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Apply for a new passport abroad

Where are you right now? 
Canada
US
Outside Canada and the US

Special measures for Canadian citizens or permanent residents in Iran

If you’re a Canadian citizen or permanent resident currently in Iran, you can apply for the following documents for free:

  • Canadian passport
  • Canadian citizenship certificate
  • permanent resident travel document

Learn more about the special measures.

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.

Find out if you should renew your passport instead of applying for a new one.

We’re issuing new passport booklets as of June 18, 2023

Until we finish installing the printers for the new passports in all offices, you may still get the current passport when you apply. By spring 2024, we’ll just be issuing the new passports.

If you have a valid passport already, it’s still secure and reliable. You don’t need to apply for a new one.

Forms, instructions and fees

Answer the questions below. We’ll then

  • give you all the forms you need
  • tell you how to submit your application
  • show the costs for different passport services

You need to contact us as soon as possible to report the theft or loss of your previous passport.

How to get a passport abroad

  1. Complete the form
  2. Get all the required documents and your passport photos
  3. Find a guarantor and 2 references
  4. Pay your fees
  5. Submit your application
  6. Get your passport

If you need a passport urgently, contact the nearest Government of Canada office. Additional fees apply.

To save time, complete the form on your computer. Sign each page of the application.

1. Complete the application form

 Download the adult passport application [PPTC 040] (PDF, 1.7 MB)

If your passport is lost or stolen but still valid

Since your passport is still valid, you also need to

If your passport is damaged but still valid

Since your passport is still valid, you also need to add a complete declaration concerning a lost, stolen, inaccessible, damaged or found Canadian travel document (PDF, 1.33 MB) to your application.

Instructions and tips
  • To save time, complete the form on your computer.
  • Read the instructions at the end of the form to make sure you complete it properly.
  • Sign each page of the application.
  • If the term “mother’s surname” doesn’t apply to you
    • cross it out on the form and write “parent’s surname at birth”
    • fill in the field with the surname (last name) at birth of 1 parent
      and
    • write your initials in the margin

How to open our forms

You need to

  • use your computer
    • The forms may not open on mobile devices (iPads, tablets, mobile phones).
  • save the file on your computer in a place you can remember
  • use Adobe Reader 10 or higher to open the file on your computer

For more help, see our step-by-step instructions on downloading and opening PDFs. If you still have trouble opening the forms, contact us online or call us at 1-800-567-6868. If you’re outside Canada or the United States, contact the closest Canadian government office abroad.

  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.
  •  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.
  •  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.

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

  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.

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.

6. Get your passport

The office you applied at will let you know when your passport is ready. They will also tell you when and how you can pick it up.

If you applied by mail

We’ll return your passport and any original documentation to you. They may arrive in 2 separate packages.

If you’re moving, but haven’t received your passport yet

Contact us to update your mailing address if you

  • haven’t received your passport and
  • are moving within 30 days of submitting your application
If you have a NEXUS card

When you get your new passport, make sure your personal information is up to date(opens in a new tab)  in the Trusted Traveler Programs (TTP) System.

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