Guide: How to Renew Your Canadian Passport

 

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

Include your email address on the form so we can contact you if needed.

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, 1.33 MB) to your application.

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.

Instructions and tips

• To save time, complete the form on your computer.
• 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

Avoid this mistake

Don’t forget to tell us if you want a 5 or 10 year passport under section 4 of the form (Period of validity).

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

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.

• 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
  • You do not need a guarantor’s signature on the photo. Passport renewals don’t need a guarantor.
  • Read the full photo requirements for more information.

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.

Your references must

• be 18 years of age or older
• have known you for at least
  • 2 years for passport applications
  • 6 months for certificate of identity and refugee travel document applications
• agree to you using their name and contact information for your application

To avoid delays, make sure your references are available if or when we need to contact them.

• For example, they’re not travelling outside the country.
• If they’re in a different time zone, it may take longer to contact them, which could delay your application.

We may ask for additional references at any time.

People who can’t be a reference for you

Your references cannot be

• your guarantor
• a family member, such as a
  • spouse or common-law partner
    • Whether you’re the opposite or same sex, you’re considered common-law partners if you’ve lived together in a marriage-like relationship for at least 1 year, but you aren’t legally married.
      • A boyfriend or girlfriend can be a reference if you’re not in a common-law relationship.
      • If your marriage or common-law relationship has ended, your former spouse or partner can serve as a reference.
  • parent, step-parent, foster parent, or a parent’s spouse or common-law partner
  • mother-in-law or father-in-law
  • child (biological, adopted, foster, or stepchild), or your child’s spouse or common-law partner
  • son-in-law or daughter-in-law
  • sibling (brother, half-brother or stepbrother, or sister, half-sister or stepsister), or your sibling’s spouse or common-law partner
  • brother-in-law or sister-in-law
  • grandparent (biological, adopted, step or foster grandparent), or your grandparent’s spouse or common-law partner
  • grandmother-in-law or grandfather-in-law
  • grandchild (biological, adopted, step or foster grandchild), or your grandchild’s spouse or common-law partner
  • grandson-in-law or granddaughter-in-law
  • anyone else who’s related to you or your spouse or common-law partner by blood, marriage, common-law partnership, adoption or guardianship and lives at the same address as you
    • For example, if your aunt, uncle or cousin lives with you, they cannot be a reference.

4. Submit your application and pay your fees

By appointment

You can book your appointment online.

Some locations are seeing high demand for appointments. Appointment availability may vary.

Without an appointment (walk-in)

You can also get walk-in services at a Service Canada Centre or a passport office.