Proof of Canadian citizenship

For persons born in Canada, you must provide either your:

• Birth certificate (issued by the province or territory of birth) or
• Certificate of Canadian Citizenship

For persons born outside Canada, you must provide one of the four citizenship documents below:

• Certificate of Canadian Citizenship
  
• Certificate of Naturalization
  
• Certificate of Retention of Canadian Citizenship
  
• Certificate of Registration of Birth Abroad

Birth certificates

Birth certificates are available from the Registrar of Vital Statistics in your province or territory of birth. For more information on how to obtain a birth certificate, you may consult the Internet or mailing addresses listed on our Canadian Vital Statistics Offices page.

Birth certificate for children under 16 years of age

A long form birth certificate must be presented in the case of a child's passport application where the parents are not married or were not married at the time of the child's birth. This requirement allows Passport Canada to confirm the identity of both parents.

Certificates of Canadian Citizenship

Certificates of Canadian Citizenship may be obtained at the following address:

Toll free: 1 888 242-2100
Web site: www.cic.gc.ca

If you reside outside Canada, you may also obtain forms and information from any Canadian diplomatic or consular mission.

Updated: 2005-06-29

Important Notices