Canada Passport Renewal Checklist
Canadian adults can renew their passport online, in person at a Service Canada location, or by mail. Online renewal is the fastest route for eligible applicants. You need a guarantor to sign your application and confirm your photo if you apply in person or by mail.
Quick answer
You generally need Form PPTC 054 (adult renewal), your current passport, two compliant photos (one signed by a guarantor), the guarantor's details, and the fee (CAD $120 for a 10-year adult passport). Check canada.ca for online renewal eligibility before starting.
Documents you may need
- Completed application form — Form PPTC 054 for adult renewal; available on canada.ca or at Service Canada locations
- Your current (or most recent) Canadian passport
- Two compliant passport photos — taken within the last 6 months, meeting Canada's photo specifications; one photo must be signed on the back by a guarantor
- Guarantor — a Canadian citizen aged 18+ who has known you for at least 2 years, holds a valid Canadian passport, and can be contacted by IRCC; they sign one photo and the application form
- Application fee — CAD $120 for a 10-year adult passport; CAD $57 for under 16 (5-year); check canada.ca for current fees
- Name-change document if your name has changed — certified marriage certificate or court order
Common mistakes
- Photos not meeting Canada's specifications — Canadian photo specs differ from US and UK requirements; photos must be 50mm × 70mm (not 2×2 inch)
- Guarantor not meeting the requirements — they must be a Canadian citizen aged 18+, hold a valid Canadian passport, have known you for 2+ years, and not be a close family member
- Applying for a renewal when you are not eligible — if your passport was issued more than 1 year ago as a child under 16, or if it is significantly damaged, you may need to apply as a new adult
- Not checking online renewal eligibility first — not everyone qualifies for the online route
Official sources
- Renew a Canadian passport (canada.ca)
- Passport photo specifications (canada.ca)
- Passport fees (canada.ca)
- Find a Service Canada location
Last reviewed: June 2026
Frequently asked questions
- Can I renew my Canadian passport online?
- Many adult Canadians can renew online at canada.ca. Check the eligibility criteria on canada.ca before starting — not all situations qualify for online renewal.
- What is a guarantor for a Canadian passport?
- A guarantor is a Canadian citizen aged 18+ who has known you for at least 2 years, holds a valid Canadian passport, is not a close family member, and can be contacted by IRCC to verify your application. They sign one of your photos and your application form.
- What size are Canadian passport photos?
- Canadian passport photos must be 50mm × 70mm — larger than the US 2×2 inch standard. Check the full photo specifications on canada.ca before printing.
- How long is a Canadian adult passport valid?
- Canadian passports for adults (16 and older) are valid for 10 years. Passports for children under 16 are valid for 5 years.
- How long does Canadian passport renewal take?
- Processing times vary by application method. Check current times on canada.ca before applying, especially ahead of peak travel seasons.
This is a simplified guide. Passport requirements can change without notice. Always confirm the final documents, fees, photos, and application method on the official passport authority website before applying.