How to Renew a Canadian Passport
A renewal uses a simplified application. You need no guarantor and no citizenship documents. You need your old passport, a new photo, two references, and the fee. Apply by mail, or at a Service CanadaService Canada — The government service counter network for SIN applications, passports, EI, and other federal programs.Click for official info ↗ passport office. Standard service runs about 2–8 weeks. Passport offices also offer urgent and express options.
At a glance
- Cost:
- $122.50 (5-year) / $163.50 (10-year) adult
- Total time:
- 2–8 weeks (service level dependent)
- Steps:
- 5 steps
- Where to apply:
- canada.ca
Last reviewed October 2026 against official sources. Re-checked annually · next review due October 2027.
The Steps
Follow these in order
Each card shows the phase, expected time, and any cost. Data checked against official CAN sources(October 2026).
0 of 5 steps
- Before You Go 10 min
Confirm you qualify for simplified renewal
You can renew if four things are true. Your current passport was issued with a validity of 5+ years. It was issued within the last 15 years (it may be expired, even by more than a year, or still valid). It was issued when you were age 16+. And you are not changing your name. If not, you file a general application, with proof of citizenship.
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- Fill / Prepare 30 min
Get photos that follow the rules and fill the form
A commercial photographer must take your photos within the last 6 months. The size is 50mm x 70mm, with a plain background. The photographer's studio name, complete address, and the date the photos were taken go on the back of one photo. No signature is needed on a renewal photo. The renewal form is short. It asks for your personal details, two references, and your old passport number.
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- Submit & Pay 20 min
Submit by mail or in person
By mail: send the form, the photos, your old passport, and the fee receipt to the address for your region. In person: book a Service Canada passport office appointment. This is faster, and you need it for urgent service. Pay online in advance, or at the office.
Click to mark as done
- Wait 2–8 weeks
Track processing
Standard service takes about 10 business days, plus mailing time, when you apply at a passport office. A mailed application takes longer, up to 8 weeks total in busy periods. Passport offices offer express service (2–9 business days) and urgent service (end of next business day). Both need proof of travel.
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- Receive
Sign and check the new passport
The new passport arrives by courier. Your old passport comes back separately, cancelled. Sign it in ink that matches your application. Choose the 10-year validity ($163.50), unless you expect a name or citizenship change. It is better value per year.
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FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
My passport expired 2 years ago. Can I still use the renewal process?
Yes, if it was issued within the last 15 years. Simplified renewal has no expiry limit. Only the 15-year issue rule matters. Beyond that, you file a general adult application. You need proof of citizenship (a birth certificate or a citizenship certificate) and a guarantor.
I changed my name since my last passport.
A name change takes you out of the renewal stream. File a general application instead. Send the legal change document (a marriage certificate, or a legal change of name certificate). Also send supporting ID in the new name.
I have a trip in 3 weeks. Which service should I use?
Book an in-person appointment at a passport office. This is not a Service Canada receiving point. Ask for express service (2–9 business days), and bring proof of travel. Urgent service (next business day) is for emergencies within 48 hours of travel. Bring your travel plan.
Can I renew my Canadian passport online?
Yes, if you meet all the conditions. You are 16 or older. Your last passport was a regular 5-year or 10-year passport, issued within the last 15 years. It is not damaged, lost, or stolen. And your name and personal details have not changed. If not, renew by mail or in person.
Do I need a guarantor to renew?
No. A renewal needs no guarantor and no proof of citizenship. You need your most recent passport, a new photo, and the fee. You also need two references. They must not be your guarantor or a close family member, must not live at your address, and they must have known you for 2+ years. Skipping the guarantor is the main advantage of a renewal, compared with a fresh application.
Can I reuse my old passport photo?
No. Every application needs new photos, taken to the current rules. Do not cut photos out of your old passport. Photo problems are one of the most common reasons applications are sent back.
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