🧒 Passport for Minor Canada: A Step-by-Step Guide for Parents in 2025

If you’re a parent preparing your child for international travel, applying for a passport for minor Canada is an essential step. Whether it’s for a vacation, school trip, or family visit abroad, having a valid passport ensures smooth entry and return to Canada.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through:

• How to apply for a Canadian passport for a minor
• Required documents and forms
• Fees and processing times
• Consent rules and legal considerations
• And much more!

Let’s dive into everything you need to know about getting a passport for minor Canada.

🔍 What Is a Passport for Minor Canada?

A passport for minors in Canada refers to a standard Canadian passport issued to children under the age of 16. It serves as official proof of identity and citizenship and is required for international air travel.

Unlike adult passports, which are valid for 5 or 10 years, minor passports are only valid for five years, due to rapid changes in appearance during childhood.

Many parents searching online ask “can a minor get a Canadian passport?” or “how to apply for a child’s passport Canada,” especially when planning their first international trip with young children.

📄 Required Documents for a Minor Passport Application

When applying for a passport for minor Canada, you must submit several important documents to IRCC (Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada).

These include:

1. Proof of Canadian Citizenship

• Original or certified copy of the child’s birth certificate
• Certificate of Canadian Citizenship (if applicable)

2. Parental Identification

• Government-issued photo ID (e.g., driver’s license, PR card, or current passport)
• If one parent is applying, they must also provide consent from the other parent unless sole custody can be proven.

3. Passport Photos That Meet IRCC Standards

• Two identical photos taken within the last six months
• Size: 50 mm x 70 mm
• Plain white or light-colored background
• No glasses, hats, or headwear unless for religious or medical reasons

Queries like “what documents are needed for a child’s passport Canada?” or “child passport application Canada checklist” reflect common concerns among parents preparing for submission.

✍️ How to Fill Out the Child Passport Application Form

To apply for a passport for minor Canada, use Form PPTC 057 – Application for a Passport for a Child Under 16 Years of Age.

Here’s how to complete it correctly:

1. Download the form from IRCC’s website.
2. Print clearly—do not write directly on the PDF file.
3. Fill out all sections legibly in black ink.
4. Make sure the child’s name matches the birth certificate exactly.
5. Include both parents’ names and contact information.
6. Sign where required—electronic signatures are not accepted.

Parents often look up “how to fill out child passport form Canada” or “passport application for minor Canada instructions,” especially if applying for the first time.

👨‍👩‍👧 Do Both Parents Need to Be Present for a Minor Passport Application?

While both parents do not always have to be present, IRCC requires proof of parental consent from both guardians unless there is sole custody.

You may need to provide:

• A signed letter of consent from the non-applying parent
• A court order or adoption papers showing sole custody
• Proof of separation or divorce if only one parent has custody

Searches like “do both parents need to sign for child passport Canada?” or “consent for child passport Canada” show how important it is to understand these rules before applying.

💰 Fees for Applying for a Minor Passport in Canada

As of 2025, the cost for a passport for minor Canada is CAD 100 for a regular service. Expedited services cost extra depending on where you apply.

Frequently searched questions include “how much does a child passport cost Canada?” and “passport for minor Canada price,” especially among budget-conscious parents.

⏱️ Processing Times for a Minor Passport Application

Processing times vary based on where and how you apply.

As of 2025:

• Mail-in applications: 10–20 business days
• In-person service (Service Canada): 1–2 business days for urgent cases
• Post office submissions: 10–15 business days

Delays often occur due to incomplete forms or incorrect documents.

Parents frequently search “how long does it take to get a child’s passport Canada?” or “processing time for passport for minor Canada,” especially when planning trips around school holidays.

📍 Where to Submit a Passport Application for a Minor

You cannot mail your passport application for a minor directly to IRCC—you must submit it in person or by mail at:

• Service Canada centers
• Participating post offices offering passport services

For faster processing, visiting a Service Canada location in person is recommended, especially for urgent travel plans.

Common searches include “where to apply for child passport Canada” and “submitting passport application for a minor Canada,” especially among new parents or those applying outside major cities.

