Online passport renewal coming in ‘near future’ for Canadians, government says

After the United States implemented an online passport renewal system on Wednesday, the Canadian government says it is “committed” to giving its residents the ability to renew passports online “in the near future.”

The Canadian government first announced in May 2023 that it was planning to give residents the option to renew their passports online.

That was supposed to take effect in the Fall of 2023, but the plan has experienced problems.

Following the announcement in the United States, INsauga.com contacted the Canadian government to see where it stands.

“The original release date of the online application was postponed as system assessments showed vulnerabilities,” Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) spokesperson Julie Lafortune told INsauga.com in an email.

“Online passport renewals are not available at this time; however, the Government of Canada is committed to offering secure online passport service options for Canadians in the near future.”

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Lafortune didn’t provide a specific date.

“Any new developments regarding the release of the online application will be communicated publicly,” Lafortune said.

Once it does take effect, eligible residents will be able to renew their passport, pay their fees and upload a passport photo online.

In the meantime, Canadians are able to renew by mail or in person.

In the United States, the State Department announced Wednesday that its online renewal system is now fully operational, after testing in pilot programs, and available to adult passport holders whose passport has expired within the past five years or will expire in the coming year.

— With files from The Associated Press and The Canadian Press