada Centre, not a passport office.
Walk-in service is only available if there’s enough capacity.
If you’re applying in person and need your passport in 3 to 25 business days
You must provide proof that you need the passport.
By appointment
You can now book your appointment online (opens in a new tab). New
Without an appointment (walk-in)
Go to a passport office (opens in a new tab).
Make sure you go to a passport office, not a Service Canada Centre.
Walk-in service is only available if there’s enough capacity.
If you need your passport in 2 business days or less
Go to a passport office (Service Canada Centre – Passport Services)(opens in new tab) for walk-in service. You do not need an appointment. New
- Make sure it’s a passport office and not a regular Service Canada Centre or you won’t get your passport in time.
- You must provide proof that you need the passport in 2 business days or less.
Submit the application by mail from Alberta, Manitoba, Ontario, Quebec or Saskatchewan
Use a certified courier or traceable mail service to reduce the delivery time of your application and help protect your documents.
Mailing address (non-courier)
Government of Canada
Passport Program
Gatineau, Quebec K1A 0G3
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
Use a certified courier or traceable mail service to reduce the delivery time of your application and help protect your documents.
Mailing address (non-courier)
Government of Canada
Passport Program
Box 4000 STN LCD 3
Mississauga, Ontario L5K 0A9
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
Use a certified courier or traceable mail service to reduce the delivery time of your application and help protect your documents.
Mailing address (non-courier)
Government of Canada
Passport Program
Box 9325 RPO CSC
Halifax, Nova Scotia, B3K 0J1
Courier address
Government of Canada
Passport Program
22 de Varennes Street
Gatineau, Quebec J8T 8R1
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 (opens in a new tab)
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, 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.
- 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.
Only the consular fees, which apply to all adult applications, are refundable if a passport is not issued.
5. Get your passport
Your passport and any original documents you submitted will be mailed to you. They may be in 2 separate packages.
If you 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
- something in writing from you saying they’re allowed to
Before you travel
- Review the travel requirements and exemptions.
- Get your Canadian COVID-19 proof of vaccination from your province or territory.
- Follow our official travel advice and advisories to protect yourself and your family.
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.
NEXUS cardholders
When you get your new passport, make sure your personal information is up to date in the Trusted Traveler Programs (TTP) System.
Renew your adult passport from the United States
Since you’re applying from within the U.S., you must send your application to us by mail. Government of Canada consular offices in the U.S. do not provide regular passport services.
If you need a passport urgently, contact the nearest Government of Canada office. Additional fees apply.
1. Complete the application form
To save time, complete the form on your computer. Sign each page of the application.
If your passport is lost or stolen 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, 120 KB) to your application and
- pay the extra fee for replacing a lost or stolen passport
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, 120 KB) to your application.
Instructions and tips
- To save time, complete the form on your computer.
- If you can’t open the form, follow these instructions.
- To get a Braille instruction booklet or large-print forms, contact us.
- Read the instructions at the end of the form to make sure you complete it properly.
- Sign each page of the application.
- If the term “mother’s surname” doesn’t apply to you
- cross it out on the form and write “parent’s surname at birth”
- fill in the field with the surname (last name) at birth of 1 parent
and - write your initials in the margin
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.
2. Get all the required documents and your passport photos
You need to include the following with your application:
- the following 3 pieces of information:
- the date your passport was issued
- the date it expired
- its passport number
- your most recent passport, if it’s still valid
- 2 identical passport photos
- On the back of one of the photos, the photographer must write
- their name
- their complete address and
- the date the photos were taken
- Read the full photo requirements for more information.
- On the back of one of the photos, the photographer must write
Passport photo requirements in the U.S. are different than in Canada
Your photos must follow Canadian photo requirements. We’ll reject and return your application to you if you submit an unacceptable photo.
To avoid any problems, print a copy of the passport photo specifications (PDF, 652.38 KB) to bring with you to the photographer.
