Canada Passport Renewal Checklist — What to Prepare

If you already have an adult passport, you may be able to renew it — and renewing is simpler than applying for a new one, because you don't need a guarantor, proof of Canadian citizenship or supporting identification. Fees increased on 31 March 2026, and many in-Canada services can't be paid online. Work through the stages below and tick each line. Verified against canada.ca, September 2026.

Stage A — Check your type: renewal or new application

• ☐ Adult passport: 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, because you don't need a guarantor, proof of Canadian citizenship or supporting identification.
• ☐ Child passport: you can't renew a child passport. You need to apply for a new one each time it expires.
• ☐ Not a Canadian citizen? Travel documents for non-Canadians are only issued from within Canada.

Visa and entry paperwork is a separate job — those document lists live on the Canada visa documents checklist.

Stage B — What you need (far less than a new application)

The whole point of a renewal is the three no's — the usual new-application requirements are dropped:

• ☐ No guarantor needed.
• ☐ No proof of Canadian citizenship needed.
• ☐ No supporting identification needed.
• ☐ Your passport photo — Canada's format is 50 × 70 mm, and you need 2 identical copies, professionally printed (see the photo stage).
• ☐ The fee — and a payment method you have already confirmed (Stage C).

Stage C — Submit and pay

• ☐ Follow the steps on the official renewal page rather than a third-party service.
• ☐ Confirm your payment options before you pay online — you can't pay online for many in-Canada passport services.
• ☐ Keep your receipts and any reference number so you can follow the application up.

Stage D — Fees and timeline

• ☐ Fees went up: as of 31 March 2026, most fees for passports and travel document services have increased. Check the official fee page for the current amount for your service.
• ☐ Processing time depends on the service — check the official source for the current estimate instead of relying on an old figure.
• ☐ Do not book travel until the new passport is in your hand.

Stage E — The photo: 50 × 70 mm, two copies

• ☐ Size 50 × 70 mm — Canada's passport photo format, not the 35 × 45 mm used by many other countries.
• ☐ 2 identical copies.
• ☐ Professionally printed — the official rules prohibit home printing, and heavyweight paper is not allowed.
• ☐ Format, framing and background for Canada are on the Canada passport photo page.
• ☐ Where and how to print so it counts is explained in the passport photo printing guide.
• ☐ Check the file before you print with the passport photo checker.
• ☐ Avoid the usual rejects — see the top passport photo rejection reasons.

Get it right the first time

• Trying to renew a child passport — you can't; a new application is required each time it expires.
• Assuming you can pay online — you can't pay online for many in-Canada passport services, so confirm the payment options first.
• Using an out-of-date fee figure — most passport and travel document fees increased on 31 March 2026, so check the current amount.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a guarantor to renew a Canadian passport?
No. If you already have an adult passport and you are renewing it, you don't need a guarantor, proof of Canadian citizenship or supporting identification.

Can I renew a child's Canadian passport?
No. You can't renew a child passport — you need to apply for a new one each time it expires.

Have Canadian passport fees changed?
Yes. As of 31 March 2026, most fees for passports and travel document services have increased. Check the official fee page for the current amount for your service.

Can I pay for a Canadian passport renewal online?
Not necessarily. You can't pay online for many in-Canada passport services, so confirm your payment options before you pay online.

What size photo does a Canadian passport need?
50 × 70 mm, and you need 2 identical copies that are professionally printed. The official rules prohibit home printing, and heavyweight paper is not allowed.

Can a non-Canadian get a Canadian travel document?
Travel documents for non-Canadians are only issued from within Canada.