How to Renew Canadian Passport: A Step-by-Step Guide for 2024

Ensuring your passport remains valid is crucial for uninterrupted travel. Most countries require passports to be valid for at least six months beyond your entry date, meaning you need to renew your Canadian passport well before it expires. Avoid last-minute stresses and travel interruptions by planning your passport renewal in advance.

If your Canadian passport is nearing expiration or has been lost, damaged, or stolen, it’s time to renew. Additionally, if you have less than six months of validity left on your passport and have upcoming travel, renewing now will ensure uninterrupted access to your travel plans. The process to renew Canadian passport is typically straightforward, especially if you start the process early.

Before you begin, it’s essential to confirm your eligibility. Meeting the requirements means fewer documents and a faster application process. Here are the basic eligibility criteria:

• Age Requirement: You must be at least 16 years old.
• Valid Passport: Your passport was issued within the last 15 years.
• No Name Change: If your name has changed since your passport was issued, you may need to provide additional documentation.

If you’re currently outside Canada or the U.S., you can still renew your Canadian passport, though the process and forms may vary. Canadians abroad can contact the nearest Canadian embassy or consulate for location-specific instructions and to learn more about the processing times and available services.

There are several service options available based on your timeline and how soon you need your renewed passport:

1. Regular Passport Renewal Service

• Processing Time: Up to 20 business days.
• Best For: Routine renewals well before planned travel.

2. Express Passport Renewal Service

• Processing Time: 2–9 business days.
• Best For: Faster processing if you’re planning travel soon but don’t require immediate service.

3. Urgent Passport Renewal Service

• Processing Time: Within 24 hours.
• Best For: Same-day or next-day renewals for urgent travel or emergency situations with proof of urgency.

Choosing the right option will depend on how soon you need to renew Canadian passport and whether your travel plans require immediate access to your renewed passport.

Renewing a Canadian passport involves gathering essential documents, completing an application form, and choosing a submission method.

Required Documents for Canadian Passport Renewal

To ensure a smooth renewal process, make sure you have the following:

• Current Passport: Your latest passport to be submitted with your application.
• Two Passport Photos: Ensure they meet Canada’s specific passport photo requirements.
• Completed Passport Renewal Form: PPTC 482 for adults or PPTC 483 for children.
• Application Fee: Fees vary depending on service type (regular, express, or urgent) and passport validity (five or ten years).

Canadian Passport Photo Requirements

Following the passport photo specifications is essential to avoid delays in processing:

• Size: 50 mm x 70 mm.
• Face Centering: Between 31 mm and 36 mm from chin to crown.
• Background: Plain white or light-colored, with no shadows.
• Quality: No filters, reflections, or accessories that obscure the face.

Many applicants experience delays due to photo issues, so make sure your photos meet the required guidelines exactly.

How to Submit Your Passport Renewal Application

You can renew Canadian passport through three submission methods:

• Online: Download and complete the form, then upload your documents through the government’s online portal (note: available only in some areas).
• In-Person: Submit at a local passport office or Service Canada location, which is also required for express and urgent services.
• Mail: Standard renewals can be mailed, though this may add extra time for delivery and return.

Renewal fees vary based on the service type, the validity period, and how quickly you need the passport:

1. Standard Passport Renewal Fees
   • 5-Year Passport: $120 CAD.
   • 10-Year Passport: $160 CAD.
   • Children under 16: $57 CAD for a 5-year passport only.
2. Express Passport Renewal Fees
   • Additional Fee: $50 CAD on top of the standard fee.
   • Processing Time: 2–9 business days.
3. Urgent Passport Renewal Fees
   • Additional Fee: $110 CAD on top of the standard fee.
   • Processing Time: 24 hours (requires proof of urgency).

Payments can be made by credit card, debit card, certified cheque, or money order depending on the renewal method you select.

Your processing time will depend on the type of service:

1. Regular Service: Up to 20 business days plus mailing time.
2. Express Service: 2–9 business days, suitable for faster processing.
3. Urgent Service: Within 24 hours with proof of urgent travel or emergency.

For applicants renewing outside Canada or the U.S., timelines may vary based on location and the local embassy or consulate’s capacity.

Once you’ve submitted your renewal application, you can track its progress online or by contacting customer service:

• Online Tracking: If you have a reference number, track your status on the Passport Canada website.
• Customer Service: Available for updates if you applied by mail.

Tracking helps you stay informed about your application’s status, providing estimated completion dates and notifications if additional documents are needed.

The delivery method depends on your submission method:

• In-Person Submission: For express or urgent services, pick-up may be available.
• Mail Submission: Standard renewals are mailed to the address on your application.

If you move after submission, contact Passport Canada to update your mailing address. Ensuring timely delivery of your renewed Canadian passport is critical, especially if you have upcoming travel plans.

Here are some key tips to make your renewal smooth and quick:

1. Start Early: Begin the renewal process six months before your passport’s expiration.
2. Double-Check Documents: Missing or incorrect information can lead to processing delays.
3. Choose the Correct Service: Regular, express, or urgent options allow you to match processing time to your needs.
4. Follow Photo Requirements: Submitting photos that meet specifications prevents delays.
5. Track Your Application: Keep tabs on your application status to anticipate any issues.