First-Time Canadian Passport Application

Applying to get the Canadian passport for the first time, it is critical to know the exact procedure. IRCC takes different routes with respect to Canadian passport renewal (which can be sometimes easier) and a first-time Canadian passport application (where the person has to find some way to prove their citizenship). Well, let us take it down to pieces.

You should NOT meet all these requirements, you MUST apply in a complete first-time passport application (adult or child) even though you already had a passport in the past.

This includes:

• Children(under 16)
• Those who are adults and their last passport was issued when they were below the age of 16
• Non under 16 year olds whose last passport was 15 years ago or more
• Adults who have changed the way they look a lot
• Adults who change their name, and use a different legal name which is not supplied with the documentation required to do so
• The one who replaces lost passports, stolen or damaged passports.

Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Gather Your Essential Documents (The Non-Negotiables)

For First-Time Canadian Passport Application (Adult – PPTC 040 Form):

Canadian Citizenship: copy of original document ONLY (certified copies are not normally accepted in the case of first-time applications). This normally is:

• For passport applications, the signed Canadian Citizenship Certificate stands as the predominant form of citizenship verification submitted by applicants.
• Canadian Birth Certificate (by a Canadian province/territories) – it must be the long-form original one, with names of parents on it, the issuing agency is a vital statistics agency in the province/territories. Hospital Birth cards or baptism certificates are not acceptable.
• Identification: For identity verification, submit original government-issued photo identification showing your current signature – copies or digital versions will not be accepted.
• Primary ID: Driving license(valid and current and with photo and signature) OR Canadian provincial/territorial photo identification card (e.g. BC ID, Ontario Photo Card) OR old (ex-issued) Canadian passport (if you want to verify a lost/ stolen passport include a police report).
• Secondary ID: An illustration of secondary identity is your Birth certificate (not supplied as a proof of citizenship), citizenship certificate (not supplied), marriage certificate, old driver license, credit card, health card (depending on the province), and so on. Each record must include both a full name and birth date.
• The same two passport photos of the same size, and they will have to be given under stringent specifications (Same stringent specifications as when you renew).
• Hatch PPTC 040 Application Form signed and filled. Requires those fields to be filled rather than renewal.
• Guarantor Declaration (Form PPTC 285): This is an essential step that is left unconsidered very frequently. It is an incomplete form that has to be signed in person by a qualified guarantor ( see below ) and stamped after knowledge of a person at least 2 years and verification of his original papers on citizenship and identity without photocopies. The guarantee has to be:
  • A Canadian citizen.
  • At least 18 years old.
  • In good standing (not bankrupt, not a guarantor for more than one other person in the last 5 years).
  • AND one of the following: A) Canadian citizen who is a member of the Canadian Armed Forces, or B) A Canadian citizen who is a judge, lawyer/notary, police officer, mayor, member of a provincial legislature or Parliament, or a Canadian public servant with at least 5 years of service. A regular friend or family member, even if Canadian, usually CANNOT be your guarantor unless they fall into one of these specific professional categories. This is a major hurdle for many first-time applicants.
• Payment for fees.

For Children (Under 16) – First-Time or Renewal (PPTC 040 Form):

 Always requires a full application, even for renewal.

To establish Canadian citizenship for passport purposes, applicants must submit either: 

An original long-form birth certificate issued by a Canadian province or territory that verifies parental citizenship status, or The original Certificate of Canadian Citizenship document.

• Proof of Parental Relationship: Photocopy of parent(s)’ valid government-issued photo ID (driver’s license, passport, etc.).
• Consent of Parents/Guardians: BOTH parents/guardians with legal custody MUST provide consent. This usually means:
  • Both parents physically present at the application (e.g., at a Service Canada centre).
  • OR, one parent present with a completed, signed, and original Consent for Children form (PPTC 296) from the non-accompanying parent, plus a photocopy of the non-accompanying parent’s valid government-issued photo ID. The non-accompanying parent’s signature MUST be witnessed by a designated witness (like a commissioner for taking oaths, notary, lawyer, police officer).
• Two identical, compliant passport photos of the child (same strict rules apply, even for infants).
• Completed and signed PPTC 040 Application Form (with child-specific sections).
• Guarantor Declaration (Form PPTC 285): Same strict requirements as for adults. For children’s passport applications, the designated guarantor must have maintained a relationship with the minor for no less than 24 months while also satisfying Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada’s (IRCC) professional eligibility requirements – commonly fulfilled by educators, healthcare providers, or family associates who qualify under official guidelines. They must also have seen the child’s citizenship proof and parent IDs.
• Payment for fees.

Safeguard Your Citizenship Proof: Keep original citizenship documents securely stored at home. These vital records should only be mailed when applying for your first-ever Canadian passport – never for renewals or routine updates. IRCC explicitly states originals are required solely for initial applications where citizenship verification is needed, and even then, photocopies often suffice for supporting documents. Losing these irreplaceable papers creates significant hurdles in proving your citizenship.

For renewals, you only send your old passport. Keep your citizenship certificate or birth certificate in a very safe place! IRCC states they may return original documents with your new passport, but it’s not guaranteed, and losing them is a major headache. Make photocopies for your records.

