Canada passport renewal by mail is the easiest way to get a new passport from home. This guide explains who can use the mail-in option, what documents you need, how to send your application, the fees you must pay, and the normal processing time.
Follow these clear steps so your mail-in passport renewal is smooth, fast, and stress-free.
Who Can Renew Their Passport by Mail?
You can use Canada passport renewal by mail if your last passport was a 5- or 10-year adult passport issued when you were 16 or older. Your old passport must be in good condition and sent with your application, even if expired.
Your personal details must match your old passport. If your name has changed, you need to apply in person. Lost, stolen, or badly damaged passports need extra forms and fees.
Follow these rules, and you can easily use passport renewal by mail Canada without visiting an office.
How to Fill the Mail-In Application Form
Filling out the form correctly is very important for a smooth Canada passport renewal by mail. Follow these simple steps:
Use a Computer, Not Phone or Tablet: Open the main application form on a computer using Adobe Reader 10 or higher.
Do not use a phone, tablet, or browser, as the form may not work properly.
Fill Carefully: Read instructions at the end of the form. Fill every section completely and correctly. Don’t skip any important details.
Choose Passport Validity: In Section 4, select if you want a 5-year or 10-year passport.
Add Your Email Address: Include your email. It helps you check the status of your application online after submitting.
Special Cases – Adults with Mental Incapacity: If applying for someone who needs authorized assistance:
Complete the Declaration – Additional Information form (PPTC 662).
Include a power of attorney, guardianship document, or court order.
Make sure all responsible parties sign the declaration.
Lost, Stolen, or Damaged Passports
If your old passport is lost or stolen, submit PPTC 203 and pay the extra $45 fee.
If damaged, submit PPTC 203 if still valid. If expired, just the main form is enough.
Large-Print or Braille Forms: If needed, contact Canadian authorities to get large-print or braille instructions by mail.
Documents Needed for Canada Passport Renewal by Mail
To complete your Canada passport renewal by mail, you need to gather the right documents. This helps your application get processed faster and without problems.
Main Application Form
Fill out the form on a computer using Adobe Reader 10 or higher.
Make sure every section is complete and accurate.
Choose if you want a 5-year or 10-year passport.
Your Old Passport
Send your most recent passport with your application.
It can be expired, but must not be lost or stolen.
If damaged, include a PPTC 203 declaration.
ID Photocopy
Include a photocopy of both sides of your ID.
Write the date of the photocopy on it.
Special Cases – Adults with Mental Incapacity
Complete PPTC 662 Declaration.
Include power of attorney, guardianship, or court order documents.
Make sure all responsible parties sign.
Visa Information (If Any)
If your passport has a valid visa, indicate on the form whether you need it back.
This prevents the visa from being damaged when your old passport is cancelled.
Lost, Stolen, or Damaged Passports
Lost or stolen: Submit PPTC 203 and pay $45 extra.
Damaged: Submit PPTC 203 if still valid. Expired damaged passports only need the main form.
Large-Print or Braille Forms (Optional)
Request these from Canadian authorities if needed.
Special Cases for Mail-In Passport Renewal
Sometimes, your passport renewal might fall under a special situation. Here’s how to handle these cases for Canada passport renewal by mail.
Adults with Mental Incapacity
Complete the Declaration – Additional Information form (PPTC 662).
Include all responsible signatures and one of the following:
Power of attorney with a doctor’s note.
Guardianship document showing you are authorized to apply.
Court order or notarized summary with details like guardianship, mobility restrictions, issue date, and court order number.
Include a photocopy of ID and date it on the copy.
Lost or Stolen Passport
If your most recent passport is lost or stolen but still valid:
Submit PPTC 203 declaration.
Pay an extra $45 replacement fee.
If the passport is expired, just the main application form is enough.
Damaged Passport
If your last passport is damaged but still valid:
Submit PPTC 203 with your application.
If expired, only the main application form is needed.
How to Submit Your Application by Mail
Sending your application correctly is important for a smooth Canada passport renewal by mail. Follow these simple steps to make sure your documents arrive safely.
Use a Traceable Courier or Mail Service
Always send your application with a certified courier or traceable mail service.
This protects your documents and helps speed up delivery.
During any postal disruptions, consider using a different courier.
Choose the Right Mailing Address
For courier delivery:
Government of Canada Passport Program 22 De Varennes Street Gatineau, Quebec J8T 8R1
For regular mail (non-courier):
Government of Canada Passport Program Gatineau, Quebec K1A 0G3
Include All Required Documents
Main application form
Old passport
ID photocopy
Any special declarations (PPTC 662 or 203 if needed)
Payment for fees
Double-Check Everything
Make sure your envelope has all documents.
Confirm that forms are filled out correctly.
Include any extra forms or fees for lost, stolen, or damaged passports.
Photo Requirements (Quick Summary)
Your passport photo is one of the most important parts of Canada passport renewal by mail. If it doesn’t meet the rules, your application can be delayed or rejected.
