How to renew US passport in Canada

The U.S. passport is one of the most valuable passports in the world, and it allows you to access multiple countries freely. So, renewing your U.S. passport is an important thing to ensure your international trip. But, what if you are in Canada, do you know how to renew your U.S. passport in Canada?

In Canada, you can either mail your application documents to the right places or visit a nearby embassy or consulate to renew your U.S. passport. This article shares all the related information and guides you through the application process. Check the details below if you are in need.

How to Renew a US Passport in Canada by Mail?

If you want to renew your U.S. passport by mail, here are the details about the eligibility to renew a U.S. passport by mail and application process. 

Eligibility

If you want to mail your passport renewal application, firstly, you should make sure you are eligible to do so.

• You have a previous, undamaged passport.
• You got your passport when you were 16 years old or older.
• You got your passport within the last 15 years.
• You have not changed your name since you got your passport. If so, you need to provide proof.

Application process

If you are eligible to renew your passport via mail, here are the processes.

1. Complete the DS-82 Form:

Fill out the DS-82 form as requested. You can use the Form Filter tool to download the form or you can just download it here.. 

Note: There are several things you should pay attention to:

• Sign and date your form.
• Double-sided forms print will not be accepted. Only single-sided paper is acceptable.
• Do not fill out your Canadian Social Insurance Number to substitute for your U.S. Social Security number. 

2. Prepare Your Application Package:

You should get all the documents ready to mail:

• Your current passport.
• Completed DS-82 form.
• Passport photo: colored, size of 2×2 inches or 51×51 mm
• Personal check or money order. Payable to the U.S. Department of State. Cash is not acceptable.

Note: If your name has changed after your passport was issued, provide legal documentation of the name change, like a Marriage certificate, Divorce decree, or Court-ordered name change document (If your Canadian divorce decree doesn’t show your maiden name, you’ll need to show another proof of your birth or maiden name. This could be your original or certified birth certificate.)

3. Mail Your Application:

Send the application package to the specified address.

Choose Canada Post if you’re in Canada. It is the only one that is able to deliver to the P.O. Box address listed on the DS-82 form.

• Normal routine service:

National Passport Processing Center

Post Office Box 90155

Philadelphia, PA 19190-0155

• Expedited service:

Note: Write “EXPEDITE” on the outside of the mailing envelope: 

National Passport Processing Center

Post Office Box 90955

Philadelphia, PA 19190-0955

4. Wait for Processing

Once your passport renewal application documents are received, the department will process them. The processing time can vary depending on factors like regular service and expedited service, workload, etc. If it is a regular service, the approximate time is around 6-8 weeks.

5. Receive Your New Passport:

Once you are approved, your new passport will be mailed to you to the address that you offered. Once you receive it, make sure that the details on it are correct. Otherwise, you should inform the authority as soon as possible to amend.

How to Renew US Passport in Canada by Appointment?

If you are not eligible to renew your passport by mail, you have an alternative to visit the nearby embassy or consulate. Here are the requirements.

• You got your passport 15 years ago.
• You got your passport when you were not over 16 years old.
• Your passport was stolen and lost and needs replacement.

Here is the step-by-step guide on renewing your passport by appointment:

1. Fill Out Form:

Fill out the Form DS-11. Do not sign the form before the embassy or consulate officer lets you.

2. Gather Required Documents: 

Before your appointment, ensure you have all the necessary documents. This includes:

• U.S. citizenship papers.
• Your. passport (expired passports are accepted). 
• U.S. birth certificates.
• Photocopy of ID.
• Consular Report of Birth Abroad or Certification of Birth
• Certificate of Naturalization 
• Photocopies of proof of U.S. citizenship with the following requirements:

Photocopies must be: legible, on white 8.5”x11” standard paper, black and white, single-sided

• Any additional documentation required for special circumstances, such as name changes or lost passport.
• Passport photo.

Note: The proof you provide needs to be an original or a certified copy. A certified copy is a document with an official stamp or official mark.

3. Contact Your U.S. Embassy or Consulate for Instructions:

After you are ready, contact the embassy or consulate. Take all the required documents with you when you visit the embassy or consulate. 

How to Track My US Passport Status?

You can track the status of your application online using the provided tracking reference number. Enter the request information to check the application status. The information includes:

1. Last Name
2. Date of Birth (MM/DD/YYYY)
3. Last Four Digits of Social Security Number

Cost to Renew American Passport

The prices can vary for different passport types, and here is a list. 

Note: 

• If you want to use the expedited service, you need to pay an extra $60 to the application fee. 
• Make sure you use personal checks or money orders that draw from U.S. banks and are in U.S. dollars.

US Passport Renewal Processing Time

According to the official website, the processing time of renewing a U.S. passport is about 6-8 weeks for a regular service and 2-3 weeks for an expedited service with an extra $60. However, it depends on the number of applicants, the peak tourist season, and the location of the application. If you are about to renew your passport, you are advised to renew in advance to make sure you have plenty of time to plan your trip.

Where to Submit a US Passport in Canada?

If you need to visit an embassy or consulate to renew your passport, here is a list of the embassy or consulate locations to facilitate your passport renewal.

FAQ

Can I renew my US passport online?

No. The U.S. passport online renewal is currently paused since March 8, 2023. So, you cannot renew your U.S. passport via an online application. 

Can I hold both a U.S. and Canadian Passport?

Yes. The U.S. and Canada allow dual citizenship. So, you can hold both passports of the two countries. AiPassportPhotos allows you to create 2×2 inch US passport photos, Canadian passport photos with ease. You can check official requirements and submit relevant documents for a smooth application.

Can I enter Canada without a PR Card?

Yes, if you hold a valid U.S. passport, you can enter Canada without a PR Card for up to 6 months. However, you may need to provide your identity papers, travel plans, proof of financial status, or a travel document from IRCC.

Conclusion

So, with all that information given, if you are an American in Canada, it is easy to renew your passport. You can mail your documents to the designated address, or you can choose to visit the nearest embassy or consulate. But, you should make sure that your documents are complete and correct to prevent unexpected situations that may delay your plans. Last, stay up to date with the latest information in case any policies change.