Read the Government of Canada’s website for complete information.
Last Reviewed: June 2023
You do not need a guarantor for a passport renewal.
Read the Government of Canada’s website for complete information.
Last Reviewed: June 2023
You must submit two identical and unaltered photos. Most camera shops or photography studios can help you with this.
There are very specific requirements for your photos. Your passport will be delayed if your photos do not meet these requirements. Read the Government of Canada’s website to learn more.
Last Reviewed: June 2023
Yes. If you are getting your first passport or you cannot renew your existing passport, you will need to provide proof of your Canadian citizenship. You must provide the original document, not a photocopy.
If you were born in Canada, you can provide one of:
If you were born outside of Canada, you can provide one of:
Note, the Government of Canada will only accept laminated proof of citizenship documents if the issuing authority laminated it. They will not accept the document if you laminated it yourself.
If you apply in person, the officer will verify your document and give it back to you right away. If you apply by mail, you must include the document with your application, and the Government of Canada will mail it back to you.
You do not need to provide proof of Canadian citizenship if you are renewing your passport.
Last Reviewed: June 2023
You can get a new birth certificate from the government in the province or territory where you were born. Find contact info for your birth province’s vital statistics office on the Government of Canada’s website.
It can take time to get a new birth certificate. Make sure you apply right away if you will be traveling soon.
You do not need to provide your birth certificate if you are renewing your passport.
Last Reviewed: June 2023
No. An expired Canadian passport is not proof of citizenship. A Canadian passport is an official travel document, not proof of citizenship.
Last Reviewed: June 2023
Yes. The Government of Canada will always return your original documents to you.
Last Reviewed: June 2023
A guarantor is a person who “guarantees” your identity. This person must have known you for at least 2 years and well enough to confirm the information in your application is true.
There are specific requirements for guarantors, including if you are applying from inside or outside Canada, are military personnel, or are applying for a certificate of identify or refugee travel document.
Last Reviewed: June 2023
If you cannot find anyone who is eligible to be your guarantor, you must complete the Statutory Declaration in Lieu of Guarantor form. You must swear or affirm this form in front of someone who has authority to administer an oath wherever you are, such as a notary public, justice of the peace or commissioner of oaths.
To get a copy of this form:
Last Reviewed: June 2023
No. A guarantor is not allowed to charge a fee for helping with your passport application.
Last Reviewed: June 2023
You need 2 references to apply for or renew a passport.
A reference must meet certain requirements, including:
Some people cannot be your reference, including your guarantor and family members.
Do not use a person as a reference if they are travelling outside the country or will be hard to contact while the Government of Canada is processing your passport application. If the government cannot contact your reference, this may delay you getting your passport.
Last Reviewed: June 2023
The Centre for Public Legal Education respectfully acknowledges that we are located on Treaty 4, 6, 7, 8 and 10 territories, the traditional lands of First Nations, Métis, and Inuit.
