📝 Canadian Passport Application: Your 2025 Guide to Applying for the First Time, Renewing, or Replacing a Passport

Whether you’re applying for your first Canadian passport, renewing an expired one, or replacing a lost, stolen, or damaged document, understanding the Canadian passport application process is essential to avoid delays or rejection.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through:

• The different types of passport applications Canada
• Which form to use (PPTC 056 or PPTC 054)
• Required documents and photos
• Fees, processing times, and where to apply
• And much more!

Let’s dive into everything you need to know about Canadian passport applications.

🧑‍⚖️ What Is a Canadian Passport Application?

A Canadian passport application refers to the official process of requesting a new passport or renewing an existing one through Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).

There are two main forms used:

• Form PPTC 056 – For first-time applicants, lost/stolen/damaged passports
• Form PPTC 054 – For adult passport holders who are renewing by mail

Many people searching online ask “How do I submit a Canadian passport application?” or “what is a passport application in Canada?”, showing strong interest in understanding how the system works.

✅ Who Can Apply for a Canadian Passport?

To be eligible for a Canadian passport application, you must be a Canadian citizen. This includes:

• People born in Canada
• Individuals born abroad to at least one Canadian parent
• Naturalized Canadian citizens
• Those who have received a Certificate of Canadian Citizenship

Permanent residents cannot apply for a Canadian passport until they become citizens.

Queries like “can permanent residents apply for Canadian passports?” or “do I qualify for a Canadian passport?” reflect common misunderstandings among long-term residents.

👶 Canadian Passport Application for Minors Under 16

All passport applications for children under 16 must be submitted in person at a Service Canada office.

Required documents include:

• Completed PPTC 057 form
• Proof of parental relationship (birth certificate or adoption papers)
• Valid government ID for both parents
• Two acceptable passport-style photos

Parents often look up “child passport application Canada” or “how to apply for a minor’s passport Canada,” especially when planning international trips or school exchanges.

📄 Which Form to Use for a Canadian Passport Application?

The correct passport application Canada form depends on your situation:

1. Form PPTC 056 – Application for a Passport (Adults 16+ Years)

Use this if you’re applying for the first time, replacing a lost, stolen, or damaged passport, or changing personal details like your name.

2. Form PPTC 054 – Renewal of a Passport by Mail

Used by adults who already have a Canadian passport and want to renew it without visiting an office.

3. Form PPTC 057 – Application for a Minor’s Passport

For children under 16 years old, it must be submitted in person.

Applicants frequently search “which form to use for Canadian passport application?” or “passport application Canada form guide,” especially before submitting their files.

📎 Supporting Documents for Canadian Passport Applications

Regardless of which form you use, make sure to bring or include the following:

For Adults:

• Completed passport application form for Canada
• Proof of Canadian citizenship (birth certificate, Certificate of Citizenship)
• Valid government-issued photo ID (driver’s license, PR card)
• Two identical passport-style photos
• Payment receipt for applicable fees

For Children:

• Birth certificate or adoption papers
• Custody agreements (if applicable)
• Parental ID and signed consent from both guardians

People often look up “required documents for Canadian passport application” or “what do I need to apply for a Canadian passport?” especially when preparing for submission.

🖼️ Passport Photo Requirements for Canadian Applications

Photos are one of the most common reasons for rejection during a Canadian passport application.

Key photo guidelines include:

• Taken within the last 6 months
• Full face, eyes open, no expression
• Plain white or light-colored background
• Size: 50 mm x 70 mm
• No glasses, hats, or headwear unless for religious or medical reasons

Frequent searches include “passport photo requirements Canada” or “how to take a passport photo Canada,” especially when applying independently without professional help.

💰 Fees for Canadian Passport Applications

As of 2025, the cost to submit a Canadian passport application depends on the type of service selected.

Some applicants also choose expedited courier return services for faster delivery after approval.

Searches like “cost of Canadian passport application” or “passport application fee Canada” are common among budget-conscious travelers.

📍 Where to Submit Your Canadian Passport Application

You cannot mail your Canadian passport application directly to IRCC—you must submit it at a Service Canada center or participating post office (for renewal cases only).

For first-time applications, lost passports, or child applications, always visit a Service Canada office in person.

Common searches include “where to submit Canadian passport application” or “passport application drop-off locations Canada,” especially among those applying for the first time.

⏱️ How Long Does a Canadian Passport Application Take?

Processing times vary based on where and how you apply.

As of 2025:

• Mail-in applications: 10–20 business days
• In-person standard service: 10–20 business days
• Urgent service (at Service Canada): 1–2 business days
• Courier return option: 5–10 business days after approval

Delays often occur due to incomplete forms or incorrect photos.

