Replace your valid passport if your appearance changed for medical reasons
You may need to change your current passport photo if your physical appearance has changed for medical reasons. Find out how to replace your valid passport with a photo that reflects your current appearance.
On this page
Who can apply
You may be eligible to replace your passport if:
- your physical appearance has significantly changed since your most current passport photo due to a medical condition, treatment or procedure, and
- you have difficulties when crossing borders
Elective cosmetic procedures do not qualify unless they’re part of gender-affirming care. Examples of elective cosmetic procedures include:
- hair transplants
- rhinoplasty
- liposuction
Your new passport will have the same expiration date as your original passport.
You’re not eligible if:
- your passport will expire in less than 12 months
- your passport is lost, stolen, inaccessible, damaged or found after being reported lost or stolen
- you want to change your biodata information, such as your name, date of birth, place of birth or gender identifier
For these situations, you must apply for a new passport and pay all applicable passport fees.
If you’re not eligible for a replacement and you need a new passport
Apply for a new adult passport
The application form and the steps to submit your application depend on where you’re applying from.
- Apply for a new passport in Canada(opens in a new tab)
- Apply for a new passport from the US(opens in a new tab)
- Apply for a new passport from outside Canada and the US(opens in a new tab)
Apply for a new child passport
The application form and the steps to submit your application depend on where you’re applying from.
- Apply for a child passport in Canada(opens in a new tab)
- Apply for a child passport from the US(opens in a new tab)
- Apply for a child passport from outside Canada and the US(opens in a new tab)
How to apply
Adult passport
The application form and the steps to submit your application depend on where you’re applying from.
- Apply to renew your passport in Canada(opens in a new tab)
- You can only apply in person or by mail.
- You can’t apply online.
- Apply to renew your passport from the US(opens in a new tab)
- Apply to renew your passport from outside Canada and the US(opens in a new tab)
Because we’re changing the photo on your passport, you also need to include:
- your current valid passport
- one of the following documents:
- a completed form: Replacement of a Valid Canadian Passport Due to Change in Physical Appearance Caused by Medical Reasons [PPTC 667] (PDF, 1.4 KB)
- an original medical certificate that
- is legible
- is written on the licensed medical practitioner’s official letterhead or includes their stamp
- has a medical statement confirming a significant change in your physical appearance due to a medical treatment or condition
- has the licensed medical practitioner’s signature (it can be handwritten, electronic or stamped)
We may ask for more documents. We review each request on a case-by-case basis.
Child passport
The application form and the steps to submit the application depend on where you’re applying from.
- Apply for a child passport in Canada(opens in a new tab)
- Apply for a child passport from the US(opens in a new tab)
- Apply for a child passport from outside Canada and the US(opens in a new tab)
Because we’re changing the photo on the child’s passport, you also need to include:
- the child’s current valid passport
- one of the following documents:
- a completed form: Replacement of a Valid Canadian Passport Due to Change in Physical Appearance Caused by Medical Reasons [PPTC 667] (PDF, 1.4 KB)
- an original medical certificate that
- is legible
- is written on the licensed medical practitioner’s official letterhead or includes their stamp
- has a medical statement confirming a significant change in the child’s physical appearance due to a medical treatment or condition
- has the licensed medical practitioner’s signature (it can be handwritten, electronic, or stamped)
We may ask for more documents. We review each request on a case-by-case basis.
Fees
- You must pay a $25 consular fee for adult passports.
Unless you need an expedited service, you don’t need to pay other passport fees.