Getting a Canadian passport can feel complicated. There are different forms, different rules, and confusion about who needs to sign your photos.

To make it easy, you first need to know if you are doing a Renewal or a New Application. Here is the difference, and when you might need a Notary Public.

1. Simplified Renewal

If you already have a Canadian passport, you might be able to use the "Simplified Renewal." This is the fastest and easiest option. You will complete Form PPTC 054 (if made in Canada or the USA) or Form PPTC 842 (if made outside of Canada and the USA).

You can use this method if you are 16 years or older and your current passport:

• Was issued when you were 16 or older.
• Was issued within the last 15 years.
• Has the exact same name, birth date, and place of birth you want on the new one.
• Is in good condition (not damaged, lost, or stolen).

Why this is better:

• No Guarantor: You do not need anyone to sign your application or your photos.
• No Birth Certificate or Proof of Citizenship: You do not need to resubmit your birth certificate or proof of citizenship.
• Less Paperwork: The form is shorter.
• Online Option: As of 2025, many eligible Canadians can now renew online and upload a digital photo (taken by a commercial photographer).

2. New Application

You must do a "New Application" if you do not fit the renewal rules above. You must complete either Form PPTC 153 (if the application is made in Canada or the USA) or Form PPTC 040 (if the application is made outside of Canada or the USA).

This method must be used if you are 16 years or older and:

• This is your first adult Canadian passport.
• Your old passport is damaged, lost, or stolen.
• Your old passport was issued more than 15 years ago.
• You are changing your name.

The Main Requirement: A Guarantor

For a new application, you need a Guarantor. This is a person who signs your application and the back of your photo to prove you are who you say you are.

The Guarantor must:

1. Be a Canadian citizen 18 or older.
2. Have their own valid Canadian adult passport.
3. Have known you personally for at least two (2) years.

3. Applying for a Child's Passport

A special form is required when applying for a Canadian passport for a child under 16. You will either complete Form PPTC 155 (when the application is made within Canada or the USA) or Form PPTC 042 (when the application is made outside of Canada and the USA). These forms require a guarantor.

If you do not know anyone who meets the Guarantor requirements, you must also complete the Statutory Declaration in Lieu of Guarantor (Form PPTC 132).

Note: Children always need a new application. They cannot renew.

You will need both parents to sign the application form.

4. When Do I Need a Notary Public?

A. When You Do Not Have a Guarantor

You need a Notary if you have NO Guarantor. You may not need a notary if you have a guarantor. This is where people often get confused.

If you are new to Canada or have moved to a new city and honestly do not know anyone who meets the Guarantor requirements, you must complete the Statutory Declaration in Lieu of Guarantor. Following these steps:

1. Get the Form PPTC 132 - Statutory Declaration in Lieu of Guarantor for Canadians Applying for a Travel Document.
2. Take this form and your photos to a Notary Public (or lawyer or commissioner for oaths).
3. You will complete the form and swear that your information is true. The Notary will sign your form and photos to witness this.

Note: The Notary may charge you money for this service.

B. When a Parent is Refusing to Sign the Application for a Child's Passport

For a child’s application, a notary may be required if one parent refuses to sign or is unavailable, as a statutory declaration will be needed to explain the absence of that parent’s signature or consent.

Summary Sheet for Canadian Passport Applications

Situation	Type of Application	Do you need a Guarantor?	Do you need a Notary?
Your adult passport is expiring	Renewal	No	No
First adult passport	New Application	Yes	No
Child's passport	New Application	Yes	No
Lost or Stolen passport	New Application	Yes	No
You don't know anyone who can be a Guarantor	New Application	No	Yes (To notarize the statutory declaration in lieu of guarantor form)

Need Help? NotaryServe® Can Prepare and Witness Your Declaration

Our team at NotaryServe® can complete your statutory declaration in lieu of guarantor to ensure it meets legal requirements.

Contact Us

📞 Phone: 613-558-5363
📧 Email: contact@notaryserve.ca
🖥️ Online Booking: notaryserve.ca/contacts/