All your documents must be in either English or French. If a document is in another language, you must provide an official translation.
3. Find 2 references
You need to include 2 references to include on your application.
- They must have known you for at least 2 years.
- They cannot be a family member.
4. Submit your application and pay your fees
Use a certified courier or traceable mail service to reduce the delivery time of your application and help protect your documents.
Mailing address (non-courier)
Government of Canada
Passport Program
Gatineau, QC K1A 0G3
Canada
Courier address
Government of Canada
Passport Program
22 de Varennes Street
Gatineau, QC J8T 8R1
Canada
Pay your fees
Your fees depend on what services you’re getting and how you’re applying.
Fees and methods of payment for applications from the U.S. (opens in a new tab)
You won’t receive a refund for the service fee if you
- cancel your application
- are refused a passport or 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.
- 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.
Only the consular fee, which applies to all adult applications, is refundable if a passport is not issued.
5. Get your passport
We’ll mail the passport and any original documents you submitted to your address in the U.S. by courier service. They may arrive in 2 different packages.
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
NEXUS cardholders
When you get your new passport, make sure your personal information is up to date in the Trusted Traveler Programs (TTP) System.
Renew your adult passport outside Canada and the United States
If you need a passport urgently, contact the nearest Government of Canada office. Additional fees apply.
1. Complete the application form
To save time, complete the form on your computer. Sign each page of the application.
If your passport is lost or stolen 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, 120 KB) to your application and
- pay the extra fee for replacing a lost or stolen passport
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, 120 KB) to your application.
Instructions and tips
- To save time, complete the form on your computer.
- If you can’t open the form, follow these instructions.
- To get a Braille instruction booklet or large-print forms, contact us.
- Read the instructions at the end of the form to make sure you complete it properly.
- Sign each page of the application.
- If the term “mother’s surname” doesn’t apply to you
- cross it out on the form and write “parent’s surname at birth”
- fill in the field with the surname (last name) at birth of 1 parent
and - write your initials in the margin
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.
2. Get all the required documents and your passport photos
You need to include the following with your application:
- the following 3 pieces of information:
- the date your passport was issued
- the date it expired
- its passport number
- your most recent passport, if it’s still valid
- 2 identical passport photos
- On the back of one of the photos, the photographer must write
- their name
- their complete address and
- the date the photos were taken
- Read the full photo requirements for more information.
- On the back of one of the photos, the photographer must write
Passport photo requirements abroad may be different than in Canada
Your photos must follow Canadian photo requirements. We’ll reject and return your application to you if you don’t submit an acceptable photo.
To avoid any problems, print a copy of the passport photo specifications (PDF, 652.38 KB) and bring it to the photographer.
All your documents must be in either English or French. If a document is in another language, you must provide an official translation.
3. Find 2 references
You need to include 2 references to include on your application.
- They must have known you for at least 2 years.
- They cannot be a family member.
4. Pay your fees
Your fees depend on what services you’re getting and how you’re applying.
Fees and methods of payment for applications outside Canada and the U.S. (opens in a new tab)
You won’t receive a refund for the service fee if you
- cancel your application
- are refused a passport or 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.
- 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.
Only the consular fee, which applies to all adult applications, is refundable if a passport is not issued.
5. Submit your application
After you pay the fees, submit your application and payment receipt to the nearest Government of Canada office abroad.
6. Get your passport
The office you applied at will let you know when your passport is ready. They will also tell you when and how you can pick it up.
If you applied by mail
We’ll return your passport and any original documentation to you. They may arrive in 2 separate packages.
If you’re moving but haven’t received your passport yet
Contact the Canadian embassy or consulate where you applied to update your mailing address if you
- haven’t received your passport and
- are moving within 30 days of submitting your application
NEXUS cardholders
When you get your new passport, make sure your personal information is up to date in the Trusted Traveler Programs (TTP) System.
Report a problem or mistake on this page
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