Supporting Documents
What documents do I have to provide to get my first passport or a new passport if I cannot renew my old one?
You will need:
- completed and signed application form
- proof of Canadian citizenship (original birth certificate or citizenship certificate)
- originals of any valid or expired Canadian passport or other travel document
- original or copy of your ID (if you use a photocopy, copy both sides of your ID and have your guarantor sign and date the photocopy)
- 2 identical passport photos (with photographer’s name and address, date photos were taken, and guarantor’s signature on the back)
- passport fee (if applying by mail, fill out payment information)
- two references
Read the Government of Canada’s website for complete information.
Last Reviewed: June 2023
What documents do I have to provide to renew my passport?
You will need:
- completed and signed renewal application form
- information about your last passport (date it was issued, date it expired, passport number)
- your most recent passport, if it’s still valid
- 2 identical passport photos (with photographer’s name and address, and date photos were taken on the back)
- passport fee (if applying by mail, fill out payment information)
- two references
You do not need a guarantor for a passport renewal.
Read the Government of Canada’s website for complete information.
Last Reviewed: June 2023
What are the rules for passport photos?
You must submit two identical and unaltered photos. Most camera shops or photography studios can help you with this.
There are very specific requirements for your photos. Your passport will be delayed if your photos do not meet these requirements. Read the Government of Canada’s website to learn more.
Last Reviewed: June 2023
Do I need to provide my original birth certificate or citizenship certificate?
Yes. If you are getting your first passport or you cannot renew your existing passport, you will need to provide proof of your Canadian citizenship. You must provide the original document, not a photocopy.
If you were born in Canada, you can provide one of:
- birth certificate (long or short form issued by the province or territory where you were born)
- Canadian citizenship certificate
If you were born outside of Canada, you can provide one of:
- Canadian citizenship certificate
- certificate of naturalization
- certificate of registration of birth abroad
- certificate of retention of Canadian citizenship
Note, the Government of Canada will only accept laminated proof of citizenship documents if the issuing authority laminated it. They will not accept the document if you laminated it yourself.
If you apply in person, the officer will verify your document and give it back to you right away. If you apply by mail, you must include the document with your application, and the Government of Canada will mail it back to you.
You do not need to provide proof of Canadian citizenship if you are renewing your passport.
Last Reviewed: June 2023
What if I do not have my birth certificate?
You can get a new birth certificate from the government in the province or territory where you were born. Find contact info for your birth province’s vital statistics office on the Government of Canada’s website.
It can take time to get a new birth certificate. Make sure you apply right away if you will be traveling soon.
You do not need to provide your birth certificate if you are renewing your passport.
Last Reviewed: June 2023
Can I submit my old passport as proof of Canadian citizenship instead of a birth certificate?
No. An expired Canadian passport is not proof of citizenship. A Canadian passport is an official travel document, not proof of citizenship.
Last Reviewed: June 2023
Will the Government of Canada return my documents to me?
Yes. The Government of Canada will always return your original documents to you.
Last Reviewed: June 2023
Guarantors and References
What is a guarantor? Who can be a guarantor?
A guarantor is a person who “guarantees” your identity. This person must have known you for at least 2 years and well enough to confirm the information in your application is true.
There are specific requirements for guarantors, including if you are applying from inside or outside Canada, are military personnel, or are applying for a certificate of identify or refugee travel document.
Learn more from the Government of Canada’s website.
Last Reviewed: June 2023
What if I cannot find a guarantor?
If you cannot find anyone who is eligible to be your guarantor, you must complete the Statutory Declaration in Lieu of Guarantor form. You must swear or affirm this form in front of someone who has authority to administer an oath wherever you are, such as a notary public, justice of the peace or commissioner of oaths.
To get a copy of this form:
- if you are in Canada, go to the nearest passport service location or contact the Passport Program
- if you are in the United States, go the nearest Canadian government office or contact the Passport Program
- if you are outside Canada or the United States, contact the nearest Canadian government office
Learn more from the Government of Canada’s website.
Last Reviewed: June 2023
Do I have to pay a guarantor?
No. A guarantor is not allowed to charge a fee for helping with your passport application.
Last Reviewed: June 2023
What is a reference?
You need 2 references to apply for or renew a passport.
A reference must meet certain requirements, including:
- be 18 years or older
- have known you for at least 2 years
- agree to you listing their name and contact info in your application
Some people cannot be your reference, including your guarantor and family members.
Do not use a person as a reference if they are travelling outside the country or will be hard to contact while the Government of Canada is processing your passport application. If the government cannot contact your reference, this may delay you getting your passport.
Learn more on the Government of Canada’s website.
Last Reviewed: June 2023
