News Release

The Passport Office eases the passport application process for Canadians

Gatineau, Quebec - The Passport Office is taking further measures to facilitate the passport application process. As of November 1, 2004, a previously issued Canadian passport that is either still valid or submitted up to one year after its expiry date, will be accepted as supporting identification.

"The Passport Office is committed to ensuring the safety and security of the Canadian passport, while providing efficient and timely services to its clients," said Chief Executive Officer Doreen Steidle. "The addition of a previous passport as acceptable supporting documentation will ease the application process for many Canadians."

The Passport Office will continue to accept only an original provincial birth certificate or a certificate of Canadian citizenship as proof of Canadian citizenship. A supporting piece of identification, such as a provincial driver's licence or Old Age Security Card, and now a previously issued Canadian passport that is either still valid or submitted up to one year after its expiry date, will be accepted as a document supporting your identity. A complete list of accepted documentation is available at www.pptc.gc.ca.

The Passport Office would like to remind Canadians that its peak season is fast approaching, and that they should apply for their passports as far in advance of their travel date as possible. The Passport Office issued more than 2.5-million passports in fiscal year 2003-2004, and expects to issue close to 3-million this fiscal year.

The Passport Office of Canada is a Special Operating Agency of Foreign Affairs Canada. Its mission is to facilitate travel for Canadians by delivering internationally respected travel documents that meet the highest security standards in the world.

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