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Apply for a child passport in Canada: Get it in 2 to 9 business days

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  • Complete your form, and get your supporting documents, passport photos and proof you need the passport.
  • Book an appointment or try to get walk-in service at a passport office
  • Don’t go to a Service Canada Centre.

A child passport is valid for a maximum of 5 years. It’s valid until it reaches its expiry date, even after the child turns 16.

 You can’t renew a child passport. When the child turns 16, they can apply for a new adult passport.

Until then, you need to apply for a new child passport when it expires.

Who can apply for a child passport

To apply for a child passport, you must be one of the following:

  • one of the child’s parents (if you’re not separated or divorced)
  • the parent who has custody of the child (if you are separated or divorced) with the correct documentation
  • the child’s legal guardian, with the correct documentation

All parents or legal guardians should sign the application form.

  • If you don’t know where the other parent or legal guardian is, contact us.
  • We may contact the other parent or legal guardian.

If you’re worried that someone might apply for a passport for your child without your consent

Find out how to add your child’s name to a special list for their safety.

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 child’s passport within 2 to 9 business days (express pick-up)

  1. Complete the application form
  2. Get all the required documents and your child’s passport photo
  3. Find a guarantor

  4. Submit your application and pay your fees

  5. Get your passport

1. Complete the form

Each parent or legal guardian should sign the application form. We may contact the other parent or legal guardian.

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

 Download the child passport application [PPTC 155] (PDF, 2.8 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.

 Avoid this mistake

Don’t forget to

  • indicate the relationship between you (the applicant) and the other parent or legal guardian in section 2 of the form
  • add your signature in sections 2 and 5 of the form
    • All of the child’s parents or legal guardians must sign the form.
    • If you don’t know where the other parent or legal guardian is, contact us (opens in a new tab)
  • include the date the guarantor signed the application in section 6 of the form

If both parents or legal guardians cannot sign the form, contact us and we’ll tell you what to do.

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
If your passport has a valid visa in it

Tell us on your form if you need the visa and want your original passport back. If you don’t, the visa could be damaged when the previous passport is cancelled.

2. Get all the required documents and your child’s passport photo

Include the following documents with your child’s application form:

You may need to provide extra documents if you’re updating their gender identifier.

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

You need a guarantor to sign

  • your child’s application and
  • 1 of the 2 passport photos

The guarantor must

  • have known you personally for at least 2 years and
  • know of the child

 Avoid this mistake

Don’t forget to

4. Submit your application and pay your fees (2 to 9 business days)

If you’re applying in person and need your passport in 2 to 9 business days

You may need to provide proof that you need the passport.

By appointment

You can book an appointment online  (opens in a new tab).

Some locations have a high demand for appointments. Their availability may vary.

Without an appointment (walk-in)

Go to a passport office with express pick-up service (opens in a new tab) .

If the location is busy, we may prioritize people who need a passport within 48 hours.

Paying your fees

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

Fees and methods of payment for in-Canada applications (opens in a new tab) 

You won’t receive a refund for the service fee if you

  • cancel your application
  • are refused a 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 fees, which apply to all adult applications, are refundable if a passport is not issued.

5. Get your passport

When your passport is processed, it will be mailed to you unless you paid for pick-up service. Mail time is usually 5 business days, but it can vary across the country.

While you’re waiting for your passport, you can check the status of your application online (opens in a new tab)  for instant updates.

If you applied by mail

Any original documents you submitted will be mailed back to you. They may be in a separate package than your passport.

If you paid for a pickup service

The pickup date will be indicated on your receipt.

You can send someone else to pick up your passport if they have

  • valid identification and
  • something in writing from you saying they’re allowed to
If you paid for a pickup service

The pickup date will be indicated on your receipt.

You can send someone else to pick up your passport if they have

  • valid identification and
  • something in writing from you saying they’re allowed to

Never sign your child’s passport for them

  • It does not need a signature until they are 16 and older.
  • A parent’s or legal guardian’s signature makes it invalid.
    • If you sign your child’s passport, you’ll need to apply for a new one and pay all the fees.
  • Print the signature policy (PDF, 601 KB) and bring it with you when you travel in case someone asks you to sign it.

If they want, the child may sign the passport themselves. We encourage them to sign it if they’re 11 or older, but they don’t have to.

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 community mailbox, make sure you check it before you contact us about your application.

