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🇨🇦 Canada

PPTC 153 Passport (Canada)

Apply for a New Canadian Passport

Easy ~15 min PassportTravelCanadaIdentity

/ What is this form?

PPTC 153 is the standard application for a new Canadian adult passport. Available in 5-year ($120) and 10-year ($160) versions. Apply at a Service Canada centre, Passport Canada office, or by mail. Processing: 10-20 business days in person, 20+ by mail.

/ Who needs this form?

  • Canadian citizens applying for their first passport
  • Replacing a lost, stolen, or damaged passport
  • Previous passport expired more than 1 year ago
  • Significant appearance change since last passport

/ What you need before you start

Proof of Canadian citizenship (birth certificate or citizenship certificate)
Two identical passport photos (50mm x 70mm, white background)
Guarantor who holds a valid Canadian passport and has known you 2+ years
Fee: $120 (5-year) or $160 (10-year)

/ Step-by-step guide

1 Choose Validity Period
Decide between a 5-year passport ($120) or 10-year passport ($160). The 10-year option is better value for frequent travelers.
2 Get Passport Photos
Two identical photos, 50mm x 70mm, white background, taken within the last 6 months. Many pharmacies and photo studios offer passport photos.
3 Find a Guarantor
Your guarantor must be a Canadian citizen who holds a valid Canadian passport, has known you for at least 2 years, and is in an approved professional occupation.
4 Complete PPTC 153
Fill in personal information, reference details, travel history, and have your guarantor complete their section and counter-sign your photos.
5 Submit In Person or by Mail
Apply at a Service Canada centre, Passport Canada office, or by mail. In-person: 10-20 business days. Urgent service available at Passport Canada offices.

/ Key fields explained

Field What to enter Common mistake
Guarantor declaration Guarantor's personal information, passport number, and certification that they know you and the photos are a good likeness Guarantor must hold a valid Canadian passport — not just be a Canadian citizen. An expired passport disqualifies the guarantor.

/ Common mistakes to avoid

Photos not meeting strict specifications (size, background, expression, recency)
Guarantor not eligible (must hold a valid, not expired, Canadian passport)
Applying by mail when urgency requires in-person service

/ Frequently asked questions

Can I renew instead of applying for a new passport?

Use simplified renewal (PPTC 054) if your passport was issued within the last 15 years and is not lost or stolen. Renewal does not require a guarantor.

How long does processing take?

In person: 10-20 business days. By mail: 20+ business days. Urgent service (1-2 business days) available at Passport Canada offices for emergency travel.