Photo Size and Quality
Must be 50 mm x 70 mm (2 x 2 3/4 inches)
Clear, sharp, and in color
Printed on high-quality photo paper
Taken within the last 6 months
Face and Background
Face must be fully visible, with a neutral expression
Eyes open and looking at the camera
Mouth closed, no smile
Plain white or light-colored background
No shadows, reflections, or hats
Glasses and Head Coverings
Remove glasses, unless required for medical reasons
Head coverings for religious reasons are allowed but must not hide the face
Quantity and Labeling
Usually, 2 identical photos are required
Write your name and date of birth lightly on the back
Passport Fees for Mail-In Renewal
When applying for Canada passport renewal by mail, you need to know the fees and how to pay them. Paying the correct fee ensures your application is processed quickly.
Passport Types and Fees
Passport Type
Fee (CAN$)
5-year adult passport
120
10-year adult passport
160
Replacement of lost or stolen valid passport
45 (extra fee)
The $45 fee is in addition to the cost of the new passport if your last passport was lost or stolen but still valid.
Fees may vary if applying for children or special cases
How to Pay Fees by Mail
When applying for Canada passport renewal by mail, paying fees correctly is very important to avoid delays. Here’s a simple guide.
Payment Options
You can pay using:
Credit card (Visa®, MasterCard®, American Express®)
Embossed prepaid card with raised letters or numbers (Visa®, MasterCard®, American Express®)
Certified cheque or money order in Canadian funds
Cheque from Canadian provincial, territorial, or federal government departments
Tip: All cheques must be made payable to Receiver General for Canada.
What You Cannot Use
Online payment
Cash
Personal cheques
Important Notes
Once you mail your application, you cannot change the payment method.
Service fees are non-refundable if your application is canceled, refused, or issued for a shorter validity than requested.
Always include exact payment amount, especially for extra fees like replacing a lost or stolen passport.
Common Mistakes That Cause Delays
Following these tips will help your Canada passport renewal by mail process smoothly and quickly.
Check Your Application Before Sending
Make sure every section of the form is filled correctly.
Include all required documents and payment.
Double-check your passport photos meet the rules.
Use a Traceable Mail Service
Send your application with a certified courier or trackable mail.
This helps protect your documents and allows you to follow your package.
Keep Copies of Everything
Make a copy of your completed application, documents, and payment proof.
This helps if anything is lost or delayed.
Include Correct Fees
Pay exact fees for your passport type.
Include extra fees if replacing a lost or stolen passport.
Track Your Application Online
Include your email address on the application.
You can check the status of your application online after submission.
Tips to Avoid Delays
Following these tips can make your Canada passport renewal by mail smooth and fast.
Complete All Forms Correctly
Fill out every section of the application form.
Double-check for spelling mistakes, missing information, or unchecked boxes.
Include All Required Documents
Send your old passport, ID photocopy, photos, and any special declarations if needed.
Missing documents can delay your application.
Pay the Correct Fees
Include the exact fee for your passport type.
Add extra $45 if replacing a lost or stolen valid passport.
Use approved payment methods only (credit card, certified cheque, or prepaid card).
Use a Traceable Mail Service
Send your application via certified courier or trackable mail.
This protects your documents and allows you to track delivery.
Check Your Photos Carefully
Make sure your passport photos follow the official rules.
Incorrect photos can result in your application being returned.
Keep Copies for Yourself
Keep a copy of your application, documents, and payment proof.
This helps if anything gets lost or delayed.
Mail-in vs In-Person Passport Renewal
When renewing your passport in Canada, you can choose mail-in or in-person renewal. Both have pros and cons. Here’s a simple comparison to help you decide:
Feature
Mail-In Renewal
In-Person Renewal
Convenience
Do it from home, no need to visit an office
Must visit Service Canada Centre or passport office
Processing Time
Usually faster if documents are correct
Can be longer due to in-person queues
Required Documents
Main form, old passport, ID copy, photos, any special declarations
Same as mail-in
Fees
Same fees; extra $45 for lost/stolen passport if applicable
Same fees; extra $45 for lost/stolen passport if applicable
Tracking
Trackable courier helps you monitor delivery
Application tracked at office, may require in-person follow-up
Best For
Adults with valid passports, no urgent travel
Urgent travel, name changes, lost/stolen passports, or damaged passports
FAQ’s
You can renew by mail if your last passport was a 5- or 10-year adult passport issued at age 16 or older, and it is in good condition.
Yes, the applicant must have been 16 or older when the previous passport was issued.
Yes, include both sides of your ID and write the date on the copy.
Submit PPTC 203 if still valid. Expired damaged passports only need the main form.
No, once mailed, you cannot change the payment method or application details.
Yes, contact Passport Canada to receive them by mail.
Summary Canada Passport Renewal by Mail
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