TORONTO (Barrio) – Due to a massive backlog at Service Canada locations, renewing your passport may take longer than usual.

It is always a great idea to leave yourself enough time for your passport to be renewed. Especially if you have an upcoming vacation.

Thankfully, renewing your passport has become much easier. You are no longer required to have a guarantor and provide original documents. All you need is two references and a completed application form.

The application form requires information like your existing passport number, the date it was issued and the date it expired.

The fees range from $57 for a child’s passport to $160 for a 10-year adult passport. There may be additional administrative costs.

Those who need their passport in two business days or less are advised to visit a walk-in passport office, while those with more time should consider booking an appointment. If you are traveling in 26 business days or more, you can visit a Service Canada Centre or apply via mail.

Currently, in person wait times are extremely high.

Many have waited in line hours before open to secure an appointment. Regardless of whether you have an upcoming vacation, it’s a good idea to think ahead, as you could be left scrambling when you do need to use your passport.

Source: Service Canada