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How to Get a Passport in Canada in 2026 (Cost, Timeline & Process)

Updated

Passport Costs (2026)

Passport TypeIn CanadaOutside Canada
10-year adult (age 16+) — in person/mail$160$260
10-year adult — online renewal$120N/A
5-year child (under 16)$57$100
Additional pages (travel document)Free (standard 36 pages)
Replacement (lost/stolen)$160 + may need statutory declaration$260

Expedited Processing Fees (Additional)

Service LevelAdditional FeeProcessing TimeAvailable
Standard$010–20 business daysIn person, mail, online
Express$502–9 business daysIn person only
Urgent$110Next business day pickupIn person only (passport office)

How to Apply: Step by Step

New Passport (First-Time or Child)

StepActionDetails
1Download or pick up the application formPPTC 153 (adult) or PPTC 155 (child)
2Get passport photos taken50mm × 70mm, white background, recent
3Find a guarantorMust have known you for 2+ years and hold a valid Canadian passport
4Gather supporting documentsBirth certificate or citizenship certificate + photo ID
5Complete the application formPrint clearly in black ink
6Submit in person or by mailService Canada Centre or passport office
7Pay the feeCredit card, debit, or certified cheque
8Receive passportIn person or by mail (registered)

Passport Renewal (Adult, Previous 10-Year Passport)

StepActionDetails
1Check eligibility for simplified renewalMust have previous 10-year passport, not lost or stolen
2Complete form PPTC 054 (simplified renewal)No guarantor needed
3Get new passport photosRecent photos meeting specifications
4Submit with your previous passportPrevious passport will be returned
5Pay the fee ($160 in person / $120 online)Credit/debit
6Receive new passport10–20 business days

Required Documents

ApplicantDocuments Needed
Canadian-born citizen (new)Provincial birth certificate + government photo ID + 2 passport photos + guarantor declaration
Naturalized citizen (new)Citizenship certificate + government photo ID + 2 passport photos + guarantor declaration
Adult renewal (simplified)Previous Canadian passport + 2 passport photos
Child (under 16)Child’s birth certificate + both parents’ IDs + 2 photos of child + parent signatures
Replacing lost/stolenStatutory declaration + same docs as new application

Passport Photo Requirements

RequirementSpecification
Size50mm × 70mm (2" × 2¾")
BackgroundWhite or light grey
Age of photoTaken within last 6 months
ExpressionNeutral, mouth closed
Head positionStraight, facing camera
GlassesAllowed if prescription (no glare, no tinted lenses)
Head coveringOnly for religious/medical reasons (face must be visible)
Photo qualityHigh resolution, no shadows, no red-eye
Where to get photosShoppers Drug Mart, Walmart, Costco, CAA, London Drugs ($10–$20)

Where to Apply

LocationServices AvailableWait Times
Service Canada CentreStandard, expressVaries (some walk-in, some appointment)
Passport office (major cities)Standard, express, urgentLonger — arrive early
By mailStandard only20+ business days (no expedited)
Online (renewal only)Standard only10–20 business days

Travel Validity Rules

DestinationPassport Validity Required
United StatesValid passport (no minimum beyond travel dates)
Europe (Schengen)Valid 3+ months beyond departure date
United KingdomValid for duration of stay
MexicoValid for duration of stay
AustraliaValid 6+ months beyond arrival
JapanValid for duration of stay
Most countriesValid 6+ months beyond travel dates (safest rule)