Why you should never sign your child's passport - Service Canada Passport Services

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Why you should never sign your child’s passport

Passport Canada issues travel documents to children under the age of 16, and there have been instances where international border officials have requested that these documents bear a signature—either from the child or their parent. However, it’s important to note that children under 16 are not obligated to provide a signature on their passport. When a child does not sign, the designated signature line, located on page 3 of the travel document, should be left empty.

That said, the validity of the passport is not affected if a child chooses to sign it. This flexibility ensures that the document remains legally recognized regardless of whether the signature line is filled. Passport Canada has observed this occasional requirement from foreign officials and clarifies that while it’s not a Canadian mandate, the presence or absence of a signature does not invalidate the passport for travel purposes.

Parents and guardians should be aware of this when preparing for international travel with minors, ensuring compliance with any specific entry requirements of the destination country, while understanding that the child’s unsigned passport is still fully acceptable under Canadian guidelines.

Why you should never sign your child's passport

Parents or legal guardians must never sign their child’s travel document. Their signature makes the document invalid and it will have to be replaced. Only adult Canadian travel documents must be signed. Canada’s Passport Program’s signature policy aligns with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) requirements. Visit our website to review Canada’s requirements about children’s signatures on travel documents and to find a copy of this letter.

Ensure to print the Signature policy (PDF, 600.51 KB) and bring it with you when you travel in case you are asked to sign the child’s passport.

source: https://www.canada.ca/content/dam/ircc/migration/ircc/english/passport/documents/pdf/signature-policy.pdf

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