Canadian passport renewals are now available online to all eligible adult Canadians applying from within Canada, following a federal expansion announced on July 28, 2026.
The change removes the previous limit on how many people could use the online renewal service and gives more passport holders the option to submit their application, photo and payment digitally.
Applicants can also receive real-time updates through the online system while the application is being processed.
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Who can renew a Canadian passport online
The online service is intended for adults renewing their own regular Canadian passport.
Applicants must have a home and mailing address in Canada and must be in Canada to receive the new passport.
The current passport must have been issued within the last 15 years, have been valid for five or 10 years, show the applicant’s place of birth and be a regular blue passport.
The passport must be expired or set to expire within the next six months.
People whose passports expire more than six months from the date of application cannot use the online renewal service.
Applicants must also keep the same name, date of birth, place of birth and gender identifier shown on their current passport.
Online renewal is not available for damaged, seized or surrendered passports, or for passports containing observations, which are special notes printed in the document.
What applicants need before applying
Online applicants must provide a digital passport photo taken in person by a commercial photographer.
The photo must be no more than six months old when the application is submitted and cannot be a scanned copy of a printed photograph.
The government recommends asking the photographer for both a digital file and a printed copy so the applicant has options if the application method changes.
Applicants should also confirm their travel plans before starting the online process because the current passport is cancelled once the renewal application is submitted.
The federal government says applicants should not use online renewal if they are travelling within the next 20 business days.
Processing can take up to 20 business days, followed by mailing time, which can add about five business days depending on location.
| Online renewal requirement | What applicants should know |
|---|---|
| Age and passport type | Applicant must have applied for the current passport at age 16 or older and hold a regular blue passport. |
| Expiry date | The passport must be expired or expire within six months. |
| Address | Home and mailing addresses must be in Canada. |
| Photo | A recent digital photo from a commercial photographer is required. |
| Travel timing | Applicants should not travel within the next 20 business days. |
Processing times and urgent applications
Online renewals follow the same 20-business-day service standard used for simplified adult renewals submitted by mail and at most Service Canada Centres.
That timeline does not include mailing time.
Canadians who need a passport sooner must apply in person at a location offering 10-business-day, express or urgent service.
In-person and mail-in applications remain available for people who are not eligible for online renewal or who prefer another method.
The federal passport program has also introduced a service guarantee under which eligible applications processed beyond 30 business days can qualify for a refund of the passport fee.
Applicants should still allow extra time for delivery, travel disruptions, incomplete applications or requests for additional information.
Passport fees increased in 2026
Most Canadian passport and travel document fees increased on March 31, 2026.
| Document or service | Current fee in Canada |
|---|---|
| Adult passport valid for 10 years | $163.50 |
| Adult passport valid for five years | $122.50 |
| Child passport valid for five years | $58.50 |
| Urgent pickup | $125.75 |
| Weekend or statutory holiday service | $383.50 |
The amount paid for an online or in-person application is based on the day the application is submitted.
For applications sent by mail, the applicable fee is based on the date the government receives the application.
What happens after an online renewal
Once the application is submitted, the existing passport is no longer valid for travel.
The new passport is normally mailed to the applicant unless another eligible delivery or pickup arrangement applies.
Applicants can follow the renewal through the IRCC Portal and use the government’s passport status tools where applicable.
Canadians who have upcoming travel should check the entry and passport-validity rules for every destination before applying.
Many countries require several months of remaining passport validity beyond the planned departure or arrival date.
Why the change matters
The expanded online service is designed to reduce the need for routine in-person visits and make renewals easier for people living far from Service Canada locations.
It may also help people with mobility barriers or limited access to transportation complete a standard renewal from home.
The online option does not replace urgent passport services, child passport applications or applications involving changes to key personal information.
Canadians should review the eligibility requirements carefully before starting because an online application cannot be used to renew a child’s passport.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can all Canadians renew their passports online?
No. The online service is limited to eligible adults renewing their own regular passport while living and receiving mail in Canada.
How close to expiry must a passport be for online renewal?
The passport must already be expired or expire within the next six months.
How long does online passport renewal take?
Processing can take up to 20 business days, followed by mailing time, which can add about five business days.
Can I travel after submitting an online renewal?
Your current passport is cancelled after submission, so you should not apply online if you need to travel within the next 20 business days.
How much does a Canadian passport cost in 2026?
The fee is $163.50 for a 10-year adult passport, $122.50 for a five-year adult passport and $58.50 for a child passport issued in Canada.
Fact-Checked: Key eligibility rules, processing standards, fees and service changes were checked against current Government of Canada passport information.
Disclaimer: Passport eligibility and travel-entry requirements can vary by application circumstances and destination, so travellers should confirm details before applying or booking a trip.