Canadian Passport Application Guide For Renewal or New Passport

All individuals born on Canadian soil are Canadian citizens by law through the principle of jus soli (the law of the soil).

As a Canadian citizen, you can easily apply to renew your Canadian passport from anywhere in the world. If you are inside Canada, you can appear at any Passport Canada office or submit the application by mail. If you are outside Canada, depending on your circumstances, you may be allowed to renew your Canadian passport by mail rather than in person at the nearest Canadian consulate or embassy.

If you are outside Canada this is your first Canadian passport application, or your previous Canadian passport has been lost or stolen, you will be required to apply for your passport at the nearest Canadian embassy or consulate.

Canadian Citizenship by descent – Born Outside Canada to a Canadian Parent

All children born outside Canada to a parent who was Canadian by birth or naturalization at the time of the child’s birth inherit Canadian citizenship when they are born. A parent who was born outside Canada to a Canadian parent cannot usually transmit Canadian citizenship to their own child born outside Canada. Detailed information about Canadian citizenship for children born outside Canada can be found here: Am I Canadian?

A child born outside Canada to a Canadian parent needs proof of their Canadian citizenship to apply for their Canadian passport. Find out more about getting proof of Canadian citizenship here: First Canadian Citizenship Certificate

Current processing times for proof of Canadian citizenship applications are longer than 18 months. Contact us to expedite the application.

Children who are adopted by Canadian parents outside Canada are also eligible to inherit Canadian citizenship through their adopted parent. This requires a special application which is different from the standard first citizenship application. Contact us for more information.

How to Renew a Canadian Passport Inside Canada or the US

Canadian passports can be renewed using the same method in either Canada or the United States.

Step 1: Complete the application form here: Canadian Passport Application

Step 2: Gather your documents to send to Passport Canada:

• your most recent passport
• 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

    Step 3: Find 2 references who have known you for at least 2 years to list on your passport application. More information about references here: Canadian passport references

    Step 4: Submit your passport renewal application and supporting documents to Passport Canada:

    Use a courier such as Purolator or FedEx, or trackable mail service such as Canadapost Xpresspost to reduce the delivery time of your application and help protect your documents.

    Mailing address (Canadapost)

    Government of Canada
    Passport Program
    Gatineau, Quebec K1A 0G3

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

    Urgent Processing

    Urgent processing for renewal or a new Canadian passport application can be accessed for additional fees.

    Canadian Passport Application Processing Time Inside Canada

    Submitted in Person – delivery by mail	Submitted by Mail – delivery by mail	Pickup at Passport Office
    Regular Service	10 business days (not including mailing time)	20 business days (not including mailing time)	20 business days
    Urgent Service	–	–	Next business day
    Express Service	–	–	2 – 9 business days

    Once you submit your application you can no longer use your passport to travel so it is always advised not to make any travel plans until you receive your new passport.

    Canadian Passport Fees for Renewal Inside Canada

    Passport type	CAD$
    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

    Additional fees may apply

    You may need to pay extra fees on top of the fees above if you need

    • to replace a lost or stolen passport
    • urgent and express processing (only available if you apply in person at a passport office)
    • standard pickup at a passport office
    • other administrative services
    Expedited services fees (available only in person)

    Expedited services	CAD$
    Urgent pickup (by the end of the next business day)	$110
    Express pickup (within 2 to 9 business days)	$50
    Standard pickup (on or after 10 business days)	$20