How to apply for an adult passport in Canada

If you already have an adult passport, you may be able to renew your adult passport. Renewing a passport is simpler than applying for a new one. Find out if you should renew your passport instead of applying for a new one.

Forms, instructions and fees

• give you all the forms you need
• tell you how to submit your application
• show the costs for different passport services

You need to contact us as soon as possible to report the theft or loss of your previous passport.

How to get a passport on a weekend or statutory holiday (emergencies only)

1. Complete the form
2. Get all the required documents and your passport photos
3. Find 2 references
4. Call us and pay the fees
5. Get your passport

1. Complete the form

• Fill out the form on your computer to save time.
  • Save the form on your computer and use Adobe Reader 10 or higher.
  • Don’t use your phone or tablet. The form will not work properly.

  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, 1.3 MB) to your application and
  • pay the extra fee for replacing a lost or stolen passport

  If your passport is damaged but still valid

  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.

  • If you can’t open the form after saving it to your computer and using Adobe Reader
    • in Canada or the US:contact us online or call us
    • outside Canada and the US: contact the closest Canadian government office abroad

    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. Gather all necessary documents and get your passport photos

    Include the following documents with your application form:

    • proof of Canadian citizenship
      • This can be a birth certificate or citizenship certificate.
        • If you have a paper certificate, it must be the original document, not a photocopy.
        • If you have a citizenship e-certificate, you must attach a printed copy.
        • This can be a photocopy or the original.
          • If you want to use a photocopy of your ID, make sure you show both sides and have it signed and dated by your guarantor or signing official.
          • On the back of one of the photos, the photographer must write
            • their name
            • their complete address
            • the date the photos were taken

            All your documents must be in either English or French. If a document is in another language, you must provide an official translation (opens in a new tab) .

            3. Find 2 references

            You need to include 2 references (opens in a new tab) to include on your application.

            • They must have known you for at least 2 years.
            • They cannot be a family member.

            4. Call us and pay the fees (weekend or statutory holiday)

            Call us ahead of time at 1-800-567-6868 to find out how to submit the application. We answer the phone Monday to Friday

            • from 8:30 am to 5 pm (your local time)
            • from 9:00 am to 5:30 pm (Newfoundland)
            • except for statutory holidays

            Get information on emergency passport services outside these hours

            You can leave a message and ask for us to call you back

            • on Friday or a weekday before a statutory holiday after 5 pm (your local time), 5:30 pm (Newfoundland)
            • on Saturday or Sunday

            We’ll call you with information on emergency services between 9 am and 5 pm (your local time).

            5. Get your passport

            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
            If you have a NEXUS card

            When you get your new passport, make sure your personal information is up to date (opens in a new tab) in the Trusted Traveler Programs (TTP) System.

            How to get a passport by the end of next business day (urgent pick-up)

            1. Complete the form
            2. Get all the required documents and your passport photos
            3. Find 2 references
            4. Call us and pay the fees
            5. Get your passport

            1. Complete the form

            • Fill out the form on your computer to save time.
              • Save the form on your computer and use Adobe Reader 10 or higher.
              • Don’t use your phone or tablet. The form will not work properly.

              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, 1.3 MB) to your application and
              • pay the extra fee for replacing a lost or stolen passport

              If your passport is damaged but still valid

              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.

              • If you can’t open the form after saving it to your computer and using Adobe Reader
                • in Canada or the US:contact us online or call us
                • outside Canada and the US: contact the closest Canadian government office abroad

                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. Gather all necessary documents and get your passport photos

                Include the following documents with your application form:

                • proof of Canadian citizenship
                  • This can be a birth certificate or citizenship certificate.
                    • If you have a paper certificate, it must be the original document, not a photocopy.
                    • If you have a citizenship e-certificate, you must attach a printed copy.
                    • This can be a photocopy or the original.
                      • If you want to use a photocopy of your ID, make sure you show both sides and have it signed and dated by your guarantor or signing official.
                      • On the back of one of the photos, the photographer must write
                        • their name
                        • their complete address
                        • the date the photos were taken

                        All your documents must be in either English or French. If a document is in another language, you must provide an official translation (opens in a new tab) .

