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

***IMPORTANT NOTICE***
The XXX naming policy no longer applies to future passport applicants. Please contact Service Canada – Passport Services for futher details.

Important information on how to interpret the XXX in the given name field of a Canadian passport. 

Passport Canada is aware that their naming policy may pose an issue for individuals with a single name. When an individual has a single name, whether it is a given name or names, a surname or just a single name, it is always inscribed in the surname (last name / family name) field.

According to Passport Canada, this practice aligns with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) requirements and standards, put in place to facilitate international travel. Since a system limitation prevents the Passport Program from printing a travel document with a blank space in the given name(s) field, “XXX” is entered in the given name(s) field as a placeholder. Therefore, the “XXX” inscribed in the given name(s) field on Canadian passports should be interpreted as blank.

Be sure to make all of your travel bookings, such as tickets and hotels, in the name you have on your passport. For more information on Canadian travel document requirements, please visit Canada.ca/passport.

Solution

At this moment, the passport office has no intention to change their XXX name policy on single names. Therefore, the best option is to apply to a name change certificate based on your province of residence. Once you have obtained your name change certificate, you can re-apply to your Canadian password with the name that appears properly on the given name and family name field.

Statistics Canada is hiring for 32,000 essential field positions across the country. Whether you’re in a bustling city or a remote community, you can earn competitive pay while collecting the vital data that supports local healthcare, education, and infrastructure. Make an impact in your own neighborhood—apply now to be a part of this historic national initiative. Apply Now and join the team in your community!

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 * * * *

Renew Your Canadian Dental Care Plan Coverage – new*

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?