How to fill out a Canadian child passport application (PPTC 155)
Everything you need to complete a Canadian child passport application (form PPTC 155) for a child under 16, and a faster way to fill it in without mistakes.
Prepare this form nowOfficial PPTC 155 guidance ↗
The PPTC 155 is the Government of Canada application for a passport for a child under 16. A parent or legal guardian must complete and sign it. A child passport is valid for up to five years.
Important: a child's passport cannot be renewed. Even if the child has held a passport before, a new PPTC 155 application is always required. Canada opened online passport renewal to all eligible adults on July 28, 2026, but children under 16 are excluded, so the paper application remains the only route for a child.
Who needs PPTC 155
Any Canadian child under 16 applying from within Canada, whether it is their first passport or a replacement for an expiring or expired one. The application is prepared by the child's parent or legal guardian.
What you need to prepare
- The child's proof of Canadian citizenship
- Details for both parents or the legal guardian, and any custody or court documents where applicable
- A guarantor, plus two references
- Two identical passport photos meeting the official specification
- The applicable fee
Guarantor and references
Most child applications need a guarantor who has known the applying parent for at least two years and holds a valid Canadian passport, plus two references.
One rule catches a lot of people out: the parent or legal guardian submitting the application cannot be the guarantor on it. The other parent or legal guardian can sign instead, provided they meet the usual requirements. ReadyForm asks the right questions and places the answers on the form so nothing is missed.
If the parents are separated or divorced
Both parents normally need to sign, and any current custody, mobility or access orders must be included, along with any prior orders those documents refer to. The exact requirement depends on your arrangement, so the interview asks about it rather than guessing.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Signing the photos or form before you are told to
- Using a photo that does not meet the size or quality rules
- Missing a required parent signature or custody document
- Leaving sections blank instead of marking them as not applicable
- Assuming a child passport can be renewed, because it cannot
Frequently asked questions
Can a Canadian child passport be renewed?
No. There is no renewal for a child passport. Every child passport requires a new PPTC 155 application, even if the child has had one before. The online renewal service launched for adults does not cover children under 16.
How long is a child passport valid?
A child passport is issued for up to five years and cannot be extended.
Who can apply for a child's passport?
A parent or a legal guardian must apply on behalf of a child under 16.
Do I need a guarantor for a child passport?
Most applications require a guarantor and two references. ReadyForm checks whether your situation needs one and prepares those sections for you.
Can the parent filling out the form act as the guarantor?
No. A parent or legal guardian submitting the application cannot sign as the guarantor on that same application. The other parent or legal guardian may sign instead, if they meet the standard guarantor requirements.
Ready to prepare your PPTC 155?
ReadyForm asks plain-language questions, fills the current official form for your review, and builds your document checklist. It never submits the application for you.