How to renew a passport from the United States


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


If you already have an adult passport, you may be able to renew it. Renewing a passport is simpler than applying for a new one. This is because you don’t need

  • a guarantor
  • proof of Canadian citizenship
  • supporting identification

On this page

Who can renew a passport

Only adult passports can be renewed.

Valid passports

  • must be sent with your application, and
  • will be cancelled and cannot be used for travel

An expired, damaged, lost or stolen passport can be renewed if

Not sure when you should renew your passport?

Learn when to renew your passport and when it’s too soon to renew.

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 from the U.S.

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

1. Complete the form

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

Including your email address makes it easier to check the status of your application online after you apply.

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

2. Get all the required documents and your passport photos

You need to include the following with your application:

  • the following 3 pieces of information:
    • the date your passport was issued
    • the date it expired
    • its passport number
  • your most recent passport, if it’s still valid
  • 2 identical passport photos
    • On the back of one of the photos, the photographer must write
      • their name
      • their complete address and
      • the date the photos were taken
    • You do not need a guarantor’s signature on the photo. Passport renewals don’t need a guarantor.
    • Read the full photo requirements(opens in a new tab)  for more information.

Passport photo requirements in the U.S. are different than in Canada

Your photos must follow Canadian photo requirements. We’ll reject and return your application to you if you submit an unacceptable photo.

To avoid any problems, print a copy of the passport photo specifications (PDF, 652.38 KB) to bring with you to the photographer.

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 2 references

You need to include 2 references(opens in a new tab)  to include on your application.

  • They must have known you for at least 2 years.
  • They cannot be a family member.

4. Submit your application and pay your fees

Use a certified courier or traceable mail service to reduce the delivery time of your application and help protect your documents.

Mailing address (non-courier)

Government of Canada
Passport Program
Gatineau, QC  K1A 0G3
Canada

Courier address

Government of Canada
Passport Program
22 de Varennes Street
Gatineau, QC  J8T 8R1
Canada

Pay your fees

Your fees depend on what services you’re getting and how you’re applying.

Fees and methods of payment for applications from 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. Get your passport

We’ll mail the passport and any original documents you submitted to your address in the U.S. by courier service. They may arrive in 2 different 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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