Canada Passport Renewal In USA (2026) Cost & How

Posted on Author Brian Geek

Renewing your Canadian passport while living in the United States is a critical and often time-sensitive process. Whether you’re planning international travel, updating an expired document, or replacing a lost passport, understanding how to renew your Canadian passport from the U.S. — including costs, requirements, timelines, mailing tips, and practical steps — can save you both time and money.

This guide covers everything you need to know about Canada Passport Renewal In USA: from eligibility and document requirements, to how much it costs and what to expect once you’ve submitted your application.

Canada Passport Renewal In USA

Canada allows its citizens living in the United States to renew their passport by mail (and in some cases, with urgent processing). Passport applications from the U.S. are mailed directly to Canada for processing. There is no need to visit a Canadian consulate in person — most services are handled centrally in Canada.

Who This Applies To

You should use the Canada Passport Renewal In USA process if you:

  • Are a Canadian citizen residing or temporarily staying in the United States.
  • Have an existing Canadian passport that has expired or is nearing expiry.
  • Want to renew your passport without traveling back to Canada.
  • Need to replace a lost, stolen, or damaged passport.

This renewal process does not apply to first-time passport applicants — those must complete a different process including proof of Canadian citizenship and references.

How Canada Passport Renewal In USA Works

Canada’s government requires you to mail your renewal application from the United States to the Passport Program office in Gatineau, Quebec. There is no routine passport issuance service in U.S. consulates or embassies for renewals; all renewal processing is done through Canada.

Main Steps On Canada Passport Renewal In USA

Step 1: Eligibility for Canada Passport Renewal In USA

You can renew your Canadian passport in the U.S. if:

  • You are a Canadian citizen.
  • You are applying to renew an adult passport (age 16 or older).
  • Your current (or expired) passport is available — unless lost or stolen.
  • For renewal, child passports (under age 16) must be applied for as new passports, not renewals.

Important Notes

  • You do not need a guarantor for renewals (but may need references).
  • If your passport was lost, stolen, or damaged, there is an additional administrative fee and extra documentation required.

Step 2: Required Documents for Canada Passport Renewal In USA

Below is a checklist of what you will need to renew your Canadian passport from the United States:

1. Completed Renewal Application Form

  • You must use the specific form for passport renewal from the USA (available on Canada.ca).
  • Forms can be printed and completed manually, or filled electronically before printing.

2. Your Most Recent Canadian Passport

  • Include your expired passport in the application unless it’s lost or stolen.

3. Two Passport Photos

Photos must meet Canadian passport specifications (size, background color, no glasses, etc.). Many photo studios can take suitable photos — just clarify that these are Canadian passport photos (which have specific dimension and document standards).

4. Payment

  • Payment must be in Canadian funds.
  • Options include credit card information on the form, or a certified cheque/money order.

5. Extra Forms (If Applicable)

  • If your passport was lost, stolen, or damaged, you must include a declaration form (PPTC 203) and pay the additional fee.

Step 3: Mail Your Renewal Application – Step by Step

Once you have all documents and photos ready, follow these steps:

Review Your Forms

  • Double-check the renewal form for accuracy.
  • Ensure your name spelling, dates, and passport number are correct.

Include Your Old Passport

  • Place your most recent passport inside the package unless you are reporting it lost/stolen.

Attach Your Payment

  • For credit card payments, enter card details in the payment section on the form.
  • If using a money order/certified cheque, make it payable to Receiver General for Canada and ensure it is in Canadian funds.

Use Traceable Mail

Mail the package through traceable services like FedEx, UPS, DHL, or insured USPS Priority Mail. This helps in case it gets lost in transit.
Send to the Correct Address

Mailing Address (passport renewal from the U.S.)

Government of Canada
Passport Program
22 de Varennes Street
Gatineau, QC J8T 8R1
Canada

(This is the central processing location for Canadian passport applications mailed from the U.S.