You must provide proof that you need the passport

Proof you need the passport can be

  • an airline, bus or train ticket
    • If travelling by car, a written statement explaining why you need to travel
  • a travel itinerary showing proof of payment
  • proof of illness or death in the family requiring you to travel
  • a written statement from you or a third party explaining why you need the passport
    • For example, for legal, banking or residency requirements

If we can’t deliver the passport in time to you or your child, we aren’t liable for any losses.

We recommend that you don’t finalize any travel plans until you get your passport.

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.

Passport number, date of issue, and date of expiry

An example of a passport is shown, with the date of issue, date of expiry, and passport number each highlighted.

Check the date of issue. If the date it was issued is within the past 15 years and you meet the other eligibility requirements, you can apply to renew your passport.

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

Apply for a child’s passport as a foster parent or adoptive parent of a child in foster care or on probationary adoption

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.

  • Complete the following sections of the child passport application form (PPTC 155) (PDF, 444.53 KB)
    • Section 1 – Child’s personal information
    • Section 2 – Information on applicant
      • The first two questions
      • Information on the applicant
      • Other parent or legal guardian information is to be completed by the child’s parent or legal guardian if the parent / legal guardian has custody or parental authority or shares custody with the adoptive parents
    • Section 3 – Previous Canadian Travel document
    • Section 4 – Proof of Canadian Citizenship
    • Section E – Credit card information, if paying by credit card
  • Complete the additional information form PPTC 463B (PDF, 112.59 KB)
  • Submit the following additional documents:
    • Proof of the child’s Canadian citizenship.
    • A letter from the director of family services proving the child’s legal guardian or the person who has parental authority.
    • If you are neither the legal guardian nor have parental authority over the child, a letter from the child’s legal guardian or the person who has parental authority to release the passport to the person who is applying.
    • A copy of court orders or agreements involving the child and family services.
    • A summary of court orders or agreements (if the court order or agreement documents cannot be forwarded due to confidentiality reasons). The summary must include:
      • who the child’s legal guardian is or the person who has parental authority,
      • whether a mobility restriction clause exists and the details of the restriction, and
      • the date and number of the court order, if possible.
    • In the case of public probationary adoption, a letter from the director of family services confirming that the child is undergoing an adoption process and the name of the future adoptive parents.
  • Submit your application and pay your fees

If you’re applying in person and need your passport in 2 to 9 business days

You may need to provide proof that you need the passport.

By appointment

You can book an appointment online  (opens in a new tab).

Some locations have a high demand for appointments. Their availability may vary.

Without an appointment (walk-in)

Go to a passport office with express pick-up service (opens in a new tab) .

If the location is busy, we may prioritize people who need a passport within 48 hours.

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

Apply for a child’s passport as a foster parent or adoptive parent of a child on private probationary adoption

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.

  • Complete the following sections of the child passport application form (PPTC 155) (PDF, 444.53 KB)
    • Section 1 – Child’s personal information
    • Section 2 – Information on applicant
      • The first two questions
      • Applicant (parent or legal guardian) information
      • Other parent or legal guardian information is to be completed by the child’s parent or legal guardian if the parent / legal guardian has custody or parental authority or shares custody with the adoptive parents
    • Section 3 – Previous Canadian Travel document
    • Section 4 – Proof of Canadian Citizenship
    • Section E – Credit card information, if paying by credit card
  • Complete the additional information form PPTC 463B (PDF, 112.59 KB)
  • Submit the following additional documents:
    • Proof of the child’s Canadian citizenship.
    • The consent to adoption signed by the biological parents.
    • A letter from the licensee of the adoption agency showing who the child’s legal guardian is, or the person who has parental authority, also stating that a private adoption is in process, that all the adoption consents have been obtained, and that the time period for cancelling the adoption has expired. If the time period has not expired, a passport cannot be issued unless the biological parents consent to the issuance of the passport.
    • If you are neither the child’s legal guardian nor the person who has parental authority, submit a letter from the child’s legal guardian or the person who has parental authority to authorize you to apply for the child’s passport and to release the child’s passport to you.
    • A copy of court orders or agreements involving the child and family services.
    • A summary of court orders or agreements (if the court order or agreement documents cannot be forwarded due to confidentiality reasons). The summary must include:
      • who the child’s legal guardian is or the person who has parental authority,
      • whether a mobility restriction clause exists and the details of the restriction, and
      • the date and number of the court order, if possible.
    • The custody or guardianship agreement signed by the child’s biological parents and the future adoptive parents for the duration of the adoption process, if an agreement exists.
  • Submit your application and pay your fees

If you’re applying in person and need your passport in 2 to 9 business days

You may need to provide proof that you need the passport.

