On This Page, You Will Find:
- Who can renew a Canadian passport online
- How the new online renewal process works
- Processing times and service standards
- When you still need to apply in person
- Other recent improvements to Canada’s passport services
- Frequently asked questions
The Government of Canada has expanded online passport renewals to all eligible adult Canadian citizens living in Canada, removing previous limits on the number of people who could use the digital service.
The move is the latest step in the federal government’s effort to modernize passport services by making them more accessible, reducing in-person visits and improving convenience for Canadians.
Eligible adults can now complete the entire passport renewal process online, including submitting their application, uploading a digital passport photo and paying the required fees securely.
The announcement was made on July 28 by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
Online Passport Renewal Now Available Across Canada
The online passport renewal system allows eligible adults to renew their passports without visiting a Service Canada Centre or mailing paper forms.
Applicants can:
- Complete their application online
- Upload a commercially taken digital passport photo
- Pay securely online
- Track their application through real-time status updates
The government says the digital option will particularly benefit Canadians living in rural and remote communities, as well as people with mobility challenges who may find it difficult to visit an office in person.
Traditional mail-in and in-person services will continue to be available for anyone who prefers or requires those options.
Who Can Use Online Passport Renewal?
The service is available to eligible adult Canadians who are renewing an existing passport from within Canada.
However, the eligibility rules differ slightly from those that apply to paper renewal applications.
Applicants should review the online eligibility requirements before beginning the application because not everyone renewing a passport will qualify to use the digital service.
In addition, all applicants must use a professionally taken passport photograph. For online applications, photographers must provide a digital image that meets the government’s technical specifications.
Relevant for Citizenship by Descent
The expansion of online passport renewals comes as interest in Canadian citizenship by descent continues to grow. Canadians who obtained citizenship by descent and already hold a Canadian passport may now be able to renew it entirely online if they meet the eligibility requirements. However, people applying for their first Canadian passport after receiving proof of citizenship must still use the standard first-time passport application process.
Processing Times Remain the Same
Online renewals follow the same 20-business-day processing standard as simplified adult passport renewals submitted by mail or through most Service Canada Centres.
Applicants can also monitor the progress of their application through real-time online status updates.
Canadians who require a passport more quickly should continue to apply in person at a passport office or a participating Service Canada Centre offering:
- 10-business-day service
- Express service
- Urgent passport service
Canadians applying from outside Canada must continue to apply by mail or through a Government of Canada office abroad.
Part of a Wider Passport Modernization Strategy
The nationwide rollout follows a phased pilot that began in December 2024, when online passport renewal was gradually introduced to a limited number of eligible applicants.
The gradual expansion allowed IRCC to monitor the system, refine the application process and strengthen security before making it available to all eligible adults.
The government says digital renewals should reduce demand at Service Canada locations while allowing Canadians to access passport services whenever it is most convenient.
Other Recent Improvements to Passport Services
The expansion of online renewals forms part of a broader modernization programme introduced over the past two years.
Recent improvements include:
Online Passport Status Checker
Applicants can now check the status of their passport application online rather than contacting Service Canada for updates.
Expanded 10-Business-Day Service
Service Canada recently expanded its 10-business-day passport service to centres in Yellowknife and Iqaluit, improving access for residents of northern Canada.
Online Wait-Time Information
Since January 2025, Canadians have been able to view estimated wait times online for every Service Canada Centre before visiting, making it easier to choose the least busy location.
Future Digital Queue System
The federal government is also developing a digital queuing system that will allow clients to join a queue remotely before arriving at a Service Canada Centre or passport office, reducing time spent waiting in line.
30-Business-Day Service Guarantee
The government has also announced a new passport service guarantee.
Under the policy, complete passport applications submitted online, by mail or in person will be processed within 30 business days or the passport application will be free through a refund of the application fee. Mailing times are not included when calculating the guarantee.
New Passport Production Centre
Canada has also strengthened passport production capacity by opening a new Passport Production Centre in British Columbia.
The facility is the first passport production centre in Western Canada and is intended to improve nationwide printing capacity while providing greater operational resilience if disruptions occur elsewhere in the country.
A More Digital Passport Experience
The expansion of online passport renewals represents one of the most significant changes to Canada’s passport system in recent years.
By allowing eligible Canadians to renew their passports entirely online while maintaining existing mail and in-person services, the government aims to improve accessibility, reduce wait times and provide greater flexibility without compromising security or service standards.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can renew a Canadian passport online?
Eligible adult Canadians who are renewing an existing passport from within Canada can now use the online renewal service. The eligibility requirements differ slightly from paper renewals, so applicants should confirm they qualify before beginning the application and ensure they have a professionally taken digital passport photograph.
How long does an online passport renewal take?
Online passport renewals follow the same 20-business-day service standard as simplified adult renewals submitted through most Service Canada Centres or by mail. Applicants can also track their application online using real-time status updates throughout the processing period.
Can I get an urgent passport through the online system?
No. Canadians who need a passport within 10 business days, or who require express or urgent processing, must continue to apply in person at a participating Service Canada Centre or passport office that offers expedited services.
Do I still need professional passport photos?
Yes. Every online renewal application requires a commercially taken passport photograph. Instead of submitting a printed photo, applicants upload a digital image supplied by the photographer that meets the government’s technical requirements for passport photos.
Can Canadians outside Canada renew their passports online?
No. The online renewal service is currently available only to eligible adults applying from within Canada. Canadians living abroad must continue to renew their passports by mail or through a Government of Canada office serving their country or region.