Open ProvincesCanadian passport: first application, renewal, child, lost passport and urgent service
Canadian passport: first application, renewal, child, lost passport and urgent service
Adapted from a guide first written for Quebec readers: passages specific to Quebec were removed. Rules in your province may differ.
Which path applies?
| Situation | Process |
|---|---|
| Eligible adult with a previous passport | Adult renewal |
| First adult passport or not eligible to renew | New adult application |
| Child | New child application; child passports are not renewed |
| Valid passport lost or stolen | Report it and follow the replacement process |
| Travel is very soon | Check urgent or express service and proof requirements |
Before submitting
- Use the current form from Canada.ca.
- Check photo specifications.
- Prepare citizenship and identity documents required for your application type.
- Prepare guarantor and references when required.
- Choose the submission location or service level based on the actual travel date.
Children
A child's passport is a separate application and cannot be renewed as an adult passport can. Also see the child travel consent letter guide.
Lost or stolen passport
Report a valid lost or stolen passport promptly. The process differs depending on whether you are in Canada or abroad and whether the passport is still valid.
Official sources
Start with the Government of Canada’s current passport page and choose the correct process: adult renewal, first adult application, child application or replacement. Not everyone can renew; eligibility and documents depend on the previous passport and personal situation.
Prepare the application
- Use the correct form and current checklist.
- Gather proof of Canadian citizenship, identity documents and any required references or guarantor information.
- Get photographs that meet the current specifications.
- Check fees, accepted payment methods and whether original documents must be submitted.
- For a child, confirm the signatures and custody or guardianship documents required.
Plan around travel
Processing times vary and are not a guarantee. Apply early, do not book non-refundable travel based on an assumed delivery date, and use urgent or express options only if eligible and supported by proof of travel. If a passport is lost or stolen, report it promptly through the official process.
Sources and limits
Source: Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada. Confirm current forms, fees, processing times and service locations when applying. Source: Government of Canada passport application and service standards. Forms, fees, eligibility and processing times change; use the current official checklist before applying.
General information based on federal and national rules; provincial rules may differ. Confirm with the official body before acting. Last reviewed : 2026-08-17.