Child Passport Application Canada: Step-by-Step Guide
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Discover the methodologyWondering how to apply for a child passport in Canada? We've got you covered. Read our step-by-step guide on Child Passport Application in Canada. We'll also tell you how to do it if you're abroad.
Find our advice on all the steps to follow: Documents to include with your application, the cost of a Canadian child passport application, how to do a renewal and more. Download the free application form here in printable format and fill it out following our instructions. We'll tell you everything you need to know to get your child a passport.
Child Passport Application Canada: Key Points
- It is not possible to apply for a child passport online.
- You must send a Canada child passport application form.
- This application form is available for free on this page in both English and French.
- A different form is required if you are applying from abroad.
- The fee for a child passport application is $57.
- The child passport is valid for 5 years.
Download the Child Passport Application Canada Form
Below is the child passport application form in Canada, available for free download in PDF format. This is form PPTC 155.
Child General Passport Application Form - Applying in Canada
You can also find the form in French below. This is form PPTC 156.
Watch out!
Do not confuse the child passport application form with the adult passport application form. If you're looking for applications for adults, visit our guide on Adult General Passport Application. You can download the free application form there and will find all the instructions on how to fill it out, the documents required, costs, and more.
How do I apply for my child's Canadian passport outside of Canada?
If you are currently NOT residing in Canada, you will need to send the child passport application form for Canadians abroad. This is form PPTC 042. Here it is for free download:
Child Abroad Passport Application Form
You can find the form in French below. This is form PPTC 043.
To apply for your child's Canadian passport outside of Canada, complete the child passport application Canada form. Gather required documents, including proof of citizenship and photos. Find a guarantor who meets the criteria, and apply along with the fee to the nearest Canadian government office abroad. For detailed instructions on the documents, read the following sections.
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What documents to include with the Child Passport Application Form in Canada?
Here are the documents to include with the child passport form in Canada:
- The completed application form
- Two photos of the child taken within the last six months
- Proof of the child's Canadian citizenship
- Proof of the child's relationship to the parents
- Legal documents regarding the child's custody in case of separation
For proof of relationship, the following documents are accepted:
- Birth Certificate
- Adoption Order
- Guardianship Proof
Good to know
You do not need to provide proof of relationship if the child has previously held a Canadian passport and the parents who applied for the previous passport are the same as those making the new application.
How to send the Child Canada Passport Application Form?
You can submit a passport application for a Canadian child in two ways:
- In person: You must present yourself. If this is impossible, another person can represent you. Go to:
- A regional Passport Program office
- A participating Service Canada Centre
- By mail by sending everything to the following address:
Passport Program
Gatineau (Québec) K1A 0G3
Canada
How to renew a child passport in Canada?
To renew a child's passport in Canada, you need to send the same passport application form as above. It is essentially a new passport. Your child is not eligible for the simplified passport renewal process.
Good to know
You will have to repay the fees and resend the required supporting documents.
What is the cost of a Canadian Child Passport Application in 2024?
The cost of a Canadian child passport application is $57.
Watch out!
If you apply for a child passport from the United States or any other country, it will cost more: $100.
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What are the processing times for a Canada child passport application?
Obtaining a child passport can take up to 25 days. Sometimes less, in the case of an express procedure. The Canadian child passport will be valid for 5 years, no more.
Good to know
In contrast, adult passports can be valid for either 5 or 10 years.
Who can send the Canadian Child Passport Application Form?
Here are the people who can apply for a Canadian child passport:
- One of the parents.
- The parent with legal custody in case of separation.
- The legal guardian.
Good to know
Parents or legal guardians applying for a passport must sign the application.
How to get help with my passport application?
To get help with your general passport application for your child, you have several options:
- Online 24/7 on the website canada.ca/passport
- By phone at 1-800-567-6868.
FAQS on Child Passport Application Canada
Does the child need to be present for passport application in Canada?
No, the child does not need to be present when applying for a passport in Canada. If the child is under 16, the application must be submitted by a parent or legal guardian. The parent or guardian applying can be one of the parents, the custodial parent in cases of separation or divorce, or the legal guardian. Parents or legal guardians must sign the application form; if both cannot, the situation must be explained and supported by relevant documents.
Do both parents need to be present for a child passport in Canada?
No, both parents do not need to be present for a child's passport application in Canada. However, specific requirements are depending on the custody arrangements:
- Both parents sign the application: If both parents are listed on the child's birth certificate, they should both sign the application form.
- One parent signs: If only one parent has sole custody, that parent can sign the application. Proof of sole custody must be provided.
- Legal guardian signs: If a legal guardian is applying, they must provide proof of guardianship.
Do I need a guarantor for a Canadian child passport renewal?
Yes, a guarantor is required for a Canadian child's passport renewal. The guarantor must:
- Have known the child for at least two years.
- Hold a valid Canadian passport (issued in the last ten years).
- Be available to sign the application and verify the child's identity.
How do I renew my Canadian child's passport outside Canada?
Download the child passport application form from our page Canadian Passport Renewal. Collect necessary documents, including proof of citizenship and passport photos, and find a suitable guarantor. Submit the completed application form and fee to the nearest Canadian government office abroad. Check our guide linked above for detailed instructions.
How do I renew my child's passport in Canada?
Complete the child passport application form available on our page Canadian Passport Renewal. Gather the required documents, including the child’s proof of citizenship and two passport photos. Find a guarantor to sign the application, and submit it along with the fee to a Passport Canada office, Service Canada Centre, or by mail. For detailed instructions, click on our Canadian Passport Renewal guide.
