Apply for a new passport abroad

A Canadian passport is a travel document that Canadian citizens can apply for.

If you already have an adult passport, you may be able to renew your adult passport. Renewing a passport is simpler than applying for a new one.

Forms, instructions and fees

Answer the questions below. We’ll then

• give you all the forms you need
• tell you how to submit your application
• show the costs for different passport services

You need to contact us as soon as possible to report the theft or loss of your previous passport.

How to get a passport abroad

1. Complete the form
2. Get all the required documents and your passport photos
3. Find a guarantor and 2 references
4. Pay your fees
5. Submit your application
6. Get your passport

If you need a passport urgently, contact the nearest Government of Canada office. Additional fees apply.

1. Complete the application form

• Fill out the form on your computer to save time.
  • Save the form on your computer and use Adobe Reader 10 or higher.
  • Don’t use your phone or tablet. The form will not work properly.

  If your passport is lost or stolen but still valid

  Since your passport is still valid, you also need to

  • add a complete declaration concerning a lost, stolen, inaccessible, damaged or found Canadian travel document (PDF, 1.3 MB) to your application and
  • pay the extra fee for replacing a lost or stolen passport

  If your passport is damaged but still valid

  • If you can’t open the form after saving it to your computer and using Adobe Reader
    • in Canada or the US:contact us online or call us
    • outside Canada and the US: contact the closest Canadian government office abroad

    Avoid this mistake

    Don’t forget to tell us if you want a 5 or 10 year passport under section 6 of the form (Period of validity).

    2. Gather all necessary documents and get your passport photos

    Include the following documents with your application form:

    • proof of Canadian citizenship
      • This can be a birth certificate or citizenship certificate.
        • If you have a paper certificate, it must be the original document, not a photocopy.
        • If you have a citizenship e-certificate, you must attach a printed copy.
        • This can be a photocopy or the original.
          • If you want to use a photocopy of your ID, make sure you show both sides and have it signed and dated by your guarantor or signing official.
          • On the back of one of the photos, the photographer must write
            • their name
            • their complete address
            • the date the photos were taken

            Passport photo requirements abroad may be different than in Canada

            Your photos must follow Canadian photo requirements. We’ll reject and return your application to you if you don’t submit an acceptable photo.

            To avoid any problems, print a copy of the passport photo specifications (PDF, 652.38 KB) and bring it to the photographer.

            Extra documents may need to be provided if you

            • have changed your name
            • are replacing a lost, stolen or damaged passport
            • want to omit your place of birth on your passport
            • are updating the gender identifier on your passport

            Avoid this mistake

            If you submit a copy of your identification (ID) (opens in a new tab) , don’t forget to

            • copy both sides and then
            • have your guarantor sign and date each side of the copy

            All your documents must be in either English or French. If a document is in another language, you must provide an official translation (opens in a new tab) .

            3. Find a guarantor and 2 references

            You need a guarantor to sign

            • your application
            • 1 of your passport photos and
            • all copies of your supporting identity documents

            You also need 2 references to include on your application.

            • Your references must have known you for at least 2 years.
            • Your references cannot be
              • a family member or
              • your guarantor

              4. Pay your fees

              Your fees depend on what services you’re getting and how you’re applying.

              You won’t receive a refund for the service fee if you

              • cancel your application
              • are refused a passport or travel document
              • are issued a passport for a shorter validity period than requested
                • For example, if we issue a passport that’s valid for less than 5 years, despite you applying for a 5- or 10-year passport.
                  • This may happen if you’ve lost your passport multiple times.

                  Only the consular fee, which applies to all adult applications, is refundable if a passport is not issued.

                  5. Submit your application

                  After you pay the fees, submit your application and payment receipt to the nearest Government of Canada office abroad.

                  6. Get your passport

                  The office you applied at will let you know when your passport is ready. They will also tell you when and how you can pick it up.

                  If you applied by mail

                  We’ll return your passport and any original documentation to you. They may arrive in 2 separate packages.

                  If you’re moving, but haven’t received your passport yet

                  Contact us to update your mailing address if you

                  • haven’t received your passport and
                  • are moving within 30 days of submitting your application
                  If you have a NEXUS card

                  When you get your new passport, make sure your personal information is up to date (opens in a new tab) in the Trusted Traveler Programs (TTP) System.