Since July 2026, all eligible adults can renew their Canadian passport online through the IRCC portal. You submit the form, a digital photo and payment online, and the new passport is mailed to your Canadian address. Processing can take up to 20 business days plus mailing time, so do not use online renewal if you need to travel soon.
Quick answer: if you live in Canada, your passport expires within six months or has already expired, and your personal details have not changed, you can renew online. Fees as of 2026 are $163.50 for a 10-year adult passport and $122.50 for a 5-year one.
Rules and fees can change; always confirm on the official Government of Canada page before applying.
Are you eligible for online renewal?
According to the Government of Canada, you can renew online if, among other conditions:
- you are renewing your own adult passport;
- you have a home and mailing address in Canada where you can receive it;
- your passport expires within six months or has already expired;
- you do not need your passport for the next 20 business days plus mailing time;
- your name, date of birth, place of birth and gender identifier match your current passport;
- your current passport is not damaged and has not been reported lost or stolen (unless it was found and returned).
You must also meet the general renewal criteria. The full list is on the official online renewal page.
The steps
- Create or sign in to your IRCC portal account.
- Get a digital passport photo taken by a commercial photographer. It must be recent (no more than six months old), meet the format and framing requirements, and be a digital file, not a scan of a printed photo.
- Prepare your references: two people aged 18 or older who have known you for at least two years and are not family members, your spouse or your partner.
- Fill in the form online and upload your photo.
- Pay the fee online.
- Track your application in the portal. Your current passport is cancelled once you apply; the new one is mailed to your home address.
Fees as of 2026
New fees took effect on March 31, 2026, and are adjusted annually under the Service Fees Act:
| Passport | Living in Canada | Living abroad |
|---|---|---|
| Adult, 10 years | $163.50 | $266.25 |
| Adult, 5 years | $122.50 | $194.25 |
| Child, 5 years | $58.50 | $102.50 |
Online renewal costs the same as other application methods. Additional fees may apply for urgent or express service, which is not available online.
When to apply in person or by mail instead
- You need to travel within the next few weeks: apply in person and ask about urgent or express service with proof of travel.
- Your name or other details changed.
- Your passport is damaged, lost or stolen.
- You are applying for a child.
- You live outside Canada.
Tips to avoid delays
- Check your passport’s expiry date well before booking international trips; many countries require several months of validity beyond your travel dates.
- Ask the photographer specifically for a digital Canadian passport photo.
- Contact your references before you apply so they are not surprised if called.
- Do not book non-refundable travel until the new passport is in your hands.
Planning a big trip? See our guides to solo travel and travelling on a shoestring budget.
Renewal checklist
- ☐ Eligibility confirmed on the official page.
- ☐ IRCC portal account created.
- ☐ Digital photo from a commercial photographer.
- ☐ Two references contacted.
- ☐ Payment method ready.
- ☐ No travel planned for at least 20 business days plus mailing.
FAQ
Can I still use my old passport after applying online?
No. Your current passport is cancelled once you submit the online application, so do not apply if you might need it to travel.
Do I need to send my old passport?
Follow the instructions given in the portal and on the official page; requirements can differ by application method.
Can I choose a 5-year or 10-year passport online?
Yes, adults can choose either validity period when applying.
How long does it take?
The government indicates up to 20 business days for processing, plus mailing time.
Conclusion
Online renewal is the simplest option for most adults living in Canada, as long as your details have not changed and you are not travelling soon. Check eligibility, get a digital photo, prepare your references and apply well ahead of your next trip.