Documentation and Guarantors

The Passport Canada website lists the required documentation. You will need

• the application form completed and signed;
• two identical passport photos;
• a signature of a guarantor;
• original proof of citizenship or immigration status;
• originals of any valid or expired passports or other travel documents;
• documents to support your identity; and
• the appropriate fee for processing.

Last Reviewed: August 2012

Yes. You must submit two identical black and white or colour photographs of yourself with your application. Any camera shop or photography studio can help you with this. Your photographs must meet certain specifications. The name and address of the photographer must appear on the back of one of the photos as well as the date it was taken. Your photograph must have been taken within 12 months of your application. Your application and one of your passport photos also has to be signed by a guarantor. The guarantor must certify on the back of your photo that it is a true likeness of you.

For more information, see Passport Canada.

Last Reviewed: August 2012

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. If you were born in Canada, your birth certificate is the best proof. If you were born outside of Canada, a certificate of Canadian citizenship is the best proof. You must show the Passport Office the original certificate, not a copy. All of your original documents will be returned to you. If you can renew, then you don’t need a birth certificate or citizenship certificate.

Note: Baptismal and birth certificates issued by Quebec religious, municipal and judicial authorities before January 1, 1994 are not accepted as proof of citizenship.

Last Reviewed: August 2012

You can get a copy of your birth certificate from the provincial government in the province where you were born. In most Canadian provinces, this is done by the Office of Vital Statistics, although the exact name varies from province to province. Check the provincial government listings in your birth province or see the Passport Canada website for a list of Canadian Vital Statistics Offices.

You will have to fill out a form and pay a fee for a copy of your birth certificate and it may take several weeks to process your application, so you should apply right away if you will be traveling soon.

If you are eligible to renew your passport you do not need a birth certificate.

Last Reviewed: August 2012

No. An expired Canadian passport is not proof of citizenship. A Canadian passport is an official travel document, not proof of citizenship. You must provide original proof of Canadian citizenship, see Passport Canada.

However, if you are renewing you do not need to submit proof of citizenship.

Last Reviewed: August 2012

Yes. In some situations you may renew you passport. These are the conditions:

• you must live in Canada;
• you were at least 16 when your last passport was issued;
• you have a “5-year-validity-passport”, it was issued after January 31, 2002 in Canada, and it has not been altered, damaged, or reported stolen or lost;
• you lived in Canada when your last passport was issued;
• you apply using the same name that appears on your last passport; and
• you must provide a completed renewal form, include all current fees, include 2 new photos, and your last passport;

If you cannot meet these conditions, you must re-apply for a passport as if you never had one.

Last Reviewed: August 2012

The Passport Canada website lists the required documentation. You will need

• the renewal application form completed and signed;
• two identical passport photos;
• originals of any valid or expired passports or other travel documents; and
• the appropriate fee for processing.

Last Reviewed: August 2012

Yes. They are always returned.

Last Reviewed: August 2012

A guarantor is a person who “guarantees” your identity. He or she must be a person who has known you personally for at least two years and knows you well enough to confirm that the information you have given in your application is true. Only certain people can be guarantors.

Last Reviewed: August 2012

Eligible guarantors for adult Canadian residents must meet these conditions

• must have a valid “5-year” Canadian passport or has one that is no more then one year past expiry when you submit your application;
• must have known you personally for at least 2 years;
• must be a Canadian citizen who is at least 18 years old;
• was 16 years of age or older when they applied for their own passport; and
• may be a family member if they meet the other criteria.

If the passport is for a child, eligible guarantors must meet these conditions

• must have a valid “5-year” Canadian passport or has one that is no more then one year past expiry when you submit your application;
• must have known the legal guardian of the child personally for at least 2 years;
• must be a Canadian citizen who is at least 18 years old;
• was 16 years of age or older when they applied for their own passport;
• cannot be the parent or guardian applying for a passport (although the other parent or guardian is eligible); and
• may be a family member if they meet the other criteria.

If you serve in the military the following people can also be a guarantor if they’ve known you for 2 years

• Base Commander;
• Commanding Officer;
• Personnel Administrative Officer;
• NDHQ Director General;
• NDHQ Director; and
• NDHQ Career Manager

If you can’t find anyone who qualifies you can use the Declaration in lieu of guarantor form.

Last Reviewed: August 2012

You could mail your application and your photographs to someone else you know within Canada, who qualifies as a guarantor and ask that person to sign for you.

You can also fill out a form that the Passport Office will give you called a “Statutory Declaration in Lieu of Guarantor”(form PPTC 132). This form will need to be certified, at your expense, by a

• commissioner of Oaths,
• notary Public,
• justice of the Peace, or
• any other official qualified by your provincial government to administer oaths.

Last Reviewed: August 2012

No. A guarantor is not allowed to charge a fee for helping with your passport application.

Last Reviewed: August 2012

A passport is considered valid if it

• has not been damaged, lost, and is accessible;
• has not been revoked or suspended;
• has not been reported stolen or lost;
• has not expired, or is more then one year past expiry when you submit your application; and
• has not been requested to be returned by Passport Canada

Last Reviewed: August 2012