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How to obtain a Canadian passport

Any Canadian citizen may apply for a Canadian passport.

The following checklist will help identify the steps required to obtain a passport.

Application requirements checklist

To ensure timely processing of your application, please be sure to submit all the necessary documents with your application. To obtain a passport, you must:

1. Complete and sign all pages of the application form. (Find out where to obtain application forms).

2. Provide two identical passport photos taken within the last 12 months.

3. Have the application form and one photo signed by an eligible guarantor.

4. Provide original proof of Canadian citizenship.

5. Provide any previous Canadian travel document issued to you within the last five years such as a passport, a certificate of identity or a travel document.

6. Provide at least one document to support your identity with your current name and signature, such as a driver's licence, a provincial health care card, an old age security card, etc.

   If you submit original supporting documents, they will be returned to you. If you are submitting photocopies, your guarantor must sign and date the photocopies to indicate that the originals have been seen.

7. Place of birth: Your place of birth must be provided on the application form. If you do not wish the place of birth to appear in the passport, submit a written request. Be sure to contact the consulate or embassy of every country you plan to visit to ensure that you will be admitted if the passport does not include your place of birth.

8. For United States residents: If you were accepted into the United States as a permanent resident before February 15, 1977, you must indicate on your application form the number and date of issue of your Alien Registration Card (green or pink card). Include a copy of this card with your application form.

9. Pay the appropriate passport fee.

Important: Please indicate the date of your travel (if known) in the "Date of Travel" field provided at the top of the application form. The issuing office will do its best to accommodate your needs.

Updated: 2004-08-04

Important Notices