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Apply for an adult passport from the United States

Where are you right now? 
Canada
US
Outside Canada and the US

Mailed applications must be sent by courier

Due to the Canada Post labour disruption, you need to use a courier to apply by mail.

A Canadian passport is a travel document that Canadian citizens can apply for.

If you already have an adult passport, you may be able to renew your adult passport. Renewing a passport is simpler than applying for a new one.

Find out if you should renew your passport instead of applying for a new one.

Forms, instructions and fees

Answer the questions below. We’ll then

  • give you all the forms you need
  • tell you how to submit your application
  • show the costs for different passport services

You need to contact us as soon as possible to report the theft or loss of your previous passport.

How to get a passport in the U.S.

  1. Complete the form
  2. Get all the required documents and your passport photos
  3. Find a guarantor and 2 references
  4. Submit your application and pay your fees
  5. Get your passport

1. Complete the application form

To save time, complete the form on your computer. Sign each page of the application.

Include your email address on the form so we can contact you if needed.

 Download the adult passport application (PPTC 153) (PDF, 1.7 MB)

If you choose an occupation-based guarantor

Make sure your guarantor is eligible first. If they are, you need the PPTC 140 form instead. It’s only available online.

 Download the adult passport application for using an occupation-based guarantor [PPTC 140] (PDF, 1.7 MB)

If your passport is lost or stolen but still valid

Since your passport is still valid, you also need to

If your passport is damaged but still valid

Since your passport is still valid, you also need to add a complete declaration concerning a lost, stolen, inaccessible, damaged or found Canadian travel document (PDF, 1.33 MB) to your application.

Get help with the form or alternate formats

  Avoid this mistake

Don’t forget to tell us if you want a 5 or 10 year passport under section 6 of the form (Period of validity).

2. Gather all necessary documents and get your passport photos

Include the following documents with your application form:

  •  proof of Canadian citizenship
    • This can be a birth certificate or citizenship certificate.
      • If you have a paper certificate, it must be the original document, not a photocopy.
      • If you have a citizenship e-certificate, you must attach a printed copy.
  •  any valid Canadian passport or other travel document (refugee travel document or certificate of identity) issued to you
  •  a document to support your identity
    • This can be a photocopy or the original.
      • If you want to use a photocopy of your ID, make sure you show both sides and have it signed and dated by your guarantor or signing official.
  •  2 identical passport photos
    • On the back of one of the photos, the photographer must write
      • their name
      • their complete address
      • the date the photos were taken
    • Your guarantor must also sign the back of this photo.
    • Read the full photo requirements for more information.

Passport photo requirements in the US are different than in Canada

Your photos must follow Canadian photo requirements. We’ll reject and return your application to you if you submit an unacceptable photo.

To avoid any problems, print a copy of the passport photo specifications (PDF, 652 KB) to bring with you to the photographer.

Extra documents may need to be provided if you

  Avoid this mistake

If you submit a copy of your identification (ID)(opens in a new tab) , don’t forget to

  • copy both sides and then
  • have your guarantor sign and date each side of the copy

All your documents must be in either English or French. If a document is in another language, you must provide an official translation(opens in a new tab) .

3. Find a guarantor and 2 references

You need a guarantor to sign

  • your application
  • 1 of your passport photos and
  • all copies of your supporting identity documents

You also need 2 references to include on your application.

  • Your references must have known you for at least 2 years.
  • Your references cannot be
    • a family member or
    • your guarantor

4. Submit your application and pay your fees

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

Mailed applications must be sent by courier

Due to the Canada Post labour disruption, you need to use a courier to apply by mail.

Courier address

Government of Canada
Passport Program
22 de Varennes Street
Gatineau, QC  J8T 8R1
Canada

Pay your fees

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

Fees and methods of payment for applications from the U.S. (opens in a new tab)

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

  • cancel your application
  • are refused a passport or travel document
  • are issued a passport for a shorter validity period than requested
    • For example, if we issue a passport that’s valid for less than 5 years, despite you applying for a 5- or 10-year passport.
      • This may happen if you’ve lost your passport multiple times.

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

5. Get your passport

We’ll mail the passport and any original documents you submitted to your address in the U.S. by courier service. They may arrive in 2 different packages.

If you’re moving, but haven’t received your passport yet

Contact us to update your mailing address if you

  • haven’t received your passport and
  • are moving within 30 days of submitting your application
If you have a NEXUS card

When you get your new passport, make sure your personal information is up to date(opens in a new tab)  in the Trusted Traveler Programs (TTP) System.

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