Canada Passport Renewal In USA Cost

Understanding the costs is essential when preparing your passport renewal. Fees are charged in Canadian dollars and vary slightly depending on passport options.

Standard Passport Renewal Fees

Passport Type Cost (CAD)
5-Year Adult Passport (16 and over) $190 CAD
10-Year Adult Passport (16 and over) $260 CAD
Child Passport (0–15 years) $100 CAD

Note: Child passports are not renewals — they are treated as new applications and are therefore not technically passport renewals; but the fee listed applies when mailed from the U.S.

Additional Fees You May Encounter

Service Extra Fee (CAD)
Replacing lost/stolen passport (administrative fee) $45 CAD
Certified true copy of a passport page $45 CAD

Mailing Costs

  • Mail or courier charges vary but typically range from $30–$80 USD depending on USPS vs FedEx/UPS and the speed requested. (Reported by applicants — not official government fee.).

Processing Time for Canada Passport Renewal In USA

After your application is received in Canada, processing typically takes:

  • Standard processing: ~20 business days (about 4 weeks) plus mailing time.

What Affects Timing?

  • Volume of applications.
  • Delivery time for your envelope to Canada.
  • Completeness and accuracy of your application.
  • Whether additional documentation was needed.

Tracking Your Application

  • You can request a reference number after 10 business days if you have not received confirmation.
  • The Government of Canada Passport Program does not provide routine online tracking for mail applications, so using a traceable courier helps you know when Canada received it.

Lost, Stolen, or Damaged Passports

If your passport is lost, stolen, or damaged while in the U.S., you will need to:

  1. Report it immediately using the declaration form.
  2. Include additional forms with your application (like PPTC 203).
  3. Pay additional administrative fee ($45 CAD).

Always include a statement explaining how the document was lost or damaged.

What Happens After You Submit Your Application

Once the Passport Program in Canada receives your package:

  1. They’ll open and review your application.
  2. Your credit card (or payment option) will be charged.
    • If there are issues with payment (insufficient funds, etc.), they may contact you (rare).
  3. Processing begins and can take about 20 business days.
  4. Your new passport is printed and mailed back to the U.S.
  5. Return delivery depends on courier choice (standard vs. expedited mail).

Tips to Speed Up or Avoid Delays

1. Apply Early

Apply at least 4–6 months before travel plans.

2. Use a Traceable Courier

FedEx, UPS, DHL, or similar services significantly reduce lost mail risk.

3. Double-Check Your Photos

Passport photo rejections are a common source of delay. Provide proper dimension and format requirements.

4. Prepare For Mailing Delays

USPS can take extra time, so consider a courier especially if you are close to travel dates.

FAQs – People Also Ask About Canada Passport Renewal In USA

Can I renew online?

No — Canadian passport renewals from the U.S. must be mailed to Canada. There is no full online system for completed passport issuance.

How soon should I send my renewal?

At least 4–6 months before any international travel, because mailing times plus processing can take several weeks.

Can I get expedited service?

Emergency services exist (such as for illness or death in the family), but standard mail renewals do not have a paid expedited process through Canadian government for U.S. applications — the timeline depends mostly on mail speed and processing volume. Contact the Passport Program if you have an exceptional need.

Will the Canadian government email me when my passport is ready?

Typically no. Your return mail tracking number is the best indicator once the passport is sent out.

Is there a phone number for assistance?

Yes — contact the Government of Canada’s passport support line or nearest Canadian consulate for assistance with questions or urgent issues.

Summary – Canada Passport Renewal In USA

Renewing your Canadian passport while in the United States involves careful preparation, correct documentation, and using traceable mailing options. The core elements include:

  • Eligibility and correct application form
  • Two compliant passport photos
  • Proper fee payment in Canadian funds
  • Mailing to the designated Passport Program address
  • Patience for ~20 business day processing plus mail time

Knowing the Canada Passport Renewal In USA requirements, costs, and timelines will help you avoid last-minute stress and be ready for travel, work, or legal needs.