Applying for a Child Passport—Do Both Parents Need to Be Present?

Travelling is one of the most enjoyable activities for humans everywhere. Planning a trip should be a meticulously organised venture, especially when you are travelling with children. One of the most important items (if not the most important one) is having the right travel document with you at all times.

In most countries, getting a child’s passport implies the presence of a parent or legal guardian while applying, and Canada is no exception. There are detailed guidelines on how to apply for a child’s passport in Canada, and whether that requires the presence of both parents. Keep reading to find out more!

Does the child need to be present for a passport application in Canada?

If your child is under the age of sixteen (16), you are required to apply on their behalf. There are several conditions under which you can apply for a child’s passport in Canada:

• You are one of the parents; or
• You are the custodial parent (in case of separation or divorce); or
• You are the legal guardian of the child 

Since the responsible person is the applicant, the child does not have to be present while applying for a child’s passport in Canada.

Do you need both parents’ signatures on a child’s passport?

One of the most frequently asked questions is whether both parents need to be present for a child passport application, and whether both parents need to sign the form.

The Canadian government recommends that both parents or legal guardians sign the application form. They do not need to be there while applying (still, it is recommended), but the form must have both of their signatures.

In cases when the applicant is unsure about the other guardian’s whereabouts, Canadian officials can find and reach out to them. 

There are also instructions on what to do in case both parents or guardians are unable to sign the application form. 

How to apply for a child passport in Canada

Besides both parents’/guardians’ signatures on the child passport application form, there are a few other requirements.

Those include:

• Two passport photos (one needs to be signed by a guarantor)
• Proof of Canadian citizenship*
• Proof of parentage or legal guardianship
• The fee (CAD$57)
• Documents about custody, mobility, or access to the child (applicable in case of separation or divorce).

*The proof can either be a birth certificate or certificate of Canadian citizenship. If you opt for the birth certificate, it is recommended to attach the long form birth certificate to establish both parents’ identities. 

Can a parent be a passport guarantor?

The parent/guardian applying for their child’s passport cannot at the same time be the guarantor. However, the parent/guardian NOT applying on behalf of the child can sign as a guarantor if requirements are met. 

There is a list of requirements for a guarantor, and here are the most important ones:

• Guarantor must have known you for at least 2 years and must know of the child
• Guarantor must be a Canadian citizen (18+)
• Hold a 5 or 10-year Canadian passport (expired for no more than a year or valid)

The complete list can be found on the Canadian government website. 

Single parent applying for a child passport in Canada

In case you are a single parent/guardian applying for a child passport in Canada, there are regulations you need to follow. Although generally both parents/guardians should be present while applying, that is not always possible. When you are not sure about the whereabouts of the other parent/guardian, Canadian passport authorities can contact/find them instead of you.

In case of a divorce, you are required to submit a copy of the divorce judgement or order. Any and all documents pertaining to custody, mobility or access to the child must be provided as well. 

For the actual application process, only the parent/guardian with custody of the child can apply for a child passport. In cases of shared custody, it is possible for either of the parents to apply, but both parents have to give their consent by signing the form.

Canada child passport photos

While applying for your child’s passport in Canada, you are required to submit two identical passport photos. Furthermore, they should be taken within the last twelve (12) months.

Canadian authorities are understanding of the fact that getting your newborn/child to maintain a neutral facial expression, and tolerate slight deviations from the rule. 

If you want a more detailed explanation of all Canada child passport photo requirements, as well as information on how to take your passport photos at home, we have a solution! Visit our page detailing Canada passport photos!

FAQ