Requirements for a Canadian passport in 2026

A Canadian passport is the official travel document issued to Canadian citizens, used to prove identity and citizenship when crossing international borders. Whether you’re applying for the first time, renewing an expired document, or replacing a lost or stolen one, the process is handled by the federal government through Service Canada and Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), which issues passports under the authority of the Minister responsible for passport services.

Knowing exactly which documents to gather before you apply saves time and avoids delays. This guide walks through what’s required, where to submit your application, how much it costs, and the mistakes that most often cause rejections or extra processing time.

What this procedure is and what it’s for

A Canadian passport application is the process by which a Canadian citizen obtains or renews the travel document needed for international travel. It also serves as a widely accepted piece of government-issued photo identification within Canada.

This applies to:

• Adults applying for their first passport
• Adults renewing a passport that has expired or is about to expire
• Parents or guardians applying for a child’s passport (under 16)
• Anyone replacing a lost, stolen or damaged passport

The procedure is administered by Service Canada, which processes applications on behalf of IRCC. Applications can be submitted in person at a Service Canada location that offers passport services, by mail, or in some cases through a passport-specific office for urgent requests.

Documents required

The exact list depends on whether this is a first application, a simple renewal, or a replacement, but the core requirements are:

• Completed application form (General Passport Application form, available from the IRCC website)
• Proof of Canadian citizenship: an original birth certificate issued by a Canadian province or territory, a certificate of Canadian citizenship, or a previous Canadian passport
• Two identical passport photos meeting the official specifications (taken within the last 12 months)
• Government-issued photo identification (such as a driver’s licence) showing your name and signature
• Guarantor declaration or references, required for first-time applicants or when the application is signed by someone unfamiliar with the applicant
• Previous Canadian passport, if renewing (submitted as the original, not a photocopy)
• Proof of legal name change, if applicable (marriage certificate, legal change-of-name certificate)
• Parental consent and proof of custody, for children’s applications where only one parent/guardian is applying

All citizenship and identity documents must be originals, not photocopies. Foreign documents (such as a foreign birth certificate for someone who later became a citizen) generally need to be accompanied by the relevant Canadian citizenship certificate rather than used on their own; IRCC does not accept uncertified translations, so any document not in English or French must come with a certified translation.

Steps to complete the procedure

1. Confirm which application path applies to you (first passport, simple renewal, or replacement) using the eligibility tool on the IRCC website
2. Download and complete the correct application form, or fill it out online where available
3. Gather all required original documents and two passport photos
4. Submit the application either by mail to the designated processing centre or in person at a Service Canada location offering passport services — check whether an appointment is needed, as many locations require booking in advance through the Service Canada website or 1-800 line
5. Pay the applicable fee at the time of submission
6. Wait for processing; you can track status online using the file number provided at submission
7. Receive the passport by mail or pick it up in person, depending on the option chosen

In-person submission at a Service Canada passport office typically takes under 20 minutes if documents are complete. Urgent same-day or next-day service is available only at a limited number of passport offices in major cities, for travel within specific timeframes, and usually requires proof of travel such as a plane ticket.

Fees and timelines

• Adult 10-year passport: approximately $160 CAD
• Adult 5-year passport: approximately $120 CAD
• Child passport (under 16, 5-year validity only): approximately $57 CAD
• Standard processing time: 10 to 20 business days from receipt, not counting mail delivery
• Urgent/express service: available at select offices for an additional fee, with turnaround as fast as 24 to 48 hours in genuine emergencies
• Validity: 10 years for adults choosing that option, 5 years for adults choosing the shorter option, and always 5 years for children’s passports

Fees are subject to periodic adjustment, so confirm the current amount on the IRCC website before paying.

Common mistakes and how to avoid them

• Submitting photocopies instead of original citizenship documents, which leads to automatic rejection
• Using passport photos that don’t meet the size, background or recency requirements set by IRCC
• Forgetting to include a guarantor or proper references for a first-time application
• Applying for renewal too close to a planned trip, without accounting for standard processing times
• Leaving the application form unsigned or missing a required field

Frequently asked questions

Can I renew my passport if it already expired? Yes, an expired passport can usually still be used for a simplified renewal within a certain number of years after expiry; beyond that window, you may need to apply as a first-time applicant with additional identity documents.

Do children need their own passport, or can they travel on a parent’s? Every Canadian, including infants, needs their own individual passport; children cannot be added to a parent’s passport.

What happens if my passport is lost or stolen abroad? You must report it and apply for an emergency or replacement travel document through the nearest Canadian embassy, high commission or consulate, which follows a different process than a domestic renewal.

Can I apply for a passport online without visiting an office? Most applications still require submitting original documents in person or by mail; full online submission is not available for the standard application in 2026.

How long before expiry should I renew my passport? It’s recommended to renew at least six months before expiry, since many countries require a passport to be valid for several months beyond your travel dates.

Summary and next steps

The essentials are an original proof of citizenship, two compliant photos, a completed application form and the correct fee. Start by confirming your application type on the IRCC website and gathering original documents before booking a Service Canada appointment.

Requirements and fees can change, so always verify current details directly with Service Canada or IRCC before submitting your application.