Why I need a Guarantor to apply for a Canadian Passport? You only need a guarantor if you're applying for a passport for the first time or you aren't eligible to renew your passport. As long as they meet requirements, your guarantor can be anyone, including a family member or member of your household.
The guarantor must perform free of charge the following three (3) tasks:
- Complete and sign the "Declaration of Guarantor" section of your application form.
- Write, "I certify this to be a true likeness of (insert your name)" on the back of one of the passport photos and sign.
- Sign and date a copy of each document to support your identity.
The guarantor must:
- be able to communicate in English or French.
- Have known you personally for at least two (2) years. To know an applicant personally means that the guarantor is able to confirm aspects of the applicant's personal attributes such as name, approximate age, place of birth, physical description and some personal history such as occupation and place of residence.
- Be accessible to Passport Canada for verification.
In regard to guarantor there are three options:
Option 1 - Canadian Guarantor: The guarantor should be a Canadian Citizen holding a valid Canadian Passport. The guarantor must know the applicant for more than two years. If you apply for passport in Canada, you must have a Canadian Guarantor.
Option 2 – Professional Guarantor: A professional Guarantor should be a Canadian or US citizen currently working and/or residing in the USA. The guarantor must be currently registered/licensed with the appropriate local authority to practice one (1) of the following professions:
- Dentist
- Medical doctor
- Pharmacist
- Veterinarian
- Dean/head of university or college
- Lawyer/notary
- Notary public (notarial seal must appear on the application form)
- Police officer, judge, magistrate
- signing officer of a bank or trust company, or of a financial institution that offers the full range of banking services (cash withdrawals, deposits, and savings)
Option 3 - Statutory Declaration in Lieu of Guarantor: If you have not known an eligible guarantor for at least two (2) years, you must complete Statutory Declaration in Lieu of Guarantor. The form must be completed by you and a person authorized by law (lawyer or notary public) to administer an oath or solemn affirmation. This may delay the processing time of the passport.
If you have not known an eligible guarantor for at least two (2) years, you must complete the Statutory Declaration in Lieu of Guarantor. The form must be signed by you and a person authorized by law (lawyer or notary public) to administer an oath or solemn affirmation. This may delay the processing time of the passport. The Declaration requires two additional references. Please email us information (name address, phone number and how long you have known each other) about two additional references.