🖼️ Passport Photo Requirements for Minors

Photos are one of the most common reasons for rejection. To ensure your passport for minor Canada application isn’t returned, follow these guidelines:

• Taken within the last 6 months
• Show the child looking straight ahead with eyes open and no expression
• The background must be plain white or light-colored
• No headwear unless for religious or medical reasons
• Must measure 50 mm x 70 mm

Many people look up “child passport photo requirements Canada” or “how to take a passport photo for a baby Canada,” especially when applying without professional help.

🤝 Can One Parent Apply for a Passport for Minor Canada?

Yes—one parent can apply for a passport for minor Canada , but they must provide written consent from the other parent unless:

• The other parent is deceased
• There is a court order granting sole custody
• There is a formal agreement showing that shared custody is not required

This helps prevent child abduction risks and ensures both parents agree to international travel.

Searches like “single parent applying for child passport Canada” or “passports for minors Canada sole custody” reflect real-life scenarios many families face.

🧑‍🤝‍🧑 How to Replace a Lost or Stolen Child Passport

If your minor’s passport was lost or stolen, you’ll need to apply again using the same PPTC 057 form and submit additional documentation such as:

• A police report (for stolen passports)
• A detailed explanation of the loss
• New passport-style photos
• Updated proof of citizenship

People often search “lost child passport Canada replacement” or “stolen minor passport Canada,” especially when facing unexpected travel needs.

🛂 Does a Minor Need a Passport to Travel Within North America?

Yes—a passport for minor Canada is required for all international air travel, including:

• Trips to the United States
• Visits to Mexico
• Flights to Europe, Asia, or any foreign country

However, for land or sea travel between Canada and the U.S., a birth certificate and government ID may suffice, but a passport is still strongly recommended.

Frequent questions include “Does my child need a passport to go to the USA Canada?” or “can a minor travel without a passport Canada?”

🧾 Benefits of Getting a Passport for Minor Canada Early

Even if your child doesn’t plan to travel soon, there are benefits to applying early:

• Avoids rush periods before summer or holiday travel
• Helps prepare for future study abroad opportunities
• Makes emergency travel easier if needed
• Reduces stress during last-minute bookings

Parents often ask “should I get a passport for my newborn Canada?” or “benefits of getting a child passport Canada,” showing interest in long-term planning.

📅 How Long Is a Minor’s Passport Valid?

A passport for minor Canada is valid for five years, after which it must be renewed.

Renewals follow the same process as adult renewals but require updated identification and photos.

Searches like “how long is a child passport valid Canada?” or “renewing a minor passport Canada” are common among parents planning future trips.

🧑‍🤝‍🧑 Applying for a Minor Passport Without the Other Parent’s Consent

In some cases, a parent may not have access to the other parent or may disagree about issuing a passport.

To proceed without consent, you must provide:

• A court order allowing you to apply alone
• Proof of sole custody
• Documentation proving the other parent is unavailable (e.g., death certificate, incarceration, etc.)

This leads to frequent searches like “can I apply for a child passport without the father Canada?” or “child passport Canada no consent.”

🌐 Applying From Outside Canada

If you’re currently living or traveling outside Canada and need a passport for minor Canada, you can apply at a Canadian embassy, high commission, or consulate abroad.

You’ll typically need to schedule an appointment and bring all required documents in person.

Queries like “apply for a child passport Canada from abroad” or “getting a minor passport at Canadian embassy” are common among expats and international travelers.

🧠 Real-Life Scenarios and Common Questions

Scenario 1: Divorced Parents

One parent wants to apply for a passport, but the other refuses to give consent. In this case, legal custody documents will be required.

Scenario 2: Emergency Travel

A child’s passport is lost or expired, and the family needs to leave quickly. Urgent in-person service is available at Service Canada centers.

Scenario 3: School Trips Abroad

Many schools now require a passport for minor Canada, even for short trips across the border.

These situations explain why parents search for terms like “passport for minor Canada without both parents” or “urgent child passport Canada,” especially during peak travel seasons.

📞 Getting Help With Your Minor’s Passport Application

If you’re unsure what documents to bring or how to complete the passport for minor Canada application, 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 with child passport application Canada” and “where to get a passport for minor Canada assistance.”

🧾 Final Thoughts: Getting a Passport for Minor Canada Made Easy

Applying for a passport for minor Canada might seem daunting at first, but with the right documents and preparation, the process can be straightforward and stress-free.

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 child passports confidently.

With careful planning and attention to detail, your child will be ready to explore the world with ease.