Want to get a passport in Ottawa? Here’s everything you need to know!
For the aspiring globetrotter, the dreamer of distant shores, or the curious wanderer, a passport is not just a document; it’s the key to unlocking the world!
However, before you can traverse foreign landscapes and embark on cultural escapades, you need that coveted piece of paper – your passport.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll navigate the ins and outs of getting your passport right here in Ottawa. From the essential steps to the hidden details, we’re the compass that’ll guide you through every seemingly confusing fork in the road.
So, fasten your seatbelts because we’re about to go on a quick but mandatory journey to get you your very own passport! We’ll demystify the entire process, one step at a time!
Where to Get Your Passport in Ottawa
If you’re in Ottawa, you can get your passport at the Ottawa West Service Canada Centre and Passport Services building.
It’s located at 885 Meadowlands Drive East (May also be accessed via 1430 Prince of Wales Drive), Unit 014B, Ottawa, Ontario K2C3N2.
The office is open every Monday to Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., so be sure to drop by during office hours!
How to Apply for a New Adult Passport in Ottawa
If you’re getting a passport in Ottawa, there’s a step-by-step process that you have to go through:
- Complete the form – If you want to save time, you can complete the form on your computer. Make sure to include your email address to be able to check the status of your application after applying.
- Gather all the required documents and passport photos – Include all the following documents with your application form:
- Proof of Canadian citizenship – This may be a birth certificate or citizenship certificate. You must submit the original copy if it’s a paper certificate or a printed copy if it’s an e-certificate.
- Any valid Canadian passport or other travel document (refugee travel document or certificate of identity) issued to you.
- A document supporting your identity – This can either be the original or a photocopy. For a photocopy of your ID, make sure both sides are shown and get it signed and dated by your guarantor or signing official.
- Two (2) identical passport photos – On the back of the photos, the photographer must write their name, complete address, and the date the photos were taken.
- Find two (2) references – Two references are required when submitting your application. They must know you for at least two(2) years and can’t be a family member.
The process can also depend on how soon you want to get your passport. While the first few steps are generally the same, the last few steps tend to differ, or there will be some additional requirements depending on the processing duration.
10 to 20 Business Days
For those of you who don’t have any need for a passport any time soon, this option is for you! Once you’ve sent in your application, you’ll get your passport in approximately 10 to 20 business days, including mail time.
In addition to the steps above, these are the last few things you’ll need to do to get your passport within this specified time period:
- Submit your application and pay your fees – You can either book an appointment online or go without an appointment at the local passport office.
- Get your passport – Once your passport is successfully processed, it’ll be mailed to you unless you choose a pick-up service.
2 to 9 Business Days
If you need your passport within 2 to 9 business days, the process doesn’t have that many differences from the previous way of getting it:
- Submit your application and pay your fees – You can book an appointment online or simply walk into your local passport office.
- Get your passport – Check the receipt for the pick-up date, and if you’re not able to get it yourself, you can send someone else as your representative. Just make sure they have a valid ID and something in writing that says they’re allowed to.
By the End of the Next Business Day
If there’s a sudden emergency where you urgently need a passport and need to travel over a specific weekend or statutory holiday, this is the process for you!
While most of the steps are the same as the previously mentioned ways, this one also has its key differences, especially because it’s an urgent process.
- Call the office and pay your fees – Make sure to call ahead of time at (1-800-567-6868) to be instructed on how to submit the forms.
- Agents answer calls from Monday to Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. (your local time) and 9:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. (Newfoundland).
- Proof that you urgently need the passport must also be provided.
- If you need to get your passport on the weekend or a statutory holiday, you’ll need to pay an additional service fee of $335.
- Get your passport – Check the receipt for the pick-up date, and if you’re not able to get it yourself, you can send someone else as your representative. Just make sure they have a valid ID and something in writing that says they’re allowed to.
Who Can Renew an Adult Passport in Ottawa
Canadian citizens, whether by birth or naturalization, who already have an adult Canadian passport are eligible to renew their passport in Ottawa. Specifically, you can renew your adult passport in Ottawa if you meet the following requirements:
- Were issued an adult passport
- You must have been at least 16 years old
- The passport was valid for 5 to 10 years
- Have the same name, date of birth, and place of birth as you want on your new passport
- Have the same gender identifier as you want on your new passport
- Your new gender identifier can be printed on your most recent passport or have the observation sticker.
Once you’re sure that you are viable to renew your passport, choose the way you want to get your passport, depending on how quickly you need it.
How to Renew an Adult Passport in Ottawa
Just like applying for a new adult passport, renewing an adult passport has more or less the same steps involved, but with a few differences in the requirements.
You can take a look at the general process below before we get into the specific differences between each one:
- Complete the form – If you want to save time, you can complete the form on your computer. Make sure to include your email address to be able to check the status of your application after applying.
- Gather all the required documents and passport photos – Include all the following documents and information with your application form:
- The date your passport was issued, the date it expired, and the passport number
- Your most recent passport (if it’s still valid)
- Two (2) identical passport photos – The photographer must write their name, complete address, and the date the photos were taken at the back. There’s no need for a guarantor’s signature for renewals.
- Find two (2) references – Two references are required when submitting your application. They must know you for at least two(2) years and can’t be a family member.
10 to 20 Business Days
If you don’t urgently need your passport to be renewed, you can choose the option of getting it within 10 to 20 business days.
As usual, keep in mind all the necessary steps and or requirements for a smoother transaction:
- Submit your application and pay your fees – You can either book an appointment online or go without an appointment at the local passport office.
- Get your passport – Once your passport is successfully processed, it’ll be mailed to you unless you choose a pick-up service.
2 to 9 Business Days
For those who need their passport renewed within a shorter amount of time, you can opt to get your passport renewed within 2 to 9 business days.
As always, take notes on all the required documents and info you’ll need to provide for a quick and easy transaction:
- Submit your application and pay your fees – You may book an appointment online or go without an appointment at the local passport office.
- Get your passport – Check the receipt for the pick-up date, and if you’re not able to get it yourself, you can send someone else as your representative. Just make sure they have a valid ID and something in writing that says they’re allowed to.
By the End of the Next Business Day
Much like applying for an urgent new passport, getting your passport renewed has many of the same steps involved, but with some changes.
Only choose this option if it’s an actual emergency that requires you to have your passport renewed as early as possible:
- Submit your application and pay your fees – Visit an office with an urgent pick-up service.
- No appointments required
- Proof that you urgently need the passport must also be provided.
- Make sure it’s a passport office and not just a regular Service Canada Centre to get your passport in time.
- Get your passport – Check the receipt for the pick-up date, and if you’re not able to get it yourself, you can send someone else as your representative. Just make sure they have a valid ID and something in writing that says they’re allowed to.