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Proof of Citizenship for a Canadian Passport: What Counts

For a first or new passport, people born in Canada send their original provincial or territorial birth certificate. People born abroad send a Canadian citizenship certificate or another accepted certificate. Renewals do not need proof of citizenship.

By Fact-checked by Samuel Athur

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If you were born in Canada

Send the original birth certificate from your province or territory of birth. Long or short form is fine.

A Canadian citizenship certificate is also accepted.

If you were born outside Canada

Send one of these:

  • a Canadian citizenship certificate,
  • a certificate of naturalization,
  • a certificate of registration of birth abroad,
  • a certificate of retention of Canadian citizenship.

Originals or copies?

Birth certificates must be originals. Photocopies are not accepted, even if signed.

Citizenship certificates issued on or before January 31, 2012 must be originals. A copy is fine if it was issued on or after February 1, 2012, or its number starts with K or X.

For an e-certificate, attach a printed copy.

Documents that are refused

  • Documents you laminated yourself, or marked "void if laminated".
  • Commemorative citizenship certificates.

Getting your originals back

In person, they are returned right away. By mail, they come back in a separate envelope, which can take up to 6 weeks.

If you do not have proof

Born in Canada: order a birth certificate from your province's vital statistics office.

Born abroad: apply for a citizenship certificate. This can take months, so start early.

Related

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. Child Passport in Canada: How to Apply for Under 16 Children under 16 get a 5-year passport that costs $58.50 in Canada. Child passports can't be renewed, so you apply for a new one each time. A parent or legal guardian applies with the child's proof of citizenship, two photos and a guarantor. Change the Name on Your Canadian Passport To change the name on your Canadian passport, apply for a new passport. You cannot use the renewal form. Include a document that explains the change, such as a marriage certificate, divorce order or legal name change certificate, and ID that shows your new name.

Frequently asked questions

Is a health card proof of citizenship?

No. Health cards, driver's licences and permanent resident cards are not proof of Canadian citizenship.

Do I need proof of citizenship to renew?

No. Renewals do not need it.

Can my birth certificate show my old name?

Yes. Your proof of citizenship can show your old or new name.

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.