Do you support Prime Minister Carney’s decision to pursue closer business ties with China, even if it results in Canada taking a more independent stance from the United States?
Results

Please be advised that this site is not affiliated with the Service Canada office.
It was created to provide general passport information only.

How to Apply for a New Adult Canadian Passport: 2026 Complete Guide
Download the adult passport application (PPTC 153)

The Ultimate Guide to Applying for a New Adult Canadian Passport (2024-2026)

Are you a Canadian citizen aged 16 or older looking to travel the world? Applying for a new adult Canadian passport is a straightforward process if you have the right documents and follow the latest IRCC guidelines. This guide covers everything from form PPTC 153 to the upcoming 2026 fee changes.

1. Eligibility: Who Should Apply?

You must apply for a new passport (rather than a renewal) if:

  • This is your first adult passport.
  • Your previous passport was issued when you were under 16.
  • Your current passport has been expired for more than a year.
  • Your passport was lost, stolen, or damaged.

2. Complete the Application Form (PPTC 153)

The primary document required is the Adult General Passport Application (PPTC 153). To avoid processing delays:

  • Download & Save: Open the PDF using Adobe Reader 10+ on a computer (avoid mobile browsers).
  • Validity: Choose between a 5-year or 10-year validity period in Section 6.
  • Email: Include your email address to receive online status updates.

3. Required Supporting Documents

To prove your identity and citizenship, you must submit:

  1. Proof of Canadian Citizenship: Original birth certificate or citizenship certificate.
  2. Document to Support Identity: A valid photo ID (e.g., driver’s license or health card).
  3. Two Passport Photos: Must be taken within the last 6 months by a commercial photographer. One photo must be signed by your guarantor.
  4. Guarantor and References: You need a guarantor (who has known you for 2+ years and holds a valid Canadian passport) and two references who are not relatives.

4. Updated Fees (Including 2026 Increases)

Note that as of March 31, 2026, fees will increase to reflect inflation. Ensure you pay the correct amount based on when the IRCC receives your application.

Service (In Canada) Fee (Before Mar 31, 2026) New Fee (On/After Mar 31, 2026)
10-Year Adult Passport $160.00 $163.50
5-Year Adult Passport $120.00 $122.50
Urgent Pickup Service $110.00 $125.75

5. How to Submit Your Application

You have two primary options for submitting your application within Canada:

  • In-Person: Visit a Service Canada Centre or a passport office. If you pay for pickup, you will receive a specific date on your receipt.
  • By Mail: Send your application via a trackable mail service. Original documents will be returned to you, often in a separate package from your new passport.

6. Processing Times and Tracking

Standard processing usually takes 5 to 20 business days plus mailing time, depending on the submission method. You can check your application status online through the official IRCC portal after 10-15 business days.

Instructions and tips

  • Read the instructions at the end of the form to make sure you complete it properly.
  • If you can’t open the form, follow these instructions.
  • To get a Braille instruction booklet or large-print forms sent to you, contact us.
  • The term “mother’s surname” may not apply to you. If it doesn’t
    • cross it out on the form and write “parent’s surname at birth”
    • fill in the field with the surname (last name) at birth of 1 parent
    • write your initials in the margin

Gather all necessary documents and get your passport photo

Include the following documents with your application form:

  • proof of Canadian citizenship (original only)
  • a document to support your identity
  • any valid Canadian passport or travel document (refugee travel document or certificate of identity) issued in your current name or any other name of yours
    • This is so we can cancel it. You can’t travel with a cancelled passport or travel document.
  • 2 identical passport photos
    • On the back of one of the photos, the photographer must write
      • their name
      • their complete address and
      • the date the photos were taken
    • Your guarantor must also sign the back of this photo.
    • Read the full photo requirements for more information.

Extra documents may need to be provided if you:

All documents must be submitted in either French or English. If a document is in another language, an official translation must be provided.

Find a guarantor and 2 references

For new passport applications, you will need to find a guarantor to sign your application, one of your passport photos and all copies of any supporting identity documents you are submitting with your application.

You will also need 2 references to include on your application. Your references must have known you for at least 2 years. You cannot use a family member or your guarantor as a reference.

Submit your application

If you’re applying in person

By appointment
  • You need to complete the online Service Canada form .
    • complete the required fields
    • click on Passport services: appointment request for a passport service
    • check the box beside If you need to apply in person, select this option
  • Service Canada will call you back to schedule your appointment.
Without an appointment (walk-in)

You can go to any passport office (Service Canada Centre – Passport Services) or Service Canada Centre that offers passport services without an appointment (also called walk-in services).

Walk-in services are not guaranteed. They may not be available at busy locations.

If you can’t submit your application yourself, someone else can submit your application for you.

Submit the application by mail

Please ensure to use a certified courier or traceable mail service to reduce the delivery time of your application and help protect your documents.

Find out where to mail your passport application. Click here.

Paying your fees

Your fees depend on what services you’re getting and how you’re applying.

Fees and methods of payment for in-Canada applications 

You won’t receive a refund for the service fee if you

  • cancel your application
  • are refused a travel document
  • are issued a passport for a shorter validity period than requested (for example, in cases where an individual has had multiple losses)

Only the consular fee, which applies to all adult applications, is refundable if a passport is not issued.

Receiving or picking up the passport

If you applied by mail, the passport (and any original documentation you submitted) will be returned to you by mail, and may be in 2 separate packages.

If you applied in person and paid for a pickup service, the pickup date will be indicated on your receipt.

You can send someone else to pick up your passport if they have valid identification and written authorization from you to do so.

 

Suggest Reading: Canada’s FREE Dental Care Plan

You can now check the walk-in wait times at Passport Canada offices only

Recommend Read: 4 quick steps to speak to Passport Canada agent

If you want to stay on top of every federal benefit payment date in 2026, we’ve put together a clear and easy-to-follow guide to help you plan ahead with confidence. Explore the full schedule and make sure you never miss a payment by checking out the 2026 Federal Government Benefit Payment Calendar.

Looking for affordable, reliable dental coverage in Canada? Visit DentalCarePlanCanada.ca to explore flexible dental care plans designed to fit your needs and budget. Whether you’re an individual, family, or senior, our plans offer peace of mind and help you save on essential dental services. Don’t wait—your smile deserves the best care at the best price!

* * * * Most viewed topics * * * *

2026 CPP/OAS T4 Slip – new*

Renew Your Canadian Dental Care Plan Coverage

2026 Canada Child Benefit payment dates

2026 CPP/OAS payment dates

Check the status of my Canadian passport application

How to renew your expired Canadian passport?

8 easy steps to contact EI call centre agent