Applying for a Canada infant passport can be one of the more time-consuming tasks for new parents, but it’s an important step for any family planning to travel outside the country. Babies—even newborns—need their own passport to board a plane or cross any international border.
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This guide explains every stage of the process with added insights and real-world tips so you can avoid the most common problems, including the dreaded photo rejection.
Why a Proper Infant Passport Matters
A passport is not just a travel document; it is a formal proof of citizenship and identity that protects your baby’s rights abroad. Airlines and foreign border authorities will not accept a birth certificate or hospital record in place of a passport, no matter how young the child. Parents who wait until the last minute often face stressful delays or even cancelled trips because a photo is rejected or a signature is missing.
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Consider applying at least three to four months before you plan to travel. This cushion gives you time to fix unexpected issues—like a photo retake or a request for additional documents—without affecting your departure date. It also helps if you decide on a spontaneous trip; having the Canada infant passport ready means you can travel whenever the opportunity arises.
Eligibility Requirements for an Infant Passport in Canada
Before filling out forms, confirm you meet the government’s requirements:
- Age Range. A child passport is valid for children from birth until age 15. For infants 0–2 years, the application is identical, but you must be especially careful with photo rules because babies change quickly.
- Proof of Canadian Citizenship. Provide the baby’s original long-form birth certificate or citizenship certificate. Short-form birth certificates, hospital records, or baptismal papers are not accepted.
- Parental Identification. Both parents or legal guardians must present valid government-issued photo ID such as a Canadian passport or driver’s licence. If only one parent can sign, court documents or a notarized letter showing sole custody or consent are required.
- Guarantor Requirement. A guarantor is a Canadian citizen who has personally known one parent for at least two years. They sign the application and the back of one photo to confirm the baby’s identity. Good choices include a family doctor, teacher, or long-time family friend.
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Having every document ready and double-checked before you start prevents the most common delays and saves you multiple trips to Service Canada.
Step-by-Step Guide to Applying for a Baby Passport
Break the process into clear stages to stay organized:
1. Get the application form. Download the Child General Passport Application (PPTC 155) from the Government of Canada website or pick it up at a Service Canada or Passport Canada office.
2. Complete the form carefully. Use black ink and print in block letters. Provide full names as shown on identification, list an emergency contact who is not traveling with you, and sign where indicated.
3. Gather supporting documents. Bring originals of the baby’s proof of citizenship, both parents’ IDs, and any custody or consent documents. Photocopies will not be accepted.
4. Obtain two identical photos. These must meet all requirements described in the next section and be taken within six months of applying.
5. Pay the fee. A five-year child passport currently costs CAD $57. Express or urgent processing carries higher fees, so budget accordingly.
6. Submit the application. You can mail it or, preferably, apply in person. Submitting in person allows staff to catch small errors before processing, saving valuable time.
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Careful preparation of each step—especially verifying signatures and guarantor information—helps avoid the number one cause of delays: incomplete or inaccurate applications.
Understanding Infant Passport Photos: Common Mistakes to Avoid
Photo rejections are by far the most frequent reason for processing delays. Canadian passport photo rules are exact:
- Neutral Expression. The baby must have eyes open, mouth closed, and a neutral expression. Smiling, crying, or even a slight frown will cause rejection.
- Plain Background. Only a white or very light neutral background is accepted. Patterns, textures, or shadows—even from a blanket—are not allowed.
- Exact Size and Clarity. The photo must measure 50 mm wide by 70 mm high with the head size between 31–36 mm. It must be sharply focused, evenly lit, and free from red-eye or glare.
Parents often dress infants in white clothing that blends into the background or take photos at home using a phone camera. Both choices commonly lead to rejection, so investing in a professional photographer is worth the small extra cost.
Tips for Taking the Perfect Passport Photo for Babies
Getting a compliant photo of a squirmy baby requires strategy:
- Choose an experienced photographer. Look for studios or pharmacies that advertise passport photos specifically for infants. They understand the exact specifications and will retake shots until one meets standards.
- Use the lay-flat technique. Place the baby on a white sheet or blanket and photograph from directly above to ensure the head is straight and shoulders are visible.
- Time it well. Aim for just after a feeding and nap so your baby is calm and alert, increasing the chance of eyes open and a neutral expression.
- Bring a helper and a small toy. An extra adult can adjust clothing and gently guide the baby’s attention toward the camera without touching or obstructing the face.
- Avoid digital editing. Cropping is fine, but retouching—even to remove a small blemish—can result in rejection.