                        3. Find 2 references

                        You need to include 2 references (opens in a new tab) 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 need your passport by end of next business day

                        • Go to a passport office with urgent pick-up (opens in a new tab) .
                          • You do not need an appointment.
                          • You must provide proof that you need the passport.
                          • You can check walk-in wait times (opens in a new tab) before you go.

                          Paying your fees

                          Your fees depend on what services you’re getting. How you can pay them depends on how you’re applying.

                          Fees for passport services (urgent pickup)

                          Passport type	CAN$
                          5-year adult passport (age 16 or over)	120
                          10-year adult passport (age 16 or over)	160

                          There are other fees for

                          • urgent pickup
                          • replacing a lost or stolen passport
                          • other administrative services

                          Additional administrative fee for replacing a valid lost or stolen passport

                          You must pay this fee if you report a passport as lost or stolen and are applying for a replacement. This fee does not include the cost of the new passport.

                          How to pay your fees in person

                          You can pay using any of the following:

                          • credit card or prepaid card (Visa ® , MasterCard ® or American Express ® )
                          • debit card
                          • certified cheque or money order (postal or bank)
                            • in Canadian funds
                            • with the exact amount
                            • For example, the Ministry of Social Services.

                            All cheques must be made payable to the Receiver General for Canada.

                            We don’t accept cash or personal cheques.

                            You can’t pay online for in-Canada services.

                            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.

                                Only the consular fees (opens in a new tab) , which apply to all adult applications, are refundable if a passport is not issued.

                                5. Get your passport

                                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
                                If you have a NEXUS card

                                When you get your new passport, make sure your personal information is up to date (opens in a new tab) in the Trusted Traveler Programs (TTP) System.

                                How to get a passport within 2 to 9 business days (express pick-up)

                                1. Complete the form
                                2. Get all the required documents and your passport photos
                                3. Find 2 references
                                4. Submit your application and pay your fees
                                5. Get your passport

                                1. Complete the form

                                • Fill out the form on your computer to save time.
                                  • Save the form on your computer and use Adobe Reader 10 or higher.
                                  • Don’t use your phone or tablet. The form will not work properly.

                                  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, 1.3 MB) to your application and
                                  • pay the extra fee for replacing a lost or stolen passport

                                  If your passport is damaged but still valid

                                  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.

                                  • If you can’t open the form after saving it to your computer and using Adobe Reader
                                    • in Canada or the US:contact us online or call us
                                    • outside Canada and the US: contact the closest Canadian government office abroad

                                    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. Gather all necessary documents and get your passport photos

                                    Include the following documents with your application form:

                                    • proof of Canadian citizenship
                                      • This can be a birth certificate or citizenship certificate.
                                        • If you have a paper certificate, it must be the original document, not a photocopy.
                                        • If you have a citizenship e-certificate, you must attach a printed copy.
                                        • This can be a photocopy or the original.
                                          • If you want to use a photocopy of your ID, make sure you show both sides and have it signed and dated by your guarantor or signing official.
                                          • On the back of one of the photos, the photographer must write
                                            • their name
                                            • their complete address
                                            • the date the photos were taken

                                            All your documents must be in either English or French. If a document is in another language, you must provide an official translation (opens in a new tab) .

                                            3. Find 2 references

                                            You need to include 2 references (opens in a new tab) 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 2 to 9 business days

                                            By appointment

                                            You can book an appointment online (opens in a new tab) .

                                            Some locations have a high demand for appointments. Their availability may vary.

                                            Without an appointment (walk-in)

                                            If the location is busy, we may prioritize people who need a passport within 48 hours.

                                            Paying your fees

                                            Your fees depend on what services you’re getting. How you can pay them depends on how you’re applying.

                                            Fees for passport services (express pickup)

                                            Passport type	CAN$
                                            5-year adult passport (age 16 or over)	120
                                            10-year adult passport (age 16 or over)	160

                                            There are other fees for

                                            • express pickup
                                            • replacing a lost or stolen passport
                                            • other administrative services

                                            Additional administrative fee for replacing a valid lost or stolen passport

                                            You must pay this fee if you report a passport as lost or stolen and are applying for a replacement. This fee does not include the cost of the new passport.

                                            How to pay your fees in person

                                            You can pay using any of the following:

                                            • credit card or prepaid card (Visa ® , MasterCard ® or American Express ® )
                                            • debit card
                                            • certified cheque or money order (postal or bank)
                                              • in Canadian funds
                                              • with the exact amount
                                              • For example, the Ministry of Social Services.

