Passports for children

All children who travel need a passport.

Why does my child need a passport?

The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) has recommended a "one passport, one person" policy that requires every individual who travels by air to have his or her own travel document. This policy was adopted to help combat the trafficking of millions of children around the world who are often sold into slavery, child prostitution or worse. The policy increases the protection of children by ensuring that they have a valid travel document with a photo and other identifying information.

Who may apply for a child's passport?

Only the following persons may apply for a passport on behalf of a child who is under 16 years of age:

• one of the child’s parents;
• the custodial parent in the case of separation or divorce; or
• the legal guardian (proof of legal guardianship must be provided).

IMPORTANT: Each legal parent or guardian should sign the application form.

If you submit the passport application in person: A parent, legal guardian or authorized third party may submit an application in person on behalf of a child. Passport Canada may also contact any other parent or legal guardian.

What form do I use to apply for a child who is not yet 16 years of age?

To obtain a passport for a child who has not yet turned 16, you must complete one of the following application forms:

The application form should be completed in full and returned to a Passport Canada office, together with original proof of Canadian citizenship, two photographs and the fee. Receiving agents can also accept children’s passport applications under certain conditions.

What documents do I need to submit in support of a passport application for my child?

To support a passport application for a child, the parent or legal guardian must provide:

• Both pages of the passport application (form PPTC 155 or PPTC 042) completed and signed within the last 12 months;
• Two (2) identical passport photos of the child;
• The application form and one of the photos certified by your guarantor;
• The required fees;
• Any valid Canadian passport or travel document issued to the child;
• Proof of Canadian citizenship (original only);
• Proof of legal guardianship, if applicable; and
• All documents that refer to custody or mobility of, or access to, the child.

All documents submitted in a language other than English or French must be accompanied by a translation from a certified translator.

Additional documents or information may be requested in support of the application.

Will my child require a new passport once he or she reaches the age of 16 while still holding a valid one?

No. The passport of a child who turns 16 years of age continues to be valid until it expires. A passport issued to a child under 16 years of age is identical to a passport issued to an adult.

In the case of custody, separation or divorce

All legal documents that refer to custody, the mobility of, or access to the child must be provided. If a divorce has been granted, a copy of the divorce judgement or order must also be provided when the child’s passport application is submitted. Where a joint custody provision exists, either parent may apply on behalf of the child, but both parents must participate in the passport application process with each signing the application form.

All documents submitted as part of a travel document application in a language other than English or French must be translated by a certified translator. More information.

Validity

To ensure that the passport and the photo reflect the appearance of the child, the period of validity for a child's passport is determined by the age of the child.

Replacement passport for children

Children who have been issued a passport in their first year of life (between birth and 364 days) are entitled to a one-time gratis replacement passport. This is in recognition of the rapid change in the features of a child during this time. However, the applicant must submit:

• a new application completed in full and signed by an eligible guarantor,
• new photographs taken within one month of the date the request for the gratis replacement is received,
• original proof of Canadian citizenship,
• custody documents, if applicable, and
• the original valid passport.

The maximum validity period of the replacement passport is three years from the date of issue of the original passport.