Apply for a new passport abroad
Where are you right now? Canada |
US |
Outside Canada and the US
A Canadian passport is a travel document that Canadian citizens can apply for.
If you already have an adult passport, you may be able to renew your adult passport. Renewing a passport is simpler than applying for a new one.
Check List
- Complete the form
- Get all the required documents and your passport photos
- Find a guarantor and 2 references
- Pay your fees
- Submit your application
- Get your passport
If you need a passport urgently, please check details for Temporary Passport. Additional fees apply.
1. Complete the application form
- Fill out the form on your computer to save time.
- Save the form on your computer and use Adobe Reader 10 or higher.
- Don’t use your phone or tablet. The form will not work properly.
- Read the instructions at the end of the form to make sure you’ve completed it properly.
- Sign each page of the application.
Download the adult passport application [PPTC 040] (PDF, 1.7 MB)
Get help with the form or alternate formats
Avoid this mistake
Don’t forget to tell us if you want a 5 or 10 year passport under section 6 of the form (Period of validity).
2. Gather all necessary documents and get your passport photos
Include the following documents with your application form:
- proof of Canadian citizenship
- This can be a birth certificate or citizenship certificate.
- If you have a paper certificate, it must be the original document, not a photocopy.
- If you have a citizenship e-certificate, you must attach a printed copy.
- This can be a birth certificate or citizenship certificate.
- any valid Canadian passport or other travel document (refugee travel document or certificate of identity) issued to you
- a document to support your identity
- This can be a photocopy or the original.
- If you want to use a photocopy of your ID, make sure you show both sides and have it signed and dated by your guarantor or signing official.
- This can be a photocopy or the original.
- 2 identical passport photos
- On the back of one of the photos, the photographer must write
- their name
- their complete address
- the date the photos were taken
- Your guarantor must also sign the back of this photo.
- Read the full photo requirements for more information.
- On the back of one of the photos, the photographer must write
Passport photo requirements abroad may be different than in Canada
Your photos must follow Canadian photo requirements. We’ll reject and return your application to you if you don’t submit an acceptable photo.
To avoid any problems, print a copy of the passport photo specifications (PDF, 652.38 KB) and bring it to the photographer.
Extra documents may need to be provided if you
- have changed your name
- are replacing a lost, stolen or damaged passport
- want to omit your place of birth on your passport
- are updating the gender identifier on your passport
Avoid this mistake
If you submit a copy of your identification (ID)(opens in a new tab) , don’t forget to
- copy both sides and then
- have your guarantor sign and date each side of the copy
All your documents must be in either English or French. If a document is in another language, you must provide an official translation(opens in a new tab) .
3. Find a guarantor and 2 references
You need a guarantor to sign
- your application
- 1 of your passport photos and
- all copies of your supporting identity documents
You also need 2 references to include on your application.
- Your references must have known you for at least 2 years.
- Your references cannot be
- a family member or
- your guarantor
4. Pay your fees
Your fees depend on what services you’re getting and how you’re applying.
Fees and methods of payment for applications outside Canada and the U.S. (opens in a new tab)
You won’t receive a refund for the service fee if you
- cancel your application
- are refused a passport or travel document
- are issued a passport for a shorter validity period than requested
- For example, if we issue a passport that’s valid for less than 5 years, despite you applying for a 5- or 10-year passport.
- This may happen if you’ve lost your passport multiple times.
- For example, if we issue a passport that’s valid for less than 5 years, despite you applying for a 5- or 10-year passport.
Only the consular fee, which applies to all adult applications, is refundable if a passport is not issued.
5. Submit your application
After you pay the fees, submit your application and payment receipt to the nearest Government of Canada office abroad.
For more detailed information and please contact us.