How long does it take to get a Canadian passport in 2026?

Standard processing is 10 business days in person or 20 business days by mail within Canada. Express (in-person) takes 2-9 business days for an extra $50. Urgent (in-person only) takes next business day for an extra $110. Processing times from abroad are 20+ business days.

Can I renew my Canadian passport online?

As of 2025-2026, a simplified renewal process is available for eligible adults renewing within one year of expiry or up to one year after expiry. Online renewal pilot programs are expanding. Check the IRCC website for the latest online renewal availability in your region.

Is a 5-year or 10-year Canadian passport a better deal?

The 10-year passport costs $160 ($16/year) while the 5-year costs $120 ($24/year). Adults should choose the 10-year option — it saves $80 over 10 years and eliminates the hassle of an extra renewal. Only children under 16 are eligible for the 5-year passport.

How Much Does a Canadian Passport Cost in 2026 | Fees & Processing

Q: How much does a Canadian passport cost in 2026?

A 10-year adult passport costs $160 in Canada and $260 if applying from the US or abroad. A 5-year child passport costs $57 in Canada and $100 from abroad. Urgent or express processing adds $50-$110 to the base fee.

Canadian Passport Fees 2026

Adults (Age 16+)

Passport Type	In Canada	In USA	Other Countries
10-year passport	$160	$260	$260
5-year passport	$120	$190	$190
Express fee (2-9 days)	+$50	N/A	N/A
Urgent fee (next day)	+$110	N/A	N/A
Travel document (emergency)	$75	$75	$75

Children (Under 16)

Passport Type	In Canada	In USA	Other Countries
5-year child passport	$57	$100	$100
Express fee	+$50	N/A	N/A
Urgent fee	+$110	N/A	N/A

Cost Per Year Comparison

Passport Type	Total Cost	Cost Per Year
10-year adult	$160	$16/year
5-year adult	$120	$24/year
5-year child	$57	$11.40/year

The 10-year passport saves $80 over a decade compared to two 5-year passports.

Processing Times

Method	Processing Time	Fee
In-person (Service Canada)	10 business days	Base fee
By mail (within Canada)	20 business days	Base fee
Express (in-person only)	2-9 business days	Base + $50
Urgent (in-person only)	Next business day	Base + $110
From USA (by mail)	20+ business days	Base fee (US rate)
From abroad (by mail)	20+ business days	Base fee (abroad rate)

How to Apply

New Passport (First-Time or Expired 1+ Year)

Step	Details
1. Get photos	Passport-quality photos ($10-$20)
2. Get a guarantor	Canadian passport holder who has known you 2+ years
3. Get references	Two references who have known you 2+ years
4. Complete PPTC 153 form	Available online or at Service Canada
5. Submit in person or by mail	With supporting documents + fee
6. Provide proof of citizenship	Birth certificate or citizenship certificate
7. Provide ID	Government-issued photo ID

Simplified Renewal (Eligible Adults)

Requirement	Details
Previous passport	Must be submitted with application
Issued when you were 16+	Must have been an adult passport
Not expired more than 1 year	Or within 1 year of expiry
No name change	If name changed, need new application
Form	PPTC 054 (simplified renewal)
No guarantor needed	✅
No references needed	✅
No citizenship proof needed	✅

Passport Photos

Requirement	Details
Size	70mm x 50mm
Type	White/light background, neutral expression
Where to get them	Shoppers Drug Mart ($15-$20), Walmart ($13), CAA ($15), photo studios
Digital option	Some photographers offer digital for online applications
AAA/CAA member discount	Some locations offer discounts for members

Family Passport Costs

Family Member	Passport	Fee	Total
Parent 1	10-year adult	$160	$160
Parent 2	10-year adult	$160	$160
Child 1 (age 10)	5-year child	$57	$57
Child 2 (age 6)	5-year child	$57	$57
Photos (x4)		$15 each	$60
Total			$494

For a family of 4, budget approximately $500 for passports.

Money-Saving Tips

Tip	Savings
Choose 10-year passport (adults)	Save $80 over 10 years vs two 5-year
Renew before expiry (simplified process)	No guarantor or references needed
Apply early (standard processing)	Avoid $50-$110 rush fees
Get photos at Costco or Walmart	Save $5-$10 vs pharmacy
Apply in person (faster than mail)	10 days vs 20 days
Check for passport clinics	Some MPs host free passport assistance events

Common Additional Costs

Item	Cost	Notes
Passport photos	$10-$20	Required for all applications
Travel to Service Canada	$5-$30	Transit or gas
Notarized copies	$20-$50	If needed for application
Name change documents	$0-$137	Marriage certificate retrieval, etc.
Replacement (lost/stolen)	$160 (10-year)	Same as new application
Extra pages	No longer available	Get new passport instead

When to Renew

Situation	Action
6+ months before travel	Standard processing is fine
2-3 months before travel	Apply in person for safety
Under 2 weeks before travel	Need express ($50) or urgent ($110)
Expired less than 1 year	Simplified renewal (easiest)
Expired 1+ years	Full new application required
Many countries require 6+ months validity	Renew well before your trip