What to Do If Your Canadian Passport Is Lost or Stolen

What to Do If Your Canadian Passport Is Lost or Stolen

What to Do If Your Canadian Passport Is Lost or Stolen Losing your passport can be stressful, especially when it happens abroad or right before a big trip. Your Canadian passport is one of the most important identity documents you own—it allows you to travel internationally and serves as proof of citizenship. If your Canadian passport is lost or stolen, knowing what to do immediately can save you time, stress, and potential security issues.

This comprehensive guide will walk you through every step you need to take to report, replace, and protect your lost or stolen Canadian passport.

1: Stay Calm and Assess the Situation

Before you panic, take a moment to retrace your steps. Sometimes, passports are misplaced rather than stolen. Check your travel bag, hotel room, car, or any location where it might have been left. If you are certain it is lost or stolen, you must act quickly to prevent misuse or identity theft.

Your first goal should be to secure your identity and prevent unauthorized use of your passport. Once you confirm that it’s gone, move on to the next step immediately.

 2: Report the Loss or Theft

If You’re in Canada

If you lose your passport in Canada, report it as soon as possible to Passport Canada (part of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada — IRCC).

You can do this by:

• Filling out the “Declaration Concerning a Lost, Stolen, Inaccessible, Damaged or Found Canadian Travel Document” form (PPTC 203).

• Submitting it to any Passport Office, Service Canada Centre, or by mail to the address provided on the form.

Once the report is filed, your lost or stolen passport will be cancelled immediately. This ensures that no one else can use it illegally.

If You’re Abroad

If you are outside of Canada, contact the nearest Canadian embassy, high commission, or consulate right away. They can help you report the loss and begin the process of replacing your passport.

You can find the nearest Canadian government office abroad on the official Global Affairs Canada website.

3: Gather the Required Documents for Replacement

To get a replacement passport, you will need to complete a new passport application. The process and requirements depend on whether you are applying in Canada or abroad.

Here’s what you’ll generally need:

1. Proof of Canadian citizenship (such as a birth certificate or citizenship certificate)

2. Proof of identity (a government-issued photo ID like a driver’s license)

3. Two identical passport photos taken within the last six months

4. Guarantor information (someone who can confirm your identity)

5. Completed PPTC 203 form (for lost or stolen passports)

6. Applicable fees for the replacement passport

If you are abroad, additional documents like travel itineraries or police reports may be required, depending on the situation.

4: Apply for an Emergency or Temporary Passport (If Needed)

If your passport is lost or stolen while traveling and you need to return to Canada urgently, you can apply for an emergency travel document or temporary passport.

A temporary passport is usually valid for a short period, allowing you to travel home or to another destination before applying for a full replacement.

To apply, visit your nearest Canadian embassy or consulate. They will assess your situation and determine which travel document can be issued quickly.

5: Protect Yourself from Identity Theft

Losing a passport isn’t just about travel inconvenience—it can also expose you to identity theft risks. A stolen passport can be used by criminals for fraudulent purposes.

Here’s how to protect yourself:

• Monitor your credit report for unusual activity.

• Inform your bank and credit card companies of the loss.

• Consider placing a fraud alert on your credit file.

• Be cautious of suspicious emails or calls requesting personal information.

Additionally, report the loss to the local police, especially if you suspect it was stolen. A police report can also support your passport replacement application.

6: Replace Your Lost or Stolen Passport

Once you’ve reported the loss and gathered the required documents, submit your passport replacement application.

You can apply:

• In person: At a Passport Canada office or Service Canada Centre

• By mail: If you’re in Canada and not in a rush

• At a Canadian embassy or consulate: If you’re abroad

Processing times vary depending on the urgency and where you apply. Expedited service is available in many locations for an additional fee if you need your new passport quickly.

 7: Take Preventive Measures for the Future

Once your new passport arrives, take steps to prevent future losses:

• Make digital and physical copies of your passport and store them safely.

• Register your passport details with the Canadian government’s Registration of Canadians Abroad service before you travel.

• Use a travel wallet or neck pouch to keep your passport secure when traveling.

• Avoid carrying your passport unnecessarily when you’re not crossing borders.

Taking these precautions can save you a lot of trouble during your future trips.

8: Understand the Fees and Validity

Replacing a lost or stolen passport costs the same as applying for a new one, plus potential additional fees.

Typical fees (as of the latest update):

• 5-year adult passport: CAD $120

• 10-year adult passport: CAD $160

• Child passport (under 16 years): CAD $57

Fees may differ when applying outside of Canada, especially for emergency travel documents. Always verify the latest fees on the official Government of Canada website before applying.

Final Thoughts

Losing your Canadian passport is undoubtedly stressful, but with the right steps, you can resolve the situation efficiently. Reporting the loss immediately, protecting your identity, and applying for a replacement through proper channels ensures your safety and continued travel freedom.

Your passport is more than just a travel document—it’s your proof of citizenship and identity abroad. By staying informed and proactive, you can handle a lost or stolen passport confidently and continue your journey with peace of mind.