Tips you should know about
- Busiest days - Monday and Friday
- Busiest hours - 11:00am to 4:00pm
- Check your expiry date on your credit card as application processing times can be longer than anticipated and you don’t want your card to expire or your application will be rejected.
When choosing which method of application best suits your needs, consider this:
- One out of every four passports mailed in is declined – this could result in months of waiting or missed travel plans.
- There is a zero rejection rate for those who actually stand in the local passport office line to submit their application.
Rush passports
To obtain urgent, express or pick-up services you must apply in person at a Passport Canada service location and provide Passport Canada with the additional documentation listed below. Passport Canada will take appropriate action on a case-by-case basis. The cost of these services does not include the passport fee.
Service processing time cost details
Urgent Within 24 hours $70
You must provide proof of travel and a valid acceptable reason for travel
Express 2 to 9 working days after receipt of application $30
You must provide proof of travel and a valid acceptable reason for travel.
Pick-up 10 working days after receipt of application $10
You must provide proof of travel.
Upon receipt of a new passport...
- Verify the accuracy of the information in the passport, especially your personal information. If there are any errors, contact Passport Canada immediately.
- Signature - You are required to sign your name in ink in the space provided on page 3.
- Parents must NOT sign the passport of a child who cannot sign.
- Address - Complete the section provided on page 4.
- Contact information - Enter on page 4 the name of a person to be contacted in case of emergency and keep it up to date. We recommend that you name someone who would not normally travel with you.
- Children 11 years of age or over must sign their own passports.
5 most common application errors
Have I enclosed my original proof of Canadian citizenship?
This can be a birth certificate from the province or territory of birth, or a Certificate of Canadian citizenship.
You cannot send a photocopy of your proof of Canadian citizenship or birth ceritificate.
Have I given complete information on my citizenship?
Make sure that you have answered all parts of Question 4 on the passport application form. Your application cannot be processed if information is missing.
Do my supporting identification documents carry my correct name?
Your Canadian Passport can only be issued bearing the same name as your two supporting identification documents. For example, if your supporting documents show your name as Bill Smith, you cannot request a passport under the name of William Smith.
Have I enclosed my supporting identification?
You must submit one piece of identification that bears your signature (such as a driver’s license or provincial health card), either the originals or clear and readable photocopies of both sides of the document. To be acceptable, a photocopy must be signed and dated by your guarantor.
Do my photos meet specifications?
BCAA makes every effort to ensure your photos meet government standards. However we can not guarantee acceptance by the passport office as photos may be rejected for a number of reasons such as glare or shadows. If your photos are not accepted, BCAA will gladly re-take your photos. We recommend you submit your passport application well in advance of any proposed travel.
Information is valid as of June 23, 2011. All information is subject to change at any time without notice. Confirm with your local passport office prior to travel..