🇨🇦 Canada Passport Guide
Passport Renewal Canada Fast & Easy
No confusing steps. No long lines. Just a simple, clear guide to renew your passport — online, in person, or by mail. Know exactly what to do and get it done.
Online renewal available
No guarantor needed
No office visit (online)
Online Renewal
Regular Service
10–20 business days
In-Person Express
Express Service
2–9 business days (extra fee)
In-Person Urgent
Urgent Service
Same day or next day
The Basics
What is Passport Renewal Canada?
Passport renewal simply means replacing your old passport with a new one — when it’s about to expire or already expired. It’s faster than a first-time application because you already have one.
Instead of submitting all your documents from scratch, you use your old passport as proof of your identity and citizenship.
- You don’t need a guarantor for renewal
- You can use your old passport as proof
- Online option is the easiest — done from home
- Need it fast? In-person has same-day options
Renewal vs. New Passport
| Feature | Renewal | New Application |
|---|---|---|
| Need old passport | ✓ Yes | ✗ No |
| Faster process | ✓ Yes | ✗ Slower |
| Guarantor needed | ✓ Not required | ✗ Required |
| Online option | ✓ Available | ✗ Not available |
| Less paperwork | ✓ Yes | ✗ More required |
Interactive Tool
Can You Passport Renewal Canada Online?
Answer 5 quick questions and find out in under a minute if you qualify for online renewal.
Eligibility Checker
Takes less than 60 seconds
Question 1 of 5
Do you need your passport within the next 20 business days?
Question 2 of 5
Is your current passport a regular blue passport — not diplomatic (red) or special (green)?
Question 3 of 5
Was your passport issued within the last 15 years AND were you 16 or older at the time?
Question 4 of 5
Is your passport expired or expiring within 6 months — and do you still physically have it?
Question 5 of 5
Is your mailing address currently in Canada, and are you keeping the same name, date of birth, and gender?
Great news — You can renew online!
You meet all the requirements for online passport renewal in Canada. You can apply from home using the IRCC Portal. No office visit needed. Your passport will be mailed to you once processed.
You need to apply in person
Since you need your passport within 20 business days, online renewal won’t work in time. Visit your nearest passport office or Service Canada location. Ask about Express (2–9 days) or Urgent (same/next day) service.
Diplomatic/Special passports can’t renew online
Holders of diplomatic (red) or special (green) passports cannot use the online renewal portal. Please contact your issuing authority or visit a passport office in person.
You may need a new application
If your passport was issued more than 15 years ago, or you were under 16 when it was issued, you’ll need to apply for a brand-new passport rather than a renewal. Visit a Service Canada or passport office for help.
You need to apply in person
If your passport is lost, stolen, or damaged, you’ll need to apply at a passport office in person. There’s also an additional $45 replacement fee for lost or stolen passports on top of the regular renewal fee.
You need to apply in person or by mail
Online renewal isn’t available if you’re changing your name, date of birth, or gender — or if your mailing address is outside Canada. You’ll need to visit a passport office or send your application by mail.
Your Options
3 Ways to Renew Your Passport Renewal Canada
Choose the method that works best for your timeline and situation.
⭐ RECOMMENDED
Online Renewal
🕐 10–20 business days
The easiest option. Apply from home, upload your photo, pay online. Your new passport gets mailed directly to you.
- 1Log in to IRCC Portal
- 2Fill out your renewal form
- 3Upload your digital photo
- 4Pay with credit or debit card
- 5Passport mailed to your home
💡 Best for: No rush, staying home, no office visit
In-Person
🕐 Same day – 20 days
Visit a Service Canada or passport office. Best when you need your passport quickly. Express and urgent services available.
- 1Find your nearest passport office
- 2Bring all required documents
- 3Choose your service speed
- 4Pay at the counter
- 5Pick up or wait for mail
⚡ Best for: Urgent travel, lost passport, name change
By Mail
🕐 20–25 business days
Download, fill out the form, and mail everything to the passport office. Passport gets mailed back to you. Takes the longest.
- 1Download the renewal form
- 2Fill it out carefully
- 3Attach photos and old passport
- 4Include payment (cheque/card)
- 5Mail to the address on the form
📮 Best for: Far from offices, no rush, remote areas
How-To Guide
Step-by-Step: Online Renewal Passport Renewal Canada
Follow these 6 steps to complete your online passport renewal from home.
