Apply for a travel document for non-Canadians: How to apply

Apply for a travel document or certificate of identity – adults (16 years of age or over)

The application form is the same for travel documents and certificates of identity.

1. Complete the application form

To save time, complete the form on a computer. Sign each page of the application.

Someone else can help you complete the form, like a family member or a friend you trust. However, they must be 18 years of age or older.

2. Gather all necessary documents and get a passport photo

Include the following documents with your application form:

• a photocopy of your proof of immigration status in Canada
• a document to support your identity
  • It can be either
    • the original document or
    • a photocopy of it signed by your guarantor
• any valid passport or travel document issued in your name in the last 5 years, if you have one
• 2 identical passport photos
  • On the back of 1 of the passport photos, you must have all of the following:
    • the photographer must write the complete address of their studio and the date the photo was taken
      • They can handwrite this or use a stamp.
      • Stick-on labels are not accepted.
    • your guarantor must sign it and write “I certify this to be a true likeness of (your name)”

Read the full photo requirements for more information.

You may need extra documents if you’re

• changing your name
• replacing a lost, stolen or damaged travel document
• changing the sex on your travel document

3. Find a guarantor and 2 references

You need a guarantor who meets the requirements for a travel document to sign

• your application
• the back of 1 of your passport photos
• the front and back of all photocopies of your supporting identity documents (ID)

You also need 2 references to include on your application.

Your references and guarantor must have known you for at least 6 months. Learn who’s eligible to act as a guarantor and as a reference.

4. Pay your fees

Your fees and payment methods depend on

• which document you apply for
• if you need urgent, express or pick-up services Currently unavailable

5. Submit your application

We recommend you use a certified courier or traceable mail service to reduce delivery time, protect your documents and track delivery.

Courier address

Centralized Network – Certificate of Identity Section
Place du Centre, Commercial Level 2
200 Promenade du Portage
Gatineau, QC  J8X 4B7

Mailing address (non-courier)

OSC PPT-COI
PO Box 8783 STN T CSC
Ottawa, ON  K1G 5G8

Apply for a travel document or certificate of identity – children (under 16 years of age)

The application form is the same for travel documents and certificates of identity. Once we receive your application, we decide

• which type of travel document to give you
• how long it will be valid for

1. Complete the application form

To save time, complete the form on a computer. Sign each page of the application.

Someone else can help you complete the form, like a family member or a friend you trust. However, they must be 18 years of age or older.

2. Gather all necessary documents and get a passport photo

Include the following documents with your application form:

• a photocopy of the child’s proof of immigration status in Canada
• a document to support their identity
  • It can be either
    • the original document or
    • a photocopy of it signed by your guarantor
• 2 identical passport photos
  • On the back of 1 of the passport photos, you must have all of the following:
    • the photographer must write the complete address of their studio and the date the photo was taken
      • They can handwrite this or use a stamp.
      • Stick-on labels are not accepted.
    • your guarantor must sign it and write “I certify this to be a true likeness of (your child’s name)”
      • Read the full photo requirements for more information.
• any valid passport or travel document in the child’s name
• proof of parentage or proof of legal guardianship (if applicable)
• all documents that refer to the custody of, mobility of, or access to the child

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

You may need extra documents if

• your child’s name has changed
• you’re replacing a lost, stolen or damaged travel document
• you’re updating the gender identifier on your child’s travel document

3. Find a guarantor

You’ll need to find a guarantor to sign

• the child’s application
• the back of 1 of the photos
• the front and back of all photocopies of their supporting identity document (ID)

Your guarantor must

• be a permanent resident or a Canadian citizen
• live in Canada
• have known you (the child’s parent or legal guardian) personally for at least 6 months and know of the child
• be an occupation-based guarantor who is
  • registered or licensed and
  • currently works in their field

See the list of eligible occupations, as well as the full requirements for a travel document guarantor.

4. Pay your fees

Your fees and payment methods depend on

• which document you’re applying for
• if you need urgent, express or pick-up services Currently unavailable

5. Send in your child’s application

We recommend you use a certified courier or traceable mail service to reduce the delivery time of your child’s application. This will also help protect your documents.

If using a courier

Centralized Network – Certificate of Identity Section
Place du Centre, Commercial Level 2
200 Promenade du Portage
Gatineau, QC  J8X 4B7

If applying by mail (non-courier)

OSC PPT-COI
PO Box 8783 STN T CSC
Ottawa, ON  K1G 5G8