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To travel outside of Canada, you need a passport. It’s a very useful document that allows you to travel anywhere in the world. If you’re travelling outside Canada, you need it to regain entry into the country.
A passport is not given to you at birth, so you need to apply for one when you want to travel.
So, how do you apply for a passport in Canada?
This article covers the Canadian passport application process, including adult and child passport applications and how to renew an adult passport in Canada.
Table of Contents ShowThere are three different ways to apply for a passport, depending on how soon you need it. You can get it in 2 to 46 business days or more.
If you already have a passport, you can likely renew it instead of applying for a new one.
To get it within two (2) business days, you need to apply for urgent passport services.
You must go to a passport office with urgent pick-up service, which is walk-in only. You need to provide proof that you need the passport urgently, and you will have to pay extra fees.
These are the steps to apply for a passport and get it within 2 business days:
If you need your passport on the weekend or a statutory holiday, you need to pay an additional $355.
If any other family members need the weekend or holiday service, you’ll pay an urgent service of $110 per family member.
To get a passport within 3 to 45 business days, you can book an appointment at a passport office or get walk-in service at a passport office or a Service Canada Centre with 10-day processing.
As of this writing, passport processing time can take up to 2 weeks, plus mail time.
To get your passport within 3 to 45 business days, follow the steps above to complete the form, get the required documents, and find a guarantor and references.
To submit your application, you can either book an appointment online or walk in to a passport office with 10-day processing.
To get your passport within 3 to 9 days, you need to pay a $50 express pick-up fee and a $45 transfer fee.
To get a passport in 46 business days or longer, follow the same steps as above but don’t go to a passport office – you’ll need to apply by mail or go to a regular Service Canada Centre (either walk-in or book an appointment).
The standard of service is the same for both in-person and mail applications, but applying in person is recommended.
As of this writing, processing may take up to 17 weeks, plus mail time.
Anyone under age 16 must apply for a child’s passport, which is different from the adult Canadian passport.
Note that when a child turns 16, they can apply for a new adult passport. Until then, you must apply for a child passport when it expires.
To apply for a child’s passport, you must be either:
As with the adult passport application, you can apply for a child passport depending if you need it within 2 business days, 3 to 45 business days, or 46 business days or more.
The steps are the same as applying for an adult Canadian passport; however, it does not require 2 references (parents can sign) or the child’s signature.
If you already have an adult passport, you can renew it instead of applying for a new one. Remember that you cannot renew a child passport, only an adult one.
When you renew a passport in Canada, you do not need a guarantor, proof of citizenship, or supporting identification.
If your recent passport is still valid, you must include it with your application. It will no longer be valid for travel.
Even if your passport is damaged, lost, stolen, or expired, you can renew it as long as it has been issued no less than 15 years ago and you meet all other requirements.
You can get your new passport within 2 business days, 3 to 45 business days, and 46 business days or more.
Renewing your passport is the same process as applying for a new one, except for a few differences.
You’ll need to fill out and submit the adult passport renewal application form.
You also need to include the following information, along with your most recent passport, if it’s still valid:
Passport Canada’s phone number is 1-800-567-6868. They are open Monday to Friday from 9 am to 5:30 pm in Newfoundland and 8:30 am to 5 pm everywhere else in Canada.
What is an emergency passport in Canada?An emergency passport is when you apply for an adult passport and want to receive it within 2 business days or less, typically because of travel plans.
What is the quickest way to get a passport in Canada?The fastest way to get a passport in Canada is to get urgent pick-up service at a passport office. You’ll need to pay an additional fee, but you’ll get it within 2 business days.
How much is the Canadian passport fee?The fee varies depending on the passport type and any expedited service fees. The base fees are as follows: 5-year adult passport ($120), 10-year adult passport ($160), and child passport ($57).
Is it faster to apply for a passport online or in person?It is faster to apply for a passport in person. You can pay for expedited service fees, which are only available in person, not by mail.
Do you need a birth certificate to get a passport in Canada?You need to provide proof of Canadian citizenship, which is either a long-form birth certificate or a citizenship certificate.
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