Canadian passport without a guarantor

Applying for your first Canadian passport and can’t find a guarantor? You’re not stuck. You can sign a Statutory Declaration in Lieu of Guarantor in front of a notary instead. Here’s who needs a guarantor, who qualifies, and how to sign the declaration online in minutes.

Do you need a guarantor?

You don’t need a guarantor if you’re renewing your passport. You only need one if you’re applying for a passport for the first time, or if you aren’t eligible to renew.

Who can be your guarantor?

Your guarantor can be anyone who meets the requirements, including a family member or someone you live with. For a regular passport applied for in Canada, your guarantor must:

• be a Canadian citizen, 18 years of age or older
• have known you for at least 2 years
• hold a 5-year or 10-year Canadian passport that is valid, or expired for no more than 1 year
• have been 16 or older when they applied for that passport
• be available if the passport office needs to contact them

A guarantor can’t charge you for this.

References are not guarantors

Every passport application also needs 2 references. Your references must be 18 or older, have known you for at least 2 years, and agree to share their name and contact information. They’re separate from your guarantor, and they don’t sign anything.

No guarantor? Use a Statutory Declaration in Lieu of Guarantor

If you can’t find anyone who meets the guarantor requirements, you can make a statutory declaration instead. Here’s how it works:

1. Contact the Passport Program to get the Statutory Declaration in Lieu of Guarantor form. It isn’t available to download online.
2. Fill in the form, but don’t sign it yet.
3. Sign it in front of an official who can administer oaths, such as a notary public. The notary doesn’t need to know you personally.
4. Include the signed declaration with your passport application.

How to sign your declaration online

With Notaring, you can do it from home in three steps:

1. Book a time that suits you and upload your declaration form and a valid photo ID.
2. Meet a notary on a secure two-way video call from your phone, tablet or computer.
3. Sign electronically. The notary applies their digital seal and you download your signed declaration right away.

Pricing starts at $20. Book your appointment and keep your passport application moving.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a guarantor to renew my passport?

No. You only need a guarantor for a first passport, or if you aren’t eligible to renew.

Can a family member be my guarantor?

Yes. A family member or someone you live with can be your guarantor, as long as they meet all of the requirements.

How do I get the declaration form?

The Statutory Declaration in Lieu of Guarantor isn’t available online. Contact the Passport Program and ask for it, then book your appointment once you have it.

Does the notary need to know me?

No. Unlike a guarantor, the notary who takes your declaration doesn’t need to know you. They confirm your identity with your photo ID during the call.

Can I sign from anywhere in Canada?

Yes. Passports are issued by the federal government, not by a province, so you can sign your declaration with us wherever you live in Canada.

Source: Government of Canada, References and guarantors for Canadian passport and other travel document applications.