Sonali TiwaryCanada launched its much-anticipated online passport renewal system on July 28, 2026, allowing eligible adults to renew their passports entirely digitally — without mailing in physical documents. Immigration Minister Lena Metlege Diab announced the rollout as a major modernisation milestone for the government’s digital services agenda.
The service is available at canada.ca/passport and processes applications in 20 business days, with an additional approximately 5 business days for mailing. Most applicants can expect their new passport in hand within roughly five to six weeks of applying.
Who Is Eligible?
- Canadian adults aged 16 and older
- Current passport issued within the last 15 years
- Passport expiring within the next 6 months (or already expired)
Children under 16 and applicants seeking their first passport must still apply in person. A key change: the previous 2,000 applications per day cap has been lifted, allowing the system to handle full demand from Canada’s approximately 38 million citizens.
The Free Passport Guarantee
The government has introduced a significant consumer protection measure: if processing exceeds 30 calendar days, the applicant receives a free replacement passport on their next renewal. This accountability commitment is intended to rebuild public trust after years of passport processing backlogs during the post-pandemic travel surge.
How to Apply
Visit IRCC’s official website, create or log into your My Account profile, and follow the guided application flow. You’ll need a digital photo that meets government specifications, your current passport details, and a valid credit or debit card for the $160 CAD standard fee ($110 CAD for youth 16-17).
The launch marks a significant step in Canada’s broader e-government modernisation, bringing passport services in line with countries like the United Kingdom and Australia that have offered online renewals for years.
