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Complete Guide on How to Apply for a Passport in Canada 2024

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To travel outside of Canada, you need a passport. It’s a very useful document that allows you to travel anywhere in the world. If you’re travelling outside Canada, you need it to regain entry into the country.

A passport is not given to you at birth, so you need to apply for one when you want to travel.

So, how do you apply for a passport in Canada?

This article covers the Canadian passport application process, including adult and child passport applications and how to renew an adult passport in Canada.

How to Apply For An Adult Passport in Canada

There are three different ways to apply for a passport, depending on how soon you need it. You can get it in 2 to 46 business days or more.

If you already have a passport, you can likely renew it instead of applying for a new one.

2 business days

To get it within two (2) business days, you need to apply for urgent passport services.

You must go to a passport office with urgent pick-up service, which is walk-in only. You need to provide proof that you need the passport urgently, and you will have to pay extra fees.

These are the steps to apply for a passport and get it within 2 business days:

  1. Complete the adult passport application form and sign each page. You must specify whether you want a 5-year or 10-year passport.
  2. Include these documents along with the form: original proof of Canadian citizenship, a valid Canadian passport or another travel document, a document to support your identity, and 2 identical passport photos.
  3. Find a guarantor to sign your application, one of the passport photos, and all copies of your supporting documents.
  4. Include 2 references on your application. They must have known you for at least 2 years and cannot be a family member or your guarantor.
  5. Call Passport Canada (1-800-567-6868) to find out how to submit your application. You will need to pay fees as shown below.
  6. After submitting the application, pick up your passport on the date indicated on your receipt.

If you need your passport on the weekend or a statutory holiday, you need to pay an additional $355.

If any other family members need the weekend or holiday service, you’ll pay an urgent service of $110 per family member.

3 to 45 business days

To get a passport within 3 to 45 business days, you can book an appointment at a passport office or get walk-in service at a passport office or a Service Canada Centre with 10-day processing.

As of this writing, passport processing time can take up to 2 weeks, plus mail time.

To get your passport within 3 to 45 business days, follow the steps above to complete the form, get the required documents, and find a guarantor and references.

To submit your application, you can either book an appointment online or walk in to a passport office with 10-day processing.

To get your passport within 3 to 9 days, you need to pay a $50 express pick-up fee and a $45 transfer fee.

46 business days or more

To get a passport in 46 business days or longer, follow the same steps as above but don’t go to a passport office – you’ll need to apply by mail or go to a regular Service Canada Centre (either walk-in or book an appointment).

The standard of service is the same for both in-person and mail applications, but applying in person is recommended.

As of this writing, processing may take up to 17 weeks, plus mail time.

How to Apply for a Passport in Canada-htapc-img

How to Apply For a Child Passport in Canada

Anyone under age 16 must apply for a child’s passport, which is different from the adult Canadian passport.

Note that when a child turns 16, they can apply for a new adult passport. Until then, you must apply for a child passport when it expires.

To apply for a child’s passport, you must be either:

  • One of the child’s parents (if divorced or separated)
  • The parent who has custody of the child (if divorced or separated)
  • The child’s legal guardian

As with the adult passport application, you can apply for a child passport depending if you need it within 2 business days, 3 to 45 business days, or 46 business days or more.

The steps are the same as applying for an adult Canadian passport; however, it does not require 2 references (parents can sign) or the child’s signature.

Passport Renewal Application in Canada

If you already have an adult passport, you can renew it instead of applying for a new one. Remember that you cannot renew a child passport, only an adult one.

When you renew a passport in Canada, you do not need a guarantor, proof of citizenship, or supporting identification.

If your recent passport is still valid, you must include it with your application. It will no longer be valid for travel.

Even if your passport is damaged, lost, stolen, or expired, you can renew it as long as it has been issued no less than 15 years ago and you meet all other requirements.

You can get your new passport within 2 business days, 3 to 45 business days, and 46 business days or more.

Renewing your passport is the same process as applying for a new one, except for a few differences.

You’ll need to fill out and submit the adult passport renewal application form.

You also need to include the following information, along with your most recent passport, if it’s still valid:

  • The date your passport was issued
  • The date your passport expired
  • Your passport number
  • 2 identical passport photos

FAQs

What is the Passport Canada phone number?

Passport Canada’s phone number is 1-800-567-6868. They are open Monday to Friday from 9 am to 5:30 pm in Newfoundland and 8:30 am to 5 pm everywhere else in Canada.

What is an emergency passport in Canada?

An emergency passport is when you apply for an adult passport and want to receive it within 2 business days or less, typically because of travel plans.

What is the quickest way to get a passport in Canada?

The fastest way to get a passport in Canada is to get urgent pick-up service at a passport office. You’ll need to pay an additional fee, but you’ll get it within 2 business days.

How much is the Canadian passport fee?

The fee varies depending on the passport type and any expedited service fees. The base fees are as follows: 5-year adult passport ($120), 10-year adult passport ($160), and child passport ($57).

Is it faster to apply for a passport online or in person?

It is faster to apply for a passport in person. You can pay for expedited service fees, which are only available in person, not by mail.

Do you need a birth certificate to get a passport in Canada?

You need to provide proof of Canadian citizenship, which is either a long-form birth certificate or a citizenship certificate.

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Author

Gravatar for Enoch Omololu, MSc (Econ)
Enoch Omololu, MSc (Econ)

Enoch Omololu, personal finance expert, author, and founder of Savvy New Canadians, has written about money matters for over 10 years. Enoch has an MSc (Econ) degree in Finance and Investment Management from the University of Aberdeen Business School and has completed the Canadian Securities Course. His expertise has been highlighted in major publications like Forbes, Globe and Mail, Business Insider, CBC News, Toronto Star, Financial Post, CTV News, TD Direct Investing, Canadian Securities Exchange, and many others. Enoch is passionate about helping others win with their finances and recently created a practical investing course for beginners. You can read his full author bio.

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