                                              All cheques must be made payable to the Receiver General for Canada.

                                              We don’t accept cash or personal cheques.

                                              You can’t pay online for in-Canada services.

                                              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.

                                                  Only the consular fees (opens in a new tab) , which apply to all adult applications, are refundable if a passport is not issued.

                                                  5. Get your passport

                                                  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
                                                  If you have a NEXUS card

                                                  When you get your new passport, make sure your personal information is up to date (opens in a new tab) in the Trusted Traveler Programs (TTP) System.

                                                  How to get a passport in 10 to 20 business days

                                                  How to get a passport in 20 business days

                                                  1. Complete the form
                                                  2. Get all the required documents and your passport photos
                                                  3. Find 2 references
                                                  4. Submit your application and pay your fees
                                                  5. Get your passport

                                                  1. Complete the form

                                                  • Fill out the form on your computer to save time.
                                                    • Save the form on your computer and use Adobe Reader 10 or higher.
                                                    • Don’t use your phone or tablet. The form will not work properly.

                                                    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, 1.3 MB) to your application and
                                                    • pay the extra fee for replacing a lost or stolen passport

                                                    If your passport is damaged but still valid

                                                    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.

                                                    • If you can’t open the form after saving it to your computer and using Adobe Reader
                                                      • in Canada or the US:contact us online or call us
                                                      • outside Canada and the US: contact the closest Canadian government office abroad

                                                      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. Gather all necessary documents and get your passport photos

                                                      Include the following documents with your application form:

                                                      • proof of Canadian citizenship
                                                        • This can be a birth certificate or citizenship certificate.
                                                          • If you have a paper certificate, it must be the original document, not a photocopy.
                                                          • If you have a citizenship e-certificate, you must attach a printed copy.
                                                          • This can be a photocopy or the original.
                                                            • If you want to use a photocopy of your ID, make sure you show both sides and have it signed and dated by your guarantor or signing official.
                                                            • On the back of one of the photos, the photographer must write
                                                              • their name
                                                              • their complete address
                                                              • the date the photos were taken

                                                              All your documents must be in either English or French. If a document is in another language, you must provide an official translation (opens in a new tab) .

                                                              3. Find 2 references

                                                              You need to include 2 references (opens in a new tab) 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 10-20 business days

                                                              By appointment

                                                              Some locations have a high demand for appointments. Their availability may vary.

                                                              Without an appointment (walk-in)

                                                              Wait times may be long at some passport offices. If the location is busy, we may prioritize people who need a passport within 48 hours.

                                                              Someone else can submit your application for you if you can’t go yourself. Learn more about who can submit a passport application on your behalf (opens in a new tab) .

                                                              Paying your fees

                                                              Your fees depend on what services you’re getting. How you can pay them depends on how you’re applying.

                                                              Fees for passport services

                                                              Passport type	CAN$
                                                              5-year adult passport (age 16 or over)	120
                                                              10-year adult passport (age 16 or over)	160

                                                              There are other fees for

                                                              • standard pickup at a passport office
                                                              • replacing a lost or stolen passport
                                                              • other administrative services

                                                              Additional administrative fee for replacing a valid lost or stolen passport

                                                              You must pay this fee if you report a passport as lost or stolen and are applying for a replacement. This fee does not include the cost of the new passport.

                                                              How to pay your fees in person

                                                              You can pay using any of the following:

                                                              • credit card or prepaid card (Visa ® , MasterCard ® or American Express ® )
                                                              • debit card
                                                              • certified cheque or money order (postal or bank)
                                                                • in Canadian funds
                                                                • with the exact amount
                                                                • For example, the Ministry of Social Services.

                                                                All cheques must be made payable to the Receiver General for Canada.

                                                                We don’t accept cash or personal cheques.

                                                                You can’t pay online for in-Canada services.

                                                                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.

                                                                    Only the consular fees (opens in a new tab) , which apply to all adult applications, are refundable if a passport is not issued.

                                                                    5. Get your passport

                                                                    When your passport is processed, it will be mailed to you unless you paid for pick-up service. Mail time is usually 5 business days, but it can vary across the country.

