OTTAWA — Passport renewal just got easier for many Canadians, with the federal government expanding its online renewal service to all eligible adults in Canada.
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Minister Lena Metlege Diab announced the expansion Tuesday, removing a previous limit on the number of people able to use the online service.
Eligible Canadians can now complete the renewal process online, including submitting an application, providing a digital passport photo and paying the required fees.
The change means eligible applicants no longer need to mail their renewal documents or visit a Service Canada Centre, although both options remain available.
“Expanding online renewal gives eligible Canadians a simpler, more convenient way to renew their passports, without unnecessary barriers or delays,” Diab said.
The government says the online option could be particularly useful for Canadians living in rural or remote communities and people who face mobility barriers when accessing in-person services.
Applicants will still need a commercially taken passport photo. For an online application, the photographer provides a digital photo file meeting federal passport requirements.
Online renewals have the same 20-business-day service standard as simplified adult renewals submitted by mail or through most Service Canada Centres. Applicants can also receive real-time updates on the status of their application.
Canadians who need their passport sooner will still have to apply in person at a location offering 10-business-day, express or urgent service.
The federal government says expanding online renewals is part of a broader effort to modernize passport services.
Other changes include an online application status checker and expanded access to 10-business-day service at select Service Canada Centres.
The government also has a service guarantee under which passport applications will be processed within 30 business days or the passport will be free.
Eligibility requirements for online renewal differ slightly from applications submitted in person or by mail, and Canadians are encouraged to check the requirements before beginning the process.
Canadians applying for passports from outside the country will continue to use mail or Government of Canada offices abroad.
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