Canada has officially launched its online passport renewal service, making it easier for eligible citizens to renew their passports without visiting a Service Canada Centre or mailing paper applications. The new service became available on July 28, 2026, and is open to Canadian citizens aged 16 and older who meet the eligibility requirements.
The online system allows applicants to complete the renewal process digitally while receiving real-time updates on the status of their application. The new option is part of the federal government’s efforts to modernize passport services and make the renewal process faster and more convenient for Canadians.
Who Can Apply For Online Passport Renewal?
To use the new online renewal service, applicants must meet several eligibility requirements.
Applicants must:
- Be a Canadian citizen aged 16 years or older.
- Have a passport that was issued within the last 15 years.
- Have a Canadian residential address and mailing address.
- Have a digital passport photo taken by a commercial photographer within the last six months.
- Have a passport that has already expired or will expire within the next six months.
Applicants who qualify can upload all required documents directly through the online system instead of sending paper copies by mail or visiting a Service Canada office. This allows applicants to keep their original personal documents while their application is being reviewed.
Service Offers More Convenience
The new online renewal option is designed to give Canadians another way to renew their passports. Traditional application methods, including in-person appointments and mail-in applications, will continue to remain available.
The government hopes the online service will reduce waiting lines at Service Canada Centres while helping applicants avoid common mistakes that often lead to incomplete applications and longer review periods.
Immigration Minister Lena Metlege Diab announced the official launch of the online passport renewal service during a press conference in Vancouver on July 28, 2026.
The online system has an expected application review period of 20 business days, not including approximately five additional days required for mailing the completed passport.
Since April 1, 2026, applicants whose passport is not issued within 30 business days are entitled to receive their passport without paying the application fee.
Testing Phase Has Now Ended
The online passport renewal system was first introduced as a pilot project in December 2024.
During the early testing period, only 10 applications were accepted each day. As the system continued to improve, the government gradually increased daily capacity to around 2,000 applications.
With the official launch on July 28, 2026, the testing phase has ended, and the daily limit on online passport renewal applications has been removed.
Government figures show that by September 30, 2025, more than 27,000 Canadians had already successfully used the online renewal service during its testing period.
According to Minister Diab, the online platform was developed and tested under the Government of Canada’s privacy and security standards. The government will continue monitoring the system as more Canadians begin using the service.
Officials also expect strong demand. Around 4.6 million Canadian passport applications are expected this year, with passport renewals making up approximately 60% of all applications. Nearly two million renewals are expected to qualify for the new online service, helping reduce pressure on in-person passport offices.
Who Is Not Eligible?
The online renewal service is currently unavailable for certain applicants.
At present, the service cannot be used by:
- Canadians living outside Canada.
- Children under the age of 16.
- Individuals whose passports remain valid for more than six months.
- Applicants with damaged, surrendered, or seized passports.
The federal government may expand eligibility in the future. It will continue reviewing the online passport renewal system before making further changes.
Eligible applicants can complete their passport renewal through the IRCC Portal – New Version. The online service reduces paperwork and helps applicants avoid unnecessary visits to government service centres.
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