By appointment

You can book an appointment online  (opens in a new tab).

Some locations have a high demand for appointments. Their availability may vary.

Without an appointment (walk-in)

Go to a passport office with express pick-up service (opens in a new tab) .

If the location is busy, we may prioritize people who need a passport within 48 hours.

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

Apply for a child’s passport as a director of family services, social worker or child protection worker

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.

  • Complete the following sections of the child passport application form (PPTC 155) (PDF, 444.53 KB)
    • Section 1 – Child’s personal information
    • Section 2 – Information on applicant:
      • The first two questions
      • Applicant (parent or legal guardian) information
      • Other parent or legal guardian information (to be completed by the child’s parent or legal guardian if the parent / legal guardian has custody or parental authority or shares custody with the adoptive parents.)
    • Section 3 – Previous Canadian Travel document
    • Section 4 – Proof of Canadian Citizenship
    • Section E – Credit card information, if paying by credit card
  • Complete the additional information form PPTC 463A (PDF, 212 KB)
  • Submit the following additional documents:
    • Proof of the child’s Canadian citizenship.
    • A letter from the director of family services confirming the child’s legal guardian or the person who has parental authority.
    • If you are not the legal guardian nor have parental authority over the child, a letter from the child’s legal guardian or the person who has parental authority to release the passport to the person who is applying.
    • A copy of court orders or agreements involving the child and family services.
    • A summary of court orders or agreements (if the court order or agreement documents cannot be forwarded due to confidentiality reasons). The summary must include:
      • the name of the child’s legal guardian or the person who has parental authority,
      • whether a mobility restriction clause exists and the details of the restriction, and
      • the date and number of the court order, if possible.
    • In the case of public probationary adoption, a letter from the director of family services confirming that the child is undergoing an adoption process and the name of the future adoptive parents.
  • Submit your application and pay your fees

If you’re applying in person and need your passport in 2 to 9 business days

You may need to provide proof that you need the passport.

By appointment

You can book an appointment online  (opens in a new tab).

Some locations have a high demand for appointments. Their availability may vary.

Without an appointment (walk-in)

Go to a passport office with express pick-up service (opens in a new tab) .

If the location is busy, we may prioritize people who need a passport within 48 hours.

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

Apply for a child’s passport as a licensee or representative of a licensed adoption agency

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.

  • Complete the following sections of the child passport application form (PPTC 155) (PDF, 444.53 KB)
    • Section 1 – Child’s personal information
    • Section 2 – Information on applicant:
      • The first two questions
      • Applicant (parent or legal guardian) information
      • Other parent or legal guardian information is to be completed by the child’s parent or legal guardian if the parent / legal guardian has custody or parental authority or shares custody with the adoptive parents
    • Section 3 – Previous Canadian Travel document
    • Section 4 – Proof of Canadian Citizenship
    • Section E – Credit card information, if paying by credit card
  • Complete the additional information form PPTC 463C (PDF, 182 KB)
  • Submit the following additional documents:
    • Proof of the child’s Canadian citizenship.
    • The consent to adoption signed by the biological parents.
    • A letter from the licensee of the adoption agency showing who the child’s legal guardian is, or the person who has parental authority, also stating that a private adoption is in process, that all the adoption consents have been obtained, and that the time period for cancelling the adoption has expired. If the time period has not expired, a passport cannot be issued unless the biological parents consent to the issuance of the passport.
    • If you are neither the child’s legal guardian nor the person who has parental authority, submit a letter from the child’s legal guardian or the person who has parental authority to authorize you to apply for the child’s passport and to release the child’s passport to you.
    • A copy of court orders or agreements involving the child and family services.
    • A summary of court orders or agreements (if the court order or agreement documents cannot be forwarded due to confidentiality reasons). The summary must include:
      • who the child’s legal guardian is or the person who has parental authority,
      • whether a mobility restriction clause exists and the details of the restriction, and
      • the date and number of the court order, if possible.
    • The custody or guardianship agreement signed by the child’s biological parents and the future adoptive parents for the duration of the adoption process, if an agreement exists.
  • Submit your application and pay your fees

If you’re applying in person and need your passport in 2 to 9 business days

You may need to provide proof that you need the passport.

By appointment

You can book an appointment online  (opens in a new tab).

Some locations have a high demand for appointments. Their availability may vary.

Without an appointment (walk-in)

Go to a passport office with express pick-up service (opens in a new tab) .

If the location is busy, we may prioritize people who need a passport within 48 hours.

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