Passport application

Article • July 27, 2020

Canadian Passport

Statutory Declaration in Lieu of Guarantor

If you are travelling internationally, you must have a valid passport. Most of the forms and information that you need to apply for, renew, or replace a Canadian passport or travel document are available from Passport Canada.

Also, you need a guarantor for new passport or travel document applications that you submit by mail or in person. Your guarantor can be a family member or anyone living at your address, as long as they meet the guarantor requirements. Among other criteria, your guarantor must:

  • Have known you for at least two years

  • Be a Canadian citizen 18 years of age or older

  • Have been 16 years of age or older when he or she applied for his or her own passport

  • Hold a valid five-year or 10-year Canadian passport, or one that has expired for only one year


A notary public may be required if you do not know an eligible guarantor and must submit a Statutory Declaration in Lieu of Guarantor.

A Statutory Declaration in Lieu of Guarantor is where the individual applying for the passport will swear or declare before, and have signed by, a person authorized by law to administer an oath or solemn affirmation (e.g., notary public) that the information in their application is true.

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