Canadian Passport Guarantors and References: Rules & Eligibility Guide

Last Updated Date: August 27, 2026

Knowing who qualifies as a guarantor versus a reference is critical to avoiding processing delays, application rejections, or secondary identity verification checks by Passport Canada. While both serve to verify your identity and confirm your background details, they carry distinct legal responsibilities, eligibility criteria, and signing requirements.

Key Differences: Guarantor vs. Reference

Detailed Eligibility Criteria for Canadian Passport Guarantors

1. Applying Within Canada or the United States

To serve as a regular guarantor for an application submitted inside Canada or the U.S., the individual must:

• Be a Canadian citizen aged 18 or older.
• Hold a valid 5-year or 10-year Canadian passport (or one expired for less than 1 year).
• Have known you personally for at least 2 years (for child applications, must know the parent/legal guardian for at least 2 years).
• Provide their passport details (passport number, issue/expiry date, full name as shown on passport).
• Be available for phone verification by Passport Canada security officers.

2. Applying Outside Canada and the United States (Occupation-Based Guarantors)

If applying from abroad and an eligible Canadian passport holder is unavailable, an occupation-based guarantor may be used. They must be currently registered and practicing in one of the following professions:

• Medical Doctor or Dentist
• Lawyer or Notary Public
• Judge or Police Officer
• Executive Head / Principal of a Primary/Secondary School
• Bank / Financial Institution Officer or Postmaster

3. What to Do If You Cannot Find a Guarantor?

If you cannot find an eligible guarantor who has known you for 2 years, you must complete form PPTC 132 (Statutory Declaration in Lieu of a Guarantor). This form must be sworn and signed before an authorized Commissioner for Oaths, Notary Public, or Justice of the Peace.

Step-by-Step Guide: Signing Application Documents correctly

1. Complete the Applicant Section First: Fill out all application details before your guarantor signs.
2. Guarantor Signs Section 2: The guarantor fills out their personal information, passport details, and signs the main declaration.
3. Endorsing Passport Photo: The guarantor writes on the back of one photo: “I certify this to be a true likeness of [Applicant’s Name]” followed by their signature.
4. Certifying Supporting Documents: If submitting copy documents (e.g., identity proof under specialized conditions), the guarantor must sign and date the copies as instructed.
5. Provide Reference Contact Details: Fill out two references who live at distinct addresses, ensuring their phone numbers are active during business hours.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can my spouse or family member be my guarantor?

Yes. As long as your relative is a Canadian citizen aged 18+, holds a valid Canadian passport, and has known you for at least 2 years, they can act as your guarantor. However, family members cannot be listed as references.

Do I need a guarantor if I am renewing my adult Canadian passport?

No. Simplified adult passport renewals do not require a guarantor or references. You only need a guarantor if you are submitting a first-time general adult application or do not meet renewal criteria.

Can my references live at the same address?

No. Your two references must reside at different residential addresses from each other and from the applicant to ensure independent verification.

Information Source: Original source  Canada.ca Travel Documents References & Guarantors.