Frequently Asked Questions on the Simplified Passport Renewal Process

The Simplified Passport Renewal Process allows Canadians to replace their passports without having to resubmit identity documents and guarantor information.

1. What is the Simplified Passport Renewal Process?
2. Why has Passport Canada changed its policy with regard to passport renewal?
3. Is this secure?
4. Who can participate?
5. What is the advantage of submitting a renewal application instead of a standard application?
6. Can I renew in 48 hours using the urgent service or within nine business days using the express service?
7. Why do I have to submit my previous passport if it has expired?
8. Am I eligible for the renewal process if I live outside Canada?
9. Why does my name have to be the same as on my last passport for me to be eligible for the renewal program?
10. If my last passport was lost, stolen or damaged, am I eligible to renew my passport?
11. Why is the fee the same as it would be for a non-renewal passport?
12. Are children eligible for passport renewal?
13. Why should I renew rather than reapply?
14. Will passport renewal applications be processed faster than standard applications that are currently waiting to be processed?

1. What is the Simplified Passport Renewal Process?

Canadians could not previously renew their passports. They re-applied for a new one every time their old one expired. In doing so, they were required to fill out an application and submit new photos, documentary evidence of citizenship and supplementary identification, as well as have a guarantor sign the application and one of the photos.

Through the simplified renewal process, applicants who qualify are not required to submit documentary evidence of citizenship, supplementary identification or get the signature of a guarantor. However, they do need to submit their previous passport.

2. Why has Passport Canada changed its policy with regard to passport renewal?

Passport Canada is constantly looking at ways to improve its services. The renewal process reduces the complexity of applying for a passport. It is part of a broader effort to modernize Canadian passport services.

3. Is this secure?

A passport obtained through the renewal process retains all the security features and validations of a regular passport and is valid for five years. The simplified renewal process in no way jeopardizes the security and integrity of the Canadian passport.

4. Who can participate?

Canadians who were aged 16 or older when they applied for their last passport and who hold a five-year passport issued in Canada after January 31, 2002. Other conditions apply:

• The name on the application form must be exactly the same as the name on the submitted passport.
• The applicant must have been living in Canada when the previous passport was issued.
• The applicant must be currently living in Canada.

5. What is the advantage of submitting a renewal application instead of a standard application?

The renewal process does not require applicants to submit documentary evidence of citizenship (birth certificate, citizenship card, etc.), provide supplementary identification or have their application endorsed by a guarantor.

6. Can I renew in 48 hours using the urgent service or within nine business days using the express service?

Yes, but not at a Service Canada or Canada Post Receiving Agent location, only at a Passport Canada office.

7. Why do I have to submit my previous passport if it has expired?

Passport Canada requires the previous passport, valid or expired, in order to process a renewal application in the absence of an applicant's documentary evidence of citizenship, supplementary identification and guarantor declaration.

The previous passport will be returned upon request.

8. Am I eligible for the renewal process if I live outside Canada?

For the time being, the passport renewal process is not available to Canadians living abroad. The residency criterion will be removed at a later date.

9. Why does my name have to be the same as on my last passport for me to be eligible for the renewal program?

To guarantee the safety and integrity of the Canadian passport, Passport Canada must re-establish the identity of Canadians who have changed their names.

10. If my last passport was lost, stolen or damaged, am I eligible to renew my passport?

No. Confirmation of what happened to the previous passport requires additional information and documentation. You are required to apply through the regular application process to obtain a replacement passport.

11. Why is the fee the same as it would be for a non-renewal passport?

Passport Canada operates on a cost-recovery basis. Passport fees are determined by the overall cost of the passport program.

Fees are as follows:

• 24-page adult: $87
• 24-page child (3 to 15 years): $37
• 24-page child (under 3 years): $22
• 48-page adult: $92
• 48-page child (3 to 15 years): $39
• 48-page child (under 3 years): $24

12. Are children eligible for passport renewal?

No. Before issuing a passport to a child under 16 years of age, Passport Canada must verify the custody of, access to and mobility of the child. This is done to safeguard children against international abductions. The simplified renewal process does not allow Passport Canada to do the required security checks for applicants under 16 years of age.

13. Why should I renew rather than reapply?

Reasons for you to renew rather than reapply include:

• a simplified form (2 pages v. 3 pages);
• no guarantor declaration required on the form or photo;
• no documentary evidence of citizenship required;
• no supplementary identification required.

14. Will passport renewal applications be processed faster than standard applications that are currently waiting to be processed?

No. The processing method, time and cost are the same for either application.