The federal government has expanded access to online passport renewal services, allowing all eligible adult Canadians in Canada to renew their passports digitally.
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) announced the expansion on Tuesday, July 28, saying the change will provide Canadians with a faster and more convenient option to complete routine passport renewals without visiting a Service Canada Centre or submitting documents by mail.
Under the expanded service, eligible adults can complete their passport renewal application online by submitting required information, uploading a digital passport photo, and making payments electronically.
The government said the move is part of its broader effort to modernize public services by offering secure digital options that reduce administrative barriers and improve accessibility.
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Minister Lena Metlege Diab said Canadians expect government services that are easier to access and better suited to their daily lives.
“Canadians expect passport services that work for their lives. Expanding online renewal gives eligible Canadians a simpler, more convenient way to renew their passports, without unnecessary barriers or delays,” Diab said.
She added that the expansion is part of the government’s ongoing work to modernize passport services and provide digital tools that respond to Canadians’ needs.
The federal government said the online renewal option will be especially beneficial for Canadians who face challenges accessing in-person services, including people living in rural and remote communities and individuals with mobility limitations.
While online renewal is now available to all eligible adults, traditional passport services will continue. Canadians who prefer in-person appointments or mail-in applications, as well as those who do not meet online renewal requirements, can continue using existing options.
Minister of Jobs and Families Patty Hajdu said improving access to government services requires providing Canadians with more choices.
“Accessible service means giving Canadians options, starting with more ways to renew a passport,” Hajdu said. “We are removing the barriers between Canadians and the services they rely on by modernizing how we deliver them and shaping them around how people live.”
The expansion follows several recent updates to Canada’s passport program, including the introduction of an online passport application status checker and increased access to 10-business-day passport services at select Service Canada Centres.
The government also maintains a passport service guarantee that states eligible applications will be processed within 30 business days or the passport fee will be refunded.
Officials said expanding online renewals is expected to reduce pressure on in-person service locations by allowing more Canadians to complete routine transactions digitally.
Annie Koutrakis, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Jobs and Families, said the digital service represents an important step in improving how Canadians interact with government.
“The Government of Canada is working to make services more efficient and better suited to the needs of Canadians,” Koutrakis said. “The online passport renewal service is a great example of modernizing our service delivery landscape and improving the passport program.”
The federal government said maintaining the security and integrity of Canada’s passport system remains a priority as more services move online.
Eligible adults interested in renewing their passports online can review the requirements and begin the process through the official government passport services portal.
The expansion takes effect immediately and is expected to provide more Canadians with a convenient alternative for managing their passport renewals.
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