Apply for Your First Adult Passport in Canada

For a first adult passport (or if you can't renew), you need proof of Canadian citizenship, an identity document, two identical photos, a guarantor and two references. A 10-year passport costs $163.50. Apply in person or by mail; standard processing is 10 to 20 business days.

By Sarah Moglin Fact-checked by Samuel Athur

Last verified November 8, 2026 How we check our facts

Fees

Passport or service	Applying in Canada	Applying outside Canada
Adult passport, 10 years (age 16 and over)	$163.50	$266.25
Adult passport, 5 years (age 16 and over)	$122.50	$194.25
Child passport, 5 years (under 16)	$58.50	$102.50
Urgent pickup (end of the next business day), added to the passport fee	$125.75	-
Weekend or statutory holiday service (emergencies only)	$383.50	-
Temporary passport	-	$125.75

These fees apply to applications received on or after March 31, 2026. Express pickup (2 to 9 business days), replacing a lost or stolen passport that was still valid, and transferring your file to another office cost extra; the amounts are on the official fee list. Mailing the passport to you is free.

Step by step

Gather proof of citizenship.
An original birth certificate or citizenship certificate (a printed copy for an e-certificate). Photocopies are not accepted.
Gather an identity document.
The original, or a photocopy of both sides signed and dated by your guarantor.
Get two identical passport photos.
See photo requirements. Your guarantor signs the back of one.
Find a guarantor.
A Canadian citizen, 18 or older, who has known you for at least 2 years and holds a 5- or 10-year Canadian passport that is valid or expired less than a year ago (applied for at 16 or older).
List two references.
Adults who have known you for at least 2 years. Not your guarantor, spouse or partner, or family.
Submit in person or by mail and pay the fee.
Include any valid Canadian passport or travel document you hold.

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.

Passport References and Guarantor: Who Can Sign Every passport application needs two references: adults who have known you for at least 2 years and are not family. New passports also need a guarantor: a Canadian citizen, 18 or older, who has known you for 2 years and holds a 5- or 10-year Canadian passport that is valid or expired less than a year ago. Renewals don't need a guarantor. Canadian Passport Photo Requirements: Size and Rules Canadian passport photos are 50 mm wide by 70 mm high, with the face 31 to 36 mm from chin to crown. You need two identical photos taken in the last 6 months, on a plain white or light background, with a neutral expression. Online renewal needs a digital photo from a commercial photographer. Canadian Passport Fees 2026: Adult, Child and Urgent Service A 10-year adult passport costs $163.50 and a 5-year adult passport $122.50 when you apply in Canada. A child passport (5 years) costs $58.50. Urgent pickup by the end of the next business day adds $125.75. These fees took effect on March 31, 2026. 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.

Frequently asked questions

What if I can't find a guarantor?

Use form PPTC 326, Statutory Declaration in Lieu of Guarantor, from the official passport forms page. It must be signed in front of an authorized official.

Sources

What you need for a new adult passport (canada.ca)
Apply for an adult passport (canada.ca)

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.