How to renew a passport from the United States
Where are you right now? 
Canada
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US
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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.
If you already have an adult passport, you may be able to renew it. Renewing a passport is simpler than applying for a new one. This is because you don’t need a guarantor, proof of Canadian citizenship or supporting identification.
Who can renew a passport
Only adult passports can be renewed.
- If you’re 16 or older, find out if you can renew your passport (opens in a new tab) .
- If you’re under 16, you need to apply for a new child passport.
Valid passports
- must be sent with your application, and
- will be cancelled and cannot be used for travel
An expired, damaged, lost or stolen passport can be renewed if
- it was issued within 15 years of the date you apply, and
- you meet all the other eligibility requirements(opens in a new tab)
Not sure when you should renew your passport?
Learn when to renew your passport and when it’s too soon to renew.
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 from the U.S.
1. Complete the form
- Fill out the form on your computer to save time.
- Save the form on your computer and use Adobe Reader 10 or higher.
- Don’t use your phone or tablet. The form will not work properly.
- Read the instructions at the end of the form to make sure you’ve completed it properly.
- Sign each page of the application.
- Include your email address to make it easier to check the status of your application online after you apply.
If your passport is lost or stolen 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, 1.3 MB) to your application and
- pay the extra fee for replacing a lost or stolen passport
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
- If you can’t open the form after saving it to your computer and using Adobe Reader
- in Canada or the US: contact us online or call us
- outside Canada and the US: contact the closest Canadian government office abroad
- Contact us for Braille instructions or large-print forms.
2. Get all the required documents and your passport photos
You need to include the following with your application:
- the following 3 pieces of information:
- the date your passport was issued
- the date it expired
- its passport number
- your most recent passport, if it’s still valid
- 2 identical passport photos
- On the back of one of the photos, the photographer must write
- their name
- their complete address and
- the date the photos were taken
- You do not need a guarantor’s signature on the photo. Passport renewals don’t need a guarantor.
- Read the full photo requirements(opens in a new tab) for more information.
- On the back of one of the photos, the photographer must write
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.
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 2 references
You need to include 2 references(opens in a new tab) to include on your application.
- They must have known you for at least 2 years.
- They cannot be a family member.
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.
- 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.
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.
Passport number, date of issue, and date of expiry
Check the date of issue. If the date it was issued is within the past 15 years and you meet the other eligibility requirements, you can apply to renew your passport.
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