Which situation are you in?
Just became a citizen — this is your first
Canadian passport application (not a renewal).
Passport expiring soon — you already hold
an adult passport and just need to renew.
Planning summer travel — you need it fast
and want to know your fastest option.
Passport lost or expired 1+ year — you may
not qualify for simplified renewal.
If your Canadian passport renewal is coming up in 2026, the rules changed this year: fees went up on March 31, and a new refund guarantee kicked in on April 1. Here's exactly what it costs and how to avoid delays.
Do You Qualify for the Simplified Renewal (Form PPTC 054)?
Most adults renewing a passport don't need a guarantor or citizenship documents at all — as long as you meet these conditions:
- ▸You're 16 or older
- ▸Your most recent adult passport is still valid, or expired no more than 1 year ago
- ▸It was a 5-year or 10-year adult passport (not a child's or temporary document)
- ▸Your name, date of birth, and gender marker haven't changed
- ▸The old passport was not reported lost or stolen
If you don't meet all five, you'll need to apply as a first-time applicant
using form PPTC 153 instead, which does require a guarantor and
supporting documents.
Step-by-Step: How to Renew
- 1Check eligibility for the simplified process above. Gather your current (or recently expired) passport — it's your main proof.
- 2Get two new passport photos (50×70mm), taken within the last 6 months.
- 3Choose your method: online renewal (paperless, if you have a digital photo), in person at a Service Canada passport office, or by mail.
-
4
Pay the correct fee based on the date your application isreceived, not the date you send it — this matters if you're mailing it in.
- 5Your old passport is cancelled once you apply, so don't plan travel that relies on it while renewal is in progress.
In-person
Express (in-person)
By mail
Processing time only — mailing time and photo/document errors can add extra days.
Since April 1, 2026, Canada's
"30-day or free" guarantee means if
a complete application isn't processed within 30 business days, the base fee
is automatically refunded by cheque — you don't need to request it.
2026 Passport Fees at a Glance
| Passport type | Base fee | Total (with consular fee) |
|---|---|---|
| 5-year adult (in Canada) | $122.50 | $147.50 |
| 10-year adult (in Canada) | $163.50 | $188.50 |
| Child passport (5-year) | $58.50 | $58.50 |
| Express pickup (2–9 days) | + additional fee, in person only | |
| Urgent pickup (next business day) | + additional fee, in person only | |
Mistakes That Delay Renewal
Wrong photo sizeCanadian specs are 50×70mm — US and UK sizes will be rejected.
Old photosPhotos older than 6 months are flagged during review.
Underpaid feePaying the pre–March 31 rate if your application arrives after that date.
Forgotten old passportIt must be enclosed — it's your proof for the simplified process.
Name mismatchAny legal name change needs supporting documents attached.
Assuming online payYou can only pay online for online renewals — not mail or in-person.
16+Minimum age
PPTC 054Simplified form
2 photos50×70mm
$122.505-year fee
$163.5010-year fee
10 daysIn-person
20 daysBy mail
30 daysRefund guarantee
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