Applying for a passport

Proof of Canadian citizenship

If you were born in Canada, you must provide an original of either:

• a Canadian birth certificate (issued in Canada by the province or territory of your birth), or
• a Certificate of Canadian Citizenship.

If you were born outside of Canada, you must provide one of the four Canadian citizenship documents below:

• Certificate of Canadian citizenship
• Certificate of Naturalization in Canada
• Certificate of Retention of Canadian citizenship
• Certificate of Registration of Birth Abroad

To avoid any delays, indicate in section 4 of the application form if you acquired citizenship of another country before February 15, 1977.

Birth certificates

Birth certificates are available from the Registrar of Vital Statistics in the province or territory of your birth. For more information on how to obtain a birth certificate, contact your Canadian Vital Statistics Office.

Birth certificate for children under 16 years of age

For children whose parents were not married at the time of the child's birth, Passport Canada requires a long-form birth certificate showing both parents' information.

For children whose parents were married at the time of the child's birth, Passport Canada recommends a long-form birth certificate showing both parents' information.

Certificate of Canadian Citizenship

A Certificate of Canadian Citizenship may be obtained at the following address:

Dual Citizenship

Canadian law permits Canadians to have more than one nationality. However, your Canadian citizenship may not be recognized in the country of your other citizenship, and the authorities of that country may prevent Canada from providing you with consular assistance. This is especially true if you did not use your Canadian passport when entering that country.