Canada expands online passport renewal to all eligible adults
By Province of British Columbia
The Government of Canada is committed to making life simpler and more convenient for Canadians. This includes a modern passport program that delivers secure, user‑friendly digital services that save time, reduce in‑person visits and make passport renewal easier.
Today, the Honourable Lena Metlege Diab, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, announced that online passport renewal is now available to all eligible adult Canadians in Canada. By removing the limit on how many people can renew their passports online, we’re providing more Canadians with a convenient and secure option.
Online passport renewal makes it easier for Canadians to access the services they need, when and where it’s most convenient for them. Canadians can complete their passport renewal application online by submitting their application, photo and payment digitally—instead of mailing documents or visiting a Service Canada Centre. Online passport renewal also benefits those who face barriers to in-person service, including people living in rural or remote communities and those with mobility challenges. In-person and mail-in services will continue to be available for Canadians who choose or need them.
This change builds on recent improvements to passport services, including the online passport application status checker; expanded access to in-person 10-business-day passport service at select Service Canada Centres; and the government’s passport service guarantee that applications will be processed within 30 business days or the passport is free.
Learn more about who can renew their passport online and how to get started.
Quick facts
- All passport applications require commercially taken photos. Online renewal uses a digital photo file provided by a commercial photographer. Learn more about digital passport photo requirements.
- The requirements for the online passport renewal service are slightly different from the ones for renewal applications submitted in person or by mail. Canadians should check the requirements before starting the application process.
- Online renewals follow the same 20-business-day service standard as simplified adult renewals submitted in most Service Canada Centres and by mail. They include real-time status updates so applicants can track their application as it’s being processed.
- Canadians who need a passport sooner must apply in person at a Service Canada Centre or a passport office that offers the 10-business-day, express or urgent service.
- Canadians applying for their passport outside Canada can do so by mail or by visiting a Government of Canada office abroad.
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