Step 2: Complete the Application Form Meticulously

• Download the MOST RECENT form: IRCC Passport Application Forms page is to be used to get forms. Automatic rejection is what occurs through the use of outdated forms.
• Write with Black Ink: Either do the form by hand with a dark and clear ink (and preferably in black it is preferable to type the form if the form so permits. Do not use white-out or correction, use a new form in case you make a mistake.
• Fill in all the Questions: Do not leave any fields blank. In case of a non-applicability of a question, write N/A (Not Applicable). The major cause of delays is incomplete forms.
• Sign Where Required: There are places to which you are required to sign. Where renewal occurs the declaration signed on page 4 is to be completed. In the case of first-time application, they are to have signatures at various places such as those of the guarantor and the parents in the case of a child. You are required to have your signature MATCH with the one in your former passport (in case of renewals) or be coherent with your ID.
• Triple Check: To make your passport application complete, you should double check your supported documents in regard to spellings relating to your name as well as dates of birth and passport numbers (in the case of renewals). A single typo is able to create huge delays.

Step 3: IRCC’s Photo Requirements: The Unforgiving Detail That Stops 30% of Applications

Rejection due to non-compliant photos is shockingly common. Invest in professional photos:

• Visit an authoritative source: Pharmacies (Shoppers Drug Mart, London Drugs), post offices (Canada Post) or the special photo-portrait outlet (as in malls) should be informed of the regulations. Request specifically that very phrase, “Canadian passport photos, which are within the IRCC specifications”.
• Evade: Drugstore photo booth (low quality/background), smartphone selfie (usually non-compliant background), pictures that have been taken in the last twelve months (they have to be less than 6 months old).
• Check the Photo Checklist: Before leaving the photo service, ensure:
  • The head is centered, facing forward, neutral expression.
  • No hats/headwear (religious exceptions require documentation).
  • Eyes fully open, visible (no glare from glasses; remove if they cause reflection).
  • Your photo must feature a solid light-toned background free from designs, shadow variations, or other people in the frame.
  • High-quality print on photo paper, no creases or marks.
  • Size is exactly 50mm x 70mm.

Step 4: Pay the Correct Fees (2025 Rates)

You can not get your money back once you have paid the fees whether your application is accepted or not. It is necessary to always check current costs on the official ircc site to apply as they are subject to changes. As of October 2025 the fees were:

• Adult Passport (16+), 10-year validity: $160
• Child Passport (Under 16), 5-year validity: $57
• Adult Passport (16+), 5-year validity (only available in limited circumstances like significant appearance change): $120
• Replacement Passport (due to loss, theft, damage): Same fee as a new passport of the same validity period (e.g., $160 for adult 10-year). Plus a $35 fee for the Report of Lost or Stolen Canadian Travel Document (form PPTC 280) if reporting loss/theft.
• Emergency Passport: They are costly all over depending on the circumstance and place, inquire at the nearest Canadian mission.
• Additional Fees:
  • Biometrics: $85 (This fee applies to most first-time adult applicants ages 14 to 79 who are applying in Canada. You don’t need to pay it if you’re renewing by mail, if you’re a child under 14, or if you’re an adult over 79. Importantly, if you submitted an application for a study permit, a work permit, or permanent residence in the last 10 years, your biometrics may still count – verify with IRCC to be sure.)
  • Expedited Service: $110 (Processing takes about 2 to 9 business days after IRCC gets your full application at a Passport Office. Canadian passport applications requiring in-person verification cannot be processed by mail; only physical submission at designated Passport Offices is permitted. Availability is limited and depends on how many people want it.
  • Priority Service: $110 (Processing takes about 20 business days after the IRCC gets your full application at a Passport Office.) Needs to be applied for in person.
  • Standard Processing (Mail-in Renewal): Included in base fee (approx. 120 days from date of mailing, but can vary).

Payment Methods:

• Mail-in Applications: For mail-in applications, send a certified check or money order made out to “Receiver General for Canada.” Don’t send cash. You can’t use personal checks to apply for a passport.
• In-Person Applications (Passport Offices): You can apply in person at passport offices with a debit card, credit card (Visa, Mastercard, Amex), or a certified check or money order.

Step 5: Submit Your Application Correctly

For First-Time Applications (Adults & Children) and Non-Renewal Situations:

• You MUST apply in person at a participating:
  • Service Canada Centre: Most common for first-time adult and child applications. Find locations: Service Canada Passport Help .
  • Passport Office: Required for expedited/priority service, or if directed. Fewer locations (e.g., major cities). Appointment is usually required.
• Why In-Person? To certify original citizenship and ID papers, witness signatures (and guarantor signature), and capture biometrics (where needed to enroll first time adults).
• Reserved: Book an Appointment: Passport Offices (Required Critical Process: expedited/priority). It is common to have walk-ins at Service Canada centres, though appointments are encouraged, refer to the service Canada centre website. The waiting time may be lengthy, particularly to be in an accelerated bank queue.

The Submission Checklist (Before You Send/Go):

• Use the current official application form (PPTC 153 for renewals or PPTC 040 for new applications) downloaded directly from IRCC
• Any necessary supporting paperwork (would be charging additional fees for renewal passport, citizenship/ID first-time, change of name documents)
• Two ideal submissive pictures
• Proper payment (Certified cheque/money order in the mail, card/cashiers check in person payment)
• The proper filling and stamping of Guarantor form (first-time apps)
• Properly filled will be parental consent forms and signed with witnesses (in the case of children)
• Every part of the form has been filled in and the information is correct
• Shops in proper places signed The initial period in the history of the BSA almost puts the latter phases of the organization in perspective.

Mistake to Avoid: Sending a first-time application by mail. IRCC will return it unprocessed, causing major delays. Only eligible renewals go by mail.

Daniel Bhaskar

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