Canada Passport Renewal Documents Full List & Requirements

Documents for passport renewal Canada are very important to know before you visit Service Canada. Canada passport renewal documents may look confusing at first, but the truth is the process becomes much easier when you clearly understand what you need.

This simple guide explains every required document in a clear and friendly way, so you can prepare everything correctly and avoid delays. With the right papers ready, your passport renewal becomes smooth, quick, and stress-free.

For more helpful guides, check out our Canada Passport Renewal resources for easy access to all information.

Why You Must Have Canada Passport Renewal Documents

Documents for passport renewal Canada are very important because without them, your renewal application can get delayed or even rejected. When you know exactly which passport renewal documents Canada requires, you can prepare everything in advance and avoid stress.

These papers make the process smooth, help Service Canada verify your identity quickly, and ensure you get your new passport on time. Having the right documents ready means your visit is faster, easier, and worry-free.

Required Documents for Passport Renewal in Canada

Completed Passport Renewal Application Form (PPTC 055)

You must use the Adult Simplified Renewal Form (PPTC 055).
Fill all sections correctly and completely. Incomplete forms can delay your application

Your Most Recent Canadian Passport

Submit your old passport with your renewal application. It should be:

Not damaged
Issued within the last 15 years
Issued after you turned 16

Two Identical Passport Photos

You need two photos taken in the last 6 months.
Photos must follow Canadian passport photo rules.
The photographer’s stamp and date must be on the back.

For more details on passport photos, check our Canada Passport Renewal Photo Requirements guide

Passport Renewal Fees

Pay the correct fee depending on your passport type:

5-year passport
10-year passport
Express or urgent service (if needed)

For more details on passport photos, check our Canada Passport Renewal Cost

Proof of Canadian Citizenship (Only If Requested)

Usually not required for renewal, but may be requested if there is a doubt.
Examples:

Canadian birth certificate
Citizenship certificate

Who Can and Cannot Be Your Passport References

Who Can Be Your Passport Reference

Your references should:

Be 18 years or older
Have known you for at least 2 years
Agree to let you use their name and contact information

To avoid delays, make sure your references are available when needed. For example, they should not be traveling abroad.

If they live in a different time zone, it may take longer to contact them, which could delay your application. Service Canada may also ask for additional references at any time.

Who Cannot Be Your Passport Reference

You cannot use certain people as your passport reference. These include:

Your spouse or common-law partner
Your children or grandchildren
Any member of your immediate or extended family

A full list of people who cannot be references includes:

Spouse or common-law partner (lived together in a marriage-like relationship for 1+ year, not legally married)
Parents, step-parents, foster parents, or their spouses/common-law partners
In-laws (mother-in-law, father-in-law, son-in-law, daughter-in-law)
Siblings (brother, half-brother, stepbrother, sister, half-sister, stepsister) and their spouses/common-law partners
Grandparents (biological, adopted, step, or foster) and their spouses/common-law partners
Grandchildren (biological, adopted, step, or foster) and their spouses/common-law partners
Anyone related by blood, marriage, adoption, or guardianship living at the same address (e.g., aunt, uncle, cousin).

These rules ensure your references are independent and can provide proper verification for your application.

Extra Documents (Only If Needed)

Name Change Documents (If Your Name Changed)

If your legal name has changed, you must provide proof.
This means you need to submit a document that shows your new legal name. For example:

Marriage certificate (if you changed your name after marriage)
Divorce certificate (if your name changed after divorce)
Legal name change certificate (if you officially changed your name through the court)

Providing one of these documents helps Service Canada confirm your identity and match your old passport with your new name.

Lost or Stolen Passport Declaration

You must submit the PPTC 203 form, which officially reports your lost or stolen passport to Service Canada. This helps them cancel the old passport and prevent misuse.

It’s also recommended to include a police report, though it’s optional. The police report provides extra proof that your passport was lost or stolen, which can help speed up your renewal process and avoid issues.

FAQ’s

Yes, they may request additional references at any time.

No, anyone related and living at the same address cannot be references.

No, references must be available if Service Canada needs to contact them.

Yes, submit legal documents like a marriage certificate, divorce certificate, or name change certificate.

It must have been issued within the last 15 years and after you turned 16.

You need 2 identical photos taken within the last 6 months.

Final Thoughts on Canada Passport Renewal Documents

Having all the right Canada Passport Renewal Documents makes the process easy and stress-free. Check your form, photos, fees, and any extra papers before visiting Service Canada. Being prepared ensures a smooth, quick, and worry-free passport renewal.