1
Confirm You Can Online Passport Renewal Canada
Before you start, make sure you actually qualify for online renewal. Not everyone does — and that’s okay. There are other ways to renew.
✅ You qualify if: Your passport is a regular blue one, issued within 15 years, you were 16+ at the time, it’s expired or expiring within 6 months, you have it with you, your address is in Canada, and you’re not changing any personal details.
⚠️ Apply in person if: You need your passport in less than 20 business days, or your passport is lost, stolen, or damaged.
2
Create Your IRCC Account
Go to the official IRCC Portal on the Government of Canada website. If this is your first time, you’ll need to register before you can log in.
- ✓Visit the official canada.ca passport renewal page
- ✓Click “Register for an account” if you’re new
- ✓Answer a few quick questions to get a one-time verification code
- ✓Already registered? Sign in with your GCKey or online banking login
💡 Daily limit note: The IRCC portal has a daily limit for new accounts. The limit resets at 7 AM and 7 PM Eastern Time. If you can’t get in, try again after the next reset time.
3
Fill Out Your Renewal Form
The online form will ask for your personal details, current passport information, and contact info. It takes about 15–20 minutes to complete carefully.
- ✓Enter your full legal name exactly as it appears on your old passport
- ✓Provide your current passport number and expiry date
- ✓Enter your Canadian mailing address
- ✓Add your reference contact information (not a family member)
- ✓Double-check every detail before moving on
⚠️ Important: Any mistake in your form can delay your application. Read every field carefully before submitting.
4
Upload Your Digital Photo
For online renewal, you need a digital passport photo — not a printed one. This is different from in-person or mail applications. Get it taken by a professional photographer.
- ✓Taken by a professional photographer (not a selfie)
- ✓Taken within the last 6 months
- ✓JPEG format, 1800×1200 pixels minimum
- ✓File size: 200 KB – 5 MB
- ✓Plain white or light background
- ✓Neutral expression, eyes open, mouth closed
- ✓Not edited or scanned — original camera file only
💡 Tip: Ask your photographer for both a digital copy (for online upload) and a printed copy (in case you need it later). Many photo studios offer both for the same visit.
5
Pay Your Renewal Fee
Once your form is complete and your photo is uploaded, you’ll be prompted to pay. You can pay online using a credit or prepaid card.
- ✓5-year passport: $120 CAD
- ✓10-year passport: $160 CAD
- ✓Accepted: Visa, MasterCard, American Express, prepaid cards
⚠️ Non-refundable: The fee is NOT refunded if you cancel your application, get refused, or receive a passport valid for a shorter time than requested. Make sure all your details are correct before paying.
6
Wait for Your Passport
After you submit your application and pay, the passport office will process it and mail your new passport to you. Processing alone takes 10–20 business days — mailing time is on top of that.
- ✓You’ll receive a confirmation email after submitting
- ✓Processing: 10–20 business days
- ✓Your old passport will be returned to you with the new one
- ✓You can pay an extra fee for a pickup option instead of mail
📬 Note: Due to Canada Post delays, delivery may take a bit longer than usual. If you’re planning a trip, apply as early as possible — at least 3 months before your travel date to be safe.
What to Prepare
Required Documents Checklist
Gather everything before you start your application. Tick off each item as you find it.
📄 For All Renewals
📸 Photo Requirements
❌ References CANNOT Be
✕ Your spouse, partner, or common-law partner
✕ Your child or grandchild
✕ Any family member (immediate or extended)
✕ Anyone who is difficult to contact (different time zone)
Pricing
Passport Renewal Canada Fees
Clear breakdown of all costs. No surprises.
| Passport Type | Fee (CAD) |
|---|---|
|
5-Year Adult Passport Age 16 or over |
$120 |
|
10-Year Adult Passport Age 16 or over — best value |
$160 |
|
Lost/Stolen Replacement Fee Additional fee on top of passport cost |
+$45 |
⚠️ Lost or Stolen Passport Fee
If your passport was lost or stolen, you’ll need to pay an extra $45 replacement fee — this is in addition to the regular $120 or $160 passport fee. So total cost would be $165 or $205.
💳 Accepted Payment Methods
Visa
Mastercard
Amex
Prepaid Card
Payments are made online through your IRCC account after completing your application form.
