Renewing a Canadian Passport Just Got Easier

The federal government is lifting its 2,000 people per day limit on how many Canadians can apply online to renew their passports.

“Eligible Canadians will no longer have to wait for an online application spot to become available, they will be able to begin their renewal online whenever it is convenient to do so,” said Immigration Minister Lena Diab at a news conference in Vancouver.

Canadians can only apply online from within Canada and must upload a digital passport photo from a commercial photographer. Applicants can also digitally upload supporting documentation.

The online application process remains limited to those whose passport is set to expire within six months or has already expired. It also limited to those over the age of 16, although Diab didn’t rule out the possibility of further expanding the online application eligibility to children under 16 and Canadians applying from outside our borders.

The initial online application phase was launched in December 2024 with the 2,000 person per day limit. Diab says testing suggests systems are ready for an expanded program.

Select Service Canada centres offer an expedited process for Canadians needing a passport within 10 days. Canadians will still need to apply in person for those urgent cases.