Understand who can apply for a Canadian passport, whether you need a new application or an adult renewal, which documents to prepare, and how to check current passport fees and processing times.
A practical guide for Canadian citizens, new citizens, adult applicants, parents applying for a child, and Canadians planning travel.
Start with eligibility
A Canadian passport is a travel document for Canadian citizens. If you recently became a citizen, you can apply after you have acceptable proof of Canadian citizenship. Permanent residents are not eligible for a Canadian passport; they travel internationally using their own national passport and the Canadian PR travel documents required for their situation.
First-time adult applicants generally need proof of Canadian citizenship, supporting identification, two identical passport photos, a guarantor, and two references. Requirements differ for renewals, children, and applications submitted outside Canada.
See the official adult passport document checklist ↗Canadian citizen: may apply for a Canadian passport.
Canadian permanent resident: does not apply for a Canadian passport. A PR abroad without a valid PR card may need a Permanent Resident Travel Document (PRTD) to return to Canada on a commercial carrier.
Read VisaLine’s Canada PRTD guide →Choose your application path
Choosing the correct process helps avoid returned forms and preventable delays.
For a Canadian citizen applying for an adult passport for the first time, or whose previous passport does not qualify for renewal.
A simplified adult renewal may be available if your previous passport meets IRCC’s renewal conditions.
Child passports cannot be renewed. A new child passport application is required each time one expires.
Canadians abroad follow the application process for their country of residence and the responsible Canadian office.
New application or renewal?
You may be able to renew instead of applying for a new adult passport when all the official renewal conditions are met.
Check every condition before using the adult passport renewal form. If one does not apply, you may need a new passport application.
Use the current Government of Canada form and instructions that match your situation. Do not submit a renewal form if you are not eligible to renew.
Documents and passport photos
Prepare a complete document set before submitting. The exact checklist depends on whether this is a first adult passport, a renewal, a child passport, or an application abroad.
For a new adult passport, IRCC generally requires proof of citizenship, supporting identification, two photos, a guarantor, and two references. A qualifying adult renewal is simpler and may not require a guarantor, citizenship proof, or supporting identification.
Fees and processing
The published fees and service standards below are current as of November 2026. Confirm the latest amount and expected service time on Canada.ca before submitting.
| Passport type | Current fee | Validity |
|---|---|---|
| Adult passport | CAN$122.50 | 5 years |
| Adult passport | CAN$163.50 | 10 years |
Fees differ for applications submitted outside Canada and may include additional service charges in some circumstances.
Service standards do not include mailing time. Urgent and express service have eligibility and proof requirements.
Application details that matter
Some passport applications need additional forms or supporting evidence. Follow the official instructions for the applicant’s age and circumstances.
Use the child passport application process. A child passport is not renewed; submit a new application when it expires. Check who may apply, the required proof of parentage or guardianship, and the current consent requirements.
Report a lost or stolen valid passport as instructed by the Government of Canada. Name changes, damaged passports, and urgent travel can require additional documents or a different application route.
Passport application questions
Answers to common questions about first passports, adult renewals, required documents, costs, and processing.
Canadian citizens can apply for a Canadian passport. Applicants need proof of Canadian citizenship and must meet the requirements for the relevant application type.
No. A Canadian passport is for Canadian citizens. Permanent residents use their own passport and, when needed for travel back to Canada, a valid PR card or PRTD.
Generally, proof of Canadian citizenship, supporting identification, two identical passport photos, a guarantor, and two references. Check the current official checklist for your case.
Online renewal may be available for eligible applicants who need the passport in 20 business days or more. Confirm eligibility and current online application rules on Canada.ca.
No. Child passports cannot be renewed. A new child passport application is required each time one expires.
Your previous passport generally must have been an adult passport issued when you were at least 16, issued within the last 15 years, valid for 5 or 10 years, and match the personal details you want on the new passport.
As of November 2026, the listed in-Canada adult fees are CAN$122.50 for a 5-year passport and CAN$163.50 for a 10-year passport. Fees can change; verify the current fee when applying.
Current in-Canada service standards are generally 10 or 20 business days depending on where and how you apply. Mailing time is additional, and express or urgent processing has separate conditions.
Passport applications generally require two references. The current rules specify age and how long they must have known you; check the official reference requirements before applying.
Eligible adult renewals are generally simpler and do not require a guarantor. A new adult passport application usually requires one. Confirm the process that applies to your application.
Canadian citizens abroad may apply through the process for their country of residence. Application instructions, fees, and service standards may differ from applications made in Canada.
Report it promptly using the Government of Canada’s current instructions. A replacement application and additional fee may apply, especially if the lost or stolen passport was still valid.
You must first have acceptable proof of Canadian citizenship and meet the passport application requirements. Check the current process for your citizenship certificate and passport application.
No. A PR card is evidence of permanent resident status, not Canadian citizenship. Only Canadian citizens can apply for a Canadian passport.
Related VisaLine guides
Continue to the guide that matches your current status and travel document question.
Gather your citizenship proof, identity document, photos, previous passport details, and the correct application form.
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Official information
Fees, service standards, forms, eligibility, and urgent processing options can change. Check the official page that applies to your application before submitting.
This page provides general information and is not a government application form or a guarantee of passport issuance. Passport applications are processed by the Government of Canada. Always use current official instructions for your application.
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