                                                                    Wildfires in parts of Canada may affect the delivery of passports by mail

                                                                    • you can’t access your mail
                                                                    • you’ve asked to have your passport delivered to you

                                                                    While you’re waiting for your passport, you can check the status of your application online (opens in a new tab) for instant updates.

                                                                    If you applied by mail

                                                                    Any original documents you submitted will be mailed back to you. They may be in a separate package than your passport.

                                                                    If you paid for a pick-up 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

                                                                    Submit the application by mail from Alberta, Manitoba, Ontario, Quebec or Saskatchewan

                                                                    Service standards don’t include mailing time. Mailing times vary across the country.

                                                                    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

                                                                    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

                                                                    Service standards don’t include mailing time. Mailing times vary across the country.

                                                                    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
                                                                    PO Box 4000 STN LCD 3
                                                                    Mississauga, Ontario L5K 0A9

                                                                    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

                                                                    Service standards don’t include mailing time. Mailing times vary across the country.

                                                                    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

                                                                    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. How you can pay them depends on how you’re applying.

                                                                    Fees for passport services

                                                                    Passport type	CAN$
                                                                    5-year adult passport	120
                                                                    10-year adult passport	160

                                                                    There are other fees for

                                                                    • replacing a lost or stolen passport
                                                                    • other administrative services

                                                                    Additional administrative fee for replacing a valid lost or stolen passport

                                                                    You must pay this fee if you report a passport as lost or stolen and are applying for a replacement. This fee does not include the cost of the new passport.

                                                                    How to pay your fees by mail

                                                                    Fill out the payment section on your application form with any of the following:

                                                                    • a credit card (Visa ® , MasterCard ® or American Express ® )
                                                                    • an embossed prepaid card that has raised letters or numbers (Visa ® , MasterCard ® or American Express ® )
                                                                    • a certified cheque or money order (postal or bank)
                                                                      • in Canadian funds
                                                                      • with the exact amount
                                                                      • For example, the Ministry of Social Services.
                                                                        • All cheques must be made payable to the Receiver General for Canada.

                                                                        We don’t accept cash or personal cheques.

                                                                        You can’t pay online for in-Canada services.

                                                                        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.

                                                                            Only the consular fees (opens in a new tab) , which apply to all adult applications, are refundable if a passport is not issued.

                                                                            5. Get your passport

                                                                            When your passport is processed, it will be mailed to you unless you paid for pick-up service. Mail time is usually 5 business days, but it can vary across the country.

                                                                            Any original documents you submitted will be mailed back to you. They may be in a separate package than your passport.

                                                                            While you’re waiting for your passport, you can check the status of your application online (opens in a new tab) for instant updates.

                                                                            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.

                                                                            If you have a NEXUS card

                                                                            When you get your new passport, make sure your personal information is up to date (opens in a new tab) in the Trusted Traveler Programs (TTP) System.

                                                                            Office closures for statutory holidays

                                                                            Passport offices and Service Canada Centres will be closed on these dates in 2024:

                                                                            • January 1
                                                                            • March 29
                                                                            • April 1
                                                                            • May 20
                                                                            • June 24 (Quebec only)
                                                                            • July 1
                                                                            • August 5 (except Quebec)
                                                                            • September 2
                                                                            • September 30
                                                                            • October 14
                                                                            • November 11
                                                                            • December 25 and 26

                                                                            You must provide proof that you need the passport

                                                                            Proof you need the passport can be

                                                                            • an airline, bus or train ticket
                                                                              • If travelling by car, a written statement explaining why you need to travel
                                                                              • For example, for legal, banking or residency requirements

                                                                              If we can’t deliver the passport in time to you or your child, we aren’t liable for any losses.

                                                                              We recommend that you don’t finalize any travel plans until you get your passport.

                                                                              How to open our forms

                                                                              • use your computer
                                                                                • The forms may not open on mobile devices (iPads, tablets, mobile phones).
                                                                                • If you don’t have it, download Adobe Reader 10 for free.
                                                                                • Adobe has help for solving common issues with Reader.

                                                                                For more help, see our step-by-step instructions on downloading and opening PDFs. If you still have trouble opening the forms, contact us online or call us at 1-800-567-6868. If you’re outside Canada or the United States, contact the closest Canadian government office abroad.

                                                                                Passport number, date of issue, and date of expiry

                                                                                with the date of issue, date of expiry, and passport number each highlighted." />

                                                                                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.