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Damaged Canadian Passport: Can You Still Use It?

Do not travel on a damaged passport. If it is still valid, renew it (if you qualify) or apply for a new passport, and include form PPTC 203. You pay the regular fees. If it has already expired, apply normally with no extra form.

By Fact-checked by Samuel Athur

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What counts as damage

The government does not publish a full list. Common problems include water damage, torn or missing pages, a damaged photo page, or a chip that has been bent or broken.

Airlines and border officers can refuse a passport that looks altered or unreadable. If in doubt, replace it before you travel.

Renewing a damaged passport online

Online renewal is not open to damaged passports. Renew by mail or in person, or apply for a new one.

If you travel soon

Go to a passport office with proof of travel. Express pickup takes 2 to 9 business days, and urgent pickup is ready by the end of the next business day.

Step by step

  1. Check whether it is still valid.

    Look at the expiry date. If you are unsure, include form PPTC 203 anyway.

  2. Choose renewal or a new application.

    Adults who meet the renewal rules can renew. Child passports always need a new application.

  3. Fill in form PPTC 203.

    It explains what happened to the passport.

  4. Send the damaged passport with your application and pay the regular fee.

Phone numbers

Passport Program (Canada and U.S.)

1-800-567-6868

Monday to Friday, 8:30 am to 5 pm local time (Newfoundland 9 am to 5:30 pm). Closed on statutory holidays.

Related

Lost or Stolen Canadian Passport: What to Do Report a lost or stolen Canadian passport right away by calling the Passport Program at 1-800-567-6868 (outside Canada, contact the nearest Government of Canada office). The passport is cancelled once reported. To replace it, apply for a new passport; renewing is not possible. How to Renew a Canadian Passport: Online, by Mail or in Person You can renew an adult passport issued in the last 15 years, when you were 16 or older, if your name, date of birth, place of birth and gender identifier are unchanged. Renew online or by mail in about 20 business days, or in person for faster service. A 10-year passport costs $163.50 in Canada. Urgent and Express Passport Service: Get It in 1 to 9 Days If you travel soon, go in person to a passport office with proof of travel. Urgent pickup gets you a passport by the end of the next business day for an extra $125.75. Express pickup takes 2 to 9 business days. Regular Service Canada Centres don't offer urgent service.

Frequently asked questions

Is there an extra fee for a damaged passport?

No. You pay the regular passport fees. The extra replacement fee only applies to valid passports that were lost or stolen.

Can I use a passport with a small tear?

It is risky. Officials decide at the border or airport. The safest option is to replace it before you travel.

Sources

North Help Desk is an independent guide, not a government website. Rules, amounts and phone hours can change; always confirm on the official page before you act. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.