Passports for children have new requirements designed to enhance security.
Applications for passports for children require a detailed proof of parentage document that demonstrates the child-parent relationship. The goal is to standardize applications for all Canadian families.
- It can be either a detailed birth certificate issued by a Canadian provincial or territorial vital statistics agency that indicates the name of the parent(s) or a court-issued adoption order indicating the name of the adoptive parent(s). A foreign birth certificate that indicates the name of the parent(s) is also accepted as proof of parentage.
- The only exceptions to the new rules will require a Canadian passport has previously been issued to the child in his or her name. The previously issued passport is still valid or expired for less than one year; and is submitted with the new application.
- All other standard requirements, such as submitting proof of Canadian citizenship, continue to apply.
All legal documents that refer to custody of, mobility of, or access to the child (including separation agreements) must be provided when applying. If divorced, a copy of the divorce judgment or order must also be provided to Passport Canada or any of its representatives that accept passport applications in Canada or abroad. Legal guardians must provide proof of legal guardianship when submitting a passport application on behalf of a child. Required documentation is available at provincial service outlets.
These requirements apply only to the Canadian passport program. This policy does not invalidate other birth documents that may be accepted for other purposes. Passport Canada has worked with the provinces and territories to implement these requirements.
And did you know?
“Children under the age of 16 can sign their own passports, but if they do not, leave the signature block on page 3 blank. If you sign it on behalf of the child the passport will be invalid”. Therefore, only the person holding the passport has the right to sign it. The document remains valid if the child affixes their signature – no matter how messy it is. A child’s passport does not expire on their 18th birthday – it remains valid until the expiry date indicated. They may apply for an adult passport between six months and one year before that date.
For more information on children’s passport regulations, click here.
