Canadian Passport Renewal Abroad
If you hold a Canadian passport that’s nearing expiry and you’re currently overseas, you do not need to travel back to Canada to renew it. Canadians can apply for a new passport from abroad through a Canadian embassy, high commission, or consulate. Here’s how!
Table of contents
- How to renew a Canadian passport abroad?
- Canadian passport renewal from the USA
- How much does it cost to renew a Canadian passport overseas?
- How to get a new passport overseas if my previous one was lost or stolen?
- Canadian passport photo requirements
- Where can I take a Canadian passport photo near me?
- FAQ
- Links
How to renew a Canadian passport abroad?
Before renewing outside Canada and the United States, check the official renewal eligibility requirements. Your most recent passport must have been issued when you were at least 16 years old, within 15 years of your renewal application, and originally valid for five or ten years. It must show the same name, date of birth, place of birth and gender identifier you want on your new passport. The gender identifier can be printed in the passport or shown on an existing "X" observation sticker.
You must meet all these conditions; otherwise, apply for a new passport instead. Child passports cannot be renewed. The general steps for renewing your passport are as follows:
- Complete the application form.
- Gather the required documents, including:
- Your passport number, issue date, and expiry date;
- Your most recent passport, if it is still valid;
- Two identical passport photos that meet Canadian passport photo requirements.
- Prepare two references who can confirm your identity if needed.
- Submit your application to the nearest Canadian diplomatic mission, such as an embassy or consulate, if you are outside the US.
- Pay the applicable passport fee.
- Receive your renewed passport from the issuing office once processing is complete.
Canadian passport renewal from the USA
The renewal process from the USA is almost the same as it is in other countries, except that applications are submitted by mail rather than through a local Canadian mission.
- Complete the application form.
- Gather the required documents, including:
- Your passport number, issue date, and expiry date;
- Your most recent passport, if it is still valid;
- Two identical passport photos that meet the required standards.
- Have two references ready in case they are contacted to verify your identity.
- Submit your application by mail:
Mailing address (non-courier)
Government of Canada
Passport Program
Gatineau, QC K1A 0G3
Canada
Courier address
Government of Canada
Passport Program
22 de Varennes Street
Gatineau, QC J8T 8R1
Canada - Pay the applicable passport fee.
- Receive your renewed passport once processing is complete.
How much does it cost to renew a Canadian passport overseas?
Whether you’re applying from the US or other countries, here are the renewal fees:
- 5-year adult passport (age 16 or over): CA$194.25;
- 10-year adult passport (age 16 or over): CA$266.25;
- Child passport (0 to 15 years of age): CA$102.50.
Please note that fees are not refundable in case you cancel your application, get your application refused, or given a passport with shorter validity (which may happen if you lost your passport several times).
How to get a new passport overseas if my previous one was lost or stolen?
First of all, you will need to contact the Passport Office as soon as possible to report the theft or loss.
Then, the application process is practically the same as renewing a passport, plus the addition of these actions:
- You must attach a complete declaration about your lost, stolen, inaccessible, damaged or found Canadian travel document to your application;
- Pay the extra fee for lost or stolen passport replacement.
Canadian passport photo requirements
Make sure that your passport photo matches the following parameters:
- The required Canadian passport picture size size must be 50 mm wide by 70 mm high (2 inches wide by 2¾ inches high);
- The height of your face must be between 31 mm (1¼ inches) and 36 mm (1⁷⁄₁₆ inches) from chin to the natural top of head;
- The pictures must be clear, sharp, and in focus;
- The images must have uniform lighting and no shadows, glare, or flash reflections;
- The photos must show an obvious contrast between your face and the background;
- The photos must show your natural skin tone;
- The photos must be printed on plain, high-quality photo paper;
- Your appearance must not be retouched;
- You should a neutral facial expression with eyes open and clearly visible; mouth must be closed with no smiling;
- The photos must not be older than six months;
- They must show face and shoulders centered and squared to the camera, not tilted in any direction;
- Headwear worn daily for religious beliefs or medical reasons is allowed;
- Glasses are permitted, but your eyes must be clearly visible, and there must be no glare on the lenses;
- They must have a plain white or light-coloured background that shows a clear difference between you and the background.
Additionally, the photographer must write the date the photo was taken and the name and complete address of the studio. If you take a passport photo at home, you can use the signature of anyone else who can confirm your identity.
Here is an example:
Where can I take a Canadian passport photo near me?
You can take photos at photo studios or facilities near you. For example, in the US, you can take it in Walgreens, CVS, RiteAid, and similar places. Note that US passport photo standards are different than in Canada. In other countries, you will also have to make sure your photo studio knows the specifics of your photo.
Or you can opt to save time and resources and trust professionals to take care of your photo, all without leaving the comfort of your own home. That’s also a cost-effective option as an online passport photo costs $9 only, and you can print in the nearest pharmacy for less than $1.
Just take a portrait of yourself in good lighting and upload it to our tool below. You will get two files from Visafoto: a digital photo and a template ready for printing!
So let's have a look at some examples. Your original photo should look like this:
After resizing, you will get a photo for online submission and 4 photos for printing:
FAQ
Can I renew my Canadian passport abroad if it was issued many years ago?
Yes, if your most recent adult passport was issued within 15 years of your renewal application, when you were at least 16, and was originally valid for five or ten years. Your requested name, date and place of birth, and gender identifier must also match the passport, including an existing "X" observation sticker where applicable. An expired passport can qualify if all these conditions are met; otherwise, apply for a new passport. Applications are submitted through a Canadian embassy or consulate outside Canada and the United States.
What should I do if my Canadian passport was lost or stolen while I was overseas?
First, report the loss or theft to local police and obtain a police report or case number. Then apply for a replacement passport at a Canadian embassy or consulate. You will need to complete the form “Declaration Concerning a Lost, Stolen, Inaccessible, Damaged or Found Canadian Travel Document” (PPTC 203), along with a standard application and an additional fee for lost or stolen documents. Processing usually follows standard timelines unless you qualify for urgent services.
What happens if I do not have a guarantor or references abroad?
For passport applications abroad, you are typically required to provide two references who can confirm your identity, but a guarantor is not always necessary. If you do not have suitable references, you should contact your nearest Canadian embassy or consulate for guidance, as they may accept alternative options depending on your situation. Each case is assessed individually.
Will my overseas Canadian passport renewal require an in-person appointment?
This depends on the specific embassy or consulate. Some locations require an in-person visit for identity verification or document submission, while others allow applications by mail. You should check the requirements of your local Canadian mission before applying. In the United States, applications are generally submitted by mail without an in-person appointment.
Can children renew a Canadian passport abroad, or do they need a new application?
Children under 16 cannot renew a passport and must apply for a new child passport using form PPTC 042 when applying outside Canada and the United States. The application must be submitted by a parent or legal guardian, along with proof of citizenship, proof of parentage or custody documents, photos, and applicable fees. In some cases, a limited-validity passport may be issued. Applicants aged 16 and over can use the adult renewal process only if their previous passport meets the renewal eligibility requirements.
Last updated: 28 October 2026