Queries like “how long does a Canadian passport application take?” or “processing time for passport application” are common among those planning travel.

📬 Mail-In vs In-Person Passport Applications

While some adult passport renewals can be submitted by mail, many situations require in-person submission.

These distinctions explain why people search for terms like “mail-in Canadian passport application” or “submitting passport application in person Canada.”

🕒 When Should You Apply for a Canadian Passport?

It’s best to apply for a Canadian passport application well in advance of any planned travel.

Aim to apply at least six weeks before departure, even though standard processing takes 10–20 business days.

If you’re traveling soon, consider using the urgent passport service Canada to receive your document in 1–2 business days.

Frequent questions include “when should I apply for a Canadian passport?” and “best time to submit a Canadian passport application,” especially around peak travel seasons.

✈️ Can You Travel With a Pending Canadian Passport Application?

No, you cannot travel internationally while waiting for your Canadian passport application to be processed.

If you’ve applied for a replacement and your current passport is invalid (e.g., lost, stolen, or damaged), you may need to wait for your new document before leaving Canada.

Travelers often ask “can I travel while my Canadian passport is being processed?” or “traveling with a pending passport Canada?” especially when booking flights ahead of submission.

🧾 Steps to Complete a Canadian Passport Application

Here’s how to complete your Canadian passport application correctly:

1. Download the correct form (PPTC 056, 054, or 057).
2. Fill out all sections legibly in black ink.
3. Attach two acceptable passport-style photos.
4. Include proof of citizenship and identity.
5. Pay the applicable fee and provide a return address.
6. Submit at a Service Canada location or by mail (if eligible).

New users often ask “how to fill out a Canadian passport application” or “steps to apply for a Canadian passport,” especially when doing so for the first time.

🤝 Do Both Parents Need to Be Present for a Minor’s Application?

For minors under 16, both parents typically need to provide consent unless there is a court order or custody agreement indicating sole custody.

You may need to submit:

• Notarized consent letter from the non-applying parent
• Court order granting legal custody
• Death certificate of the other parent (if applicable)

This leads to frequent searches like “can I apply for a child’s Canadian passport alone?” or “passport application Canada for a minor without both parents.”

🧩 What If You Don’t Have Any Proof of Canadian Citizenship?

If your Canadian passport application is your first and you don’t have a birth certificate or citizenship document, you may still be eligible, but additional verification is required.

Acceptable alternatives include:

• Hospital birth records
• Baptismal certificates
• School enrollment records
• Parental identification and statements

People often look up “Canadian passport application without birth certificate” or “how to prove Canadian citizenship if born in Canada but have no documents,” especially when applying for the first time.

🚫 Common Mistakes That Delay Passport Applications

Even small errors can lead to delays or refusals. Some of the most frequent issues include:

• Blurry or outdated passport photos
• Incomplete or illegible handwriting
• Missing or expired documents
• Incorrect payment or currency
• Failing to sign the form

Queries like “common Canadian passport application mistakes” or “why was my passport application denied in Canada” show how important it is to prepare correctly.

📦 How to Replace a Lost, Stolen, or Damaged Canadian Passport

If your passport is lost, stolen, or damaged, you must apply again using Form PPTC 056.

Bring:

• A written explanation of loss or damage
• Police report (for stolen passports)
• Updated identification and citizenship proof
• Two identical passport-style photos

Searches like “replace lost Canadian passport application” or “damaged passport and reapplication Canada” show how often these issues arise before travel.

🛂 Canadian Passport Application From Outside Canada

If you’re currently living or traveling outside Canada and need to apply or replace a passport, you can do so at any Canadian embassy, high commission, or consulate.

Steps include:

1. Booking an appointment at the nearest Canadian mission
2. Bringing original proof of citizenship and ID
3. Completing a new application and payment

Travelers often ask “apply for Canadian passport abroad” or “renew Canadian passport at embassy,” especially among expats and international students.

🧑‍🤝‍🧑 Name Changes and Passport Applications

If you’ve changed your name due to marriage, divorce, or legal procedure, you can update your Canadian passport application by providing:

• Certified copy of name change court order
• Marriage certificate or legal documentation
• Previous passport (if available)
• Two acceptable passport-style photos

Frequently searched questions include “passport application Canada after name change” or “how to apply for a new name passport Canada,” especially among newlyweds and legal name changers.

🧠 Real-Life Scenarios and Common Questions

Scenario 1: School Trip

A parent applies for a child’s passport two weeks before a school trip—this may not be enough time unless expedited service is selected.

