Do you want to apply for a new Canadian Passport but don’t know how? Read on.
If you already have an old passport you should determine if you need to apply for a new Canadian passport or if you just need to renew it. You only need to apply for a new passport if you are 16 years old or below on your old passport, if your passport has been expired for more than a year or if you are changing your name, date of birth, place of birth or gender. If not, you can just renew the old one, which is much easier.
To apply for a new adult passport, you must be a Canadian citizen and of age 16 years or above. You must also include your old passport with your documents.
You have the option of applying by mail or in person. If you needed the passport as soon as possible, you can apply in person at the Passport office locations. If successful, you may have your passport in 20 days or so. If you are not needing to travel anywhere soon, you may submit your application by mail to the Passport office, Service Canada or Canada post receiving agent locations.
First you must complete the application form for your passport. It is downloadable on government sites and you can just print them. Sign your name at every page of the application.
You must then acquire an original copy of your proof of Canadian citizenship and a document to support your identity as well as any valid Canadian travel documents in your name. You must also have two identical passport photos with the name and address of the photographer who took it as well as the date it was taken scribbled at the back. All documents must be in French or English. Foreign languages must have an official translation provided.
You must also provide a guarantor that will sign your application, one of your passport photos and all documents supporting your identity. You must also have two references. References must be 18 years old or over, must not be of kin or family and must have known you for at least two years. Your guarantor cannot also be your reference and vice versa. All three may be contacted at any point in the process to confirm you identity.
You may then submit your application and documents to named offices above along with your payment. Payment must only be via credit card, prepaid card (embossed) or a certified check or money order in Canadian funds addressed to the Receiver General for Canada. Offices will not take any personal checks or cash except for receiving agents like Service Canada and Canada Post who will accept exact change only but no personal checks. If you are applying in person, an additional $20 fee plus taxes is applicable.