⚠️ Fees Are Non-Refundable If You:
- Cancel your application after paying
- Get refused a passport
- Receive a passport valid for a shorter time than requested
Only consular fees may be refunded if a passport is not issued. Make sure all your details are correct before paying.
Photo Rules
Passport Renewal Canada Photo Guidelines
A rejected photo is the most common reason for delays. Get it right the first time.
✅ What Makes a Good Photo
Taken by a professional photographer in person
Taken within the last 6 months
Neutral expression — eyes open, mouth closed
Even lighting — no shadows, glare, or flash reflections
Plain white or light background
Face covers 45–50% of the photo height
Glasses are OK — as long as eyes are visible and no glare
Religious/medical head coverings are OK — full face must be visible
❌ What Will Get Your Photo Rejected
Sunglasses or tinted glasses (even if eyes are visible)
Red-eye in the photo or red-eye editing
Any editing or filters applied to the photo
Hats (unless worn daily for religious/medical reasons)
Scanned copy of a printed photo (for online renewal)
Dark or patterned background
Shadows on face or behind ears
Smiling or eyes looking to the side
📐 Digital Photo Technical Specs (Online Renewal Only)
JPEGFile format (.jpg)
1800×1200pxMinimum size
200KB–5MBFile size range
3:2 ratioPortrait (vertical) mode
✓ Digital Photo Must
- →Come from original camera file
- →Be shared by the photographer
- →Be in colour or black and white
- →Face covers 45–50% of height
✕ Digital Photo Must Not
- →Be a scanned printed photo
- →Be edited in any way
- →Be taken as a selfie
- →Be cropped or resized by you
FAQ
Common Questions Answered
Quick, clear answers to the questions most Canadians ask about Passport Renewal Canada.
How much does it cost to renew a Canadian passport? ▼
A 5-year adult passport costs $120 CAD, and a 10-year adult passport costs $160 CAD. If your passport was lost or stolen, there’s an additional $45 replacement fee on top of those amounts. Fees are paid online and are non-refundable once submitted.
How long does passport renewal take in Canada? ▼
It depends on the method. Online/Regular: 10–20 business days (plus mailing time). In-Person Express: 2–9 business days (extra fee). In-Person Urgent: Same day or next business day (extra fee). By Mail: Around 20–25 business days total including mailing.
Can I renew my Passport Renewal Canada online? ▼
Yes — if you qualify. You need a regular blue passport issued within 15 years, you were 16+ when it was issued, it’s expired or expiring within 6 months, you have it with you, your address is in Canada, and you don’t need to change any personal info. Use the eligibility checker at the top of this page to confirm.
What documents do I need to renew my passport? ▼
You’ll need: your current (old) passport, 2 recent passport photos (with photographer’s info on the back), a completed renewal form, payment, and 2 references who are 18+, have known you for 2+ years, and are not family members. For online renewal, you’ll also need a digital JPEG photo from your photographer.
Do I need a guarantor or references for passport renewal? ▼
No guarantor is needed for passport renewal — only for first-time applications. However, you do need to provide 2 references. These must be people who are 18+, have known you for at least 2 years, and are not family members or your spouse/partner.
Do I need a new photo for Passport Renewal Canada? ▼
Yes, always. You must submit 2 new photos taken within the last 6 months. For online renewal, you need a digital photo (JPEG, not scanned) from a professional photographer. For in-person or mail applications, you bring 2 printed photos with the photographer’s details stamped on the back.
Where do I mail my passport renewal in Canada? ▼
The mailing address is printed on the renewal form itself. Download the official form from canada.ca, fill it out, and mail it along with your old passport, 2 photos, and payment to the address listed on the form. Make sure to send it securely — use tracked or registered mail.
How early can I apply for passport renewal in Canada? ▼
You can renew your passport at any time, even if it hasn’t expired yet. There is no “too early.” In fact, it’s recommended to apply at least 3–4 months before your travel date to account for processing and mailing time. Many countries require your passport to be valid for at least 6 months beyond your travel dates.
Ready to Renew Your Passport Renewal Canada?
You’ve got all the information you need. Start your application now and get your new passport without the stress.
Check My Eligibility ↑
Go to Official IRCC Portal ↗
Secure process
No office visit needed (online)
Free eligibility check
Clear, step-by-step guidance
This page is for informational purposes only. It provides guidance on the Passport Renewal Canada process. All trademarks, logos, and official processes belong to the Government of Canada. For official applications, always visit canada.ca.