These tips dramatically increase the chances of first-time approval, saving you from costly delays.
Expedited and Emergency Passport Options for Infants
Sometimes travel plans come up suddenly. The government provides faster services:
- Express Service. Processing within two to nine business days for an additional fee.
- Urgent Service. Same-day or next-business-day processing if you can show proof of immediate travel, such as plane tickets or a medical emergency note.
You must apply in person at a Passport Canada office and bring all required documents, including proof of travel. Remember, even with urgent service, a rejected photo or missing signature will still delay the process, so double-check every detail before arriving.
Submitting the Application: Dos and Don’ts
Submission is the last chance to avoid delays:
- Do review every page for completeness and accuracy.
- Do ensure both parents sign unless you have sole custody documentation.
- Do keep photos loose and unbent—never staple, clip, or tape them.
- Don’t forget the guarantor’s signature and contact information; missing this will stop processing immediately.
- Don’t send photocopies of required originals.
Spending an extra 10 minutes reviewing everything can save weeks of unnecessary waiting.
After Submission: Tracking and Receiving Your Baby’s Passport
Processing times vary: about 20 business days for in-person applications and 30 or more if mailed. You can track your application online using the file number on your receipt, which shows each stage of progress—from when it is received to when the passport is printed and mailed. If you choose pickup, bring valid ID and your receipt. If mailed, the passport arrives in a secure envelope requiring a signature to prevent loss.
Renewals and Updates: Keeping Your Infant’s Passport Valid
Child passports are valid for five years, but infants change rapidly. Airlines and foreign border officers sometimes question passports if the photo no longer resembles the child.
If your baby’s appearance changes significantly—such as after major growth or hairstyle changes—consider renewing early, especially if you travel frequently. Always keep the old passport for your records; it serves as proof of continuous Canadian citizenship.
By following the expanded guidance above, you’ll be ready for smooth international travel with your little one and will avoid the frustration of last-minute photo rejections or paperwork issues.
FAQs
1. Does my baby really need a passport to travel outside Canada?
Yes. Every Canadian citizen—regardless of age—must have a valid passport to leave or re-enter Canada by air, land, or sea. Airlines and border agents will not accept a birth certificate or hospital record in place of a passport.
2. What is the age range for a child passport application?
A child passport is required for anyone under 16 years old. For infants aged 0–2 years, the same Child General Passport Application (PPTC 155) is used, but parents must be extra careful with the baby’s photograph because facial changes happen quickly.
3. How long is a Canadian infant passport valid?
A child passport is valid for five years. It cannot be issued for ten years like an adult passport. Parents should plan to renew it well before expiry, especially if travel is expected.
4. What documents do I need to apply for my baby’s passport?
You need:
- The baby’s original proof of Canadian citizenship (long-form birth certificate or citizenship certificate).
- Two identical passport photos that meet all specifications.
- Both parents’ valid government-issued photo ID.
- Proof of custody or a consent letter if only one parent is applying.
- A guarantor’s signature on the application and one photo.
5. Who can act as a guarantor for an infant passport?
The guarantor must be a Canadian citizen, at least 18 years old, who has known one parent for at least two years. They can be a friend, neighbour, colleague, or professional such as a doctor or teacher. They cannot be an immediate family member of the baby.
6. What are the key photo requirements for infants?
The photo must:
- Be 50 mm wide by 70 mm high.
- Show the baby’s head between 31 mm and 36 mm in height.
- Have a plain white or light background with no shadows.
- Show the baby with eyes open, mouth closed, and a neutral expression.
A professional photographer familiar with infant passports is highly recommended to avoid rejections.
7. How much does a Canadian infant passport cost?
As of 2025, a five-year child passport costs CAD $57. Optional express or urgent services cost more, depending on how quickly you need the passport.
8. Can I apply for my baby’s passport if the other parent cannot sign?
Yes, but you must provide legal proof such as a court order granting you sole custody or a notarized consent letter from the other parent. Without these documents, the application will not be processed.
9. How long does it take to get a Canada infant passport?
Typical processing times are about 20 business days for in-person applications and around 30 business days by mail. Express service (2–9 business days) and urgent service (same or next business day) are available for additional fees when proof of immediate travel is provided.
10. What if my baby’s appearance changes before the passport expires?
If the child’s appearance changes significantly—making it difficult to identify them—you should apply for a new passport even if the current one has not expired. Border officials must be able to recognize the child from the photo.