Scenario 2: Medical Emergency Abroad

An urgent passport application allows a traveler to leave within two business days, avoiding missed opportunities.

Scenario 3: First-Time Adult Passport

Someone over 30 applies for their first passport—they must go in person and provide valid citizenship documents.

These real-world uses explain why people search for terms like “emergency Canadian passport application” or “first-time passport Canada process.”

🧑‍🤝‍🧑 Can Someone Else Submit My Canadian Passport Application?

Yes—but only under certain conditions.

You can authorize another person to:

• Submit your passport application to Canada
• Pick up your completed passport

However, you must provide:

• A signed authorization letter
• Copy of your valid ID
• Their government-issued photo ID

Queries like “can someone else apply for my Canadian passport?” or “proxy passport application Canada” show growing interest in alternative submission options.

🧑‍🤝‍🧑 Lost or Stolen Passport Application Process

If your Canadian passport was lost or stolen, you must apply again using Form PPTC 056 and explain the situation clearly.

Make sure to:

• File a police report (for stolen passports)
• Provide updated identification
• Bring two acceptable passport-style photos

Frequent searches include “lost Canadian passport application process” or “stolen passport and reapplication Canada,” especially among travelers returning home.

🧑‍🤝‍🧑 Damaged Passport and Replacement Options

A damaged passport, such as one with torn pages or faded printing, is considered invalid and must be replaced.

Use Form PPTC 056 again and provide:

• The damaged passport
• An explanation of the damage
• New photos and supporting documents

Queries like “damaged Canadian passport replacement” or “how to replace a torn passport Canada” are common among travelers returning with worn documents.

🧑‍🤝‍🧑 Expedited Passport Application Canada: When to Use It

If you have urgent travel plans due to medical, family, or work-related needs, you can request expedited passport service in Canada.

To qualify:

• You must apply in person
• Provide proof of urgent travel plans
• Pay the CAD 120 expedited fee

Frequent searches include “expedited Canadian passport application” or “fastest way to get a Canadian passport,” especially before sudden trips.

📞 Getting Help With Canadian Passport Applications

If you’re unsure what to bring or how to fill out the form, help is available through:

• Service Canada offices
• IRCC call centers
• Post offices offering passport services
• Immigration consultants or lawyers (for complex cases)

Frequently searched questions include “help filling out Canadian passport application” and “where to get assistance with passport,” especially among seniors and caregivers.

🧾 Checklist for Canadian Passport Application Submission

Use this quick checklist when submitting your Canadian passport application :

✅ Completed PPTC 056, 054, or 057 form
✅ Two identical passport-style photos
✅ Original or certified copies of proof of Canadian citizenship
✅ Valid government-issued photo ID
✅ Payment of applicable fees
✅ Mailing envelope with tracking (if sending by mail)

This helps reduce delays and improve your chances of approval.

🌐 Can You Use a Canadian Passport Application for Dual Citizens?

Yes—dual citizens can apply for a Canadian passport as long as they are Canadian citizens.

However, you must enter Canada using your Canadian passport —you cannot re-enter Canada with a foreign passport if you’re a Canadian citizen.

Searches like “passport application Canada for dual citizens” or “using a foreign passport and Canadian citizenship” show how many people are unaware of re-entry rules.

📥 What Happens After You Submit Your Canadian Passport Application?

After submitting your Canadian passport application, here’s what happens:

1. Your application is reviewed for completeness.
2. IRCC verifies your citizenship and identity.
3. Once approved, your passport is mailed back to the address provided.

Queries like “what happens after I submit my Canadian passport application?” or “track passport application Canada after submission” reflect common concerns about next steps.

🧑‍🤝‍🧑 Using the Right Proof of Canadian Citizenship

When submitting your passport application Canada, acceptable proof of citizenship includes:

• Provincial or territorial birth certificate
• Certificate of Canadian Citizenship
• Previous Canadian passport

Those missing documents are often searched for proof of Canadian citizenship for passport application, or “Do I need a birth certificate for a Canadian passport?”

📅 Final Thoughts: Applying for a Canadian Passport Made Easy

Whether you’re applying for yourself, a child, or replacing a lost or stolen document, the Canadian passport application process is designed to ensure security and accuracy.

From understanding which form to use to knowing what documents are needed and avoiding common mistakes, this guide has covered the essentials to help you navigate the world of Canadian passport applications confidently.

With careful preparation and attention to detail, your journey to getting a Canadian passport will be smooth, legal, and stress-free.