If you cannot find an eligible guarantor for your Canadian passport or citizenship certificate application, you must use Form PPTC 132 (Statutory Declaration in Lieu of Guarantor). This document must be sworn before a notary public or commissioner of oaths, which typically costs between $30 and $80 CAD.
Applying for your first Canadian passport or replacing a lost citizenship certificate is a massive milestone. 🏢 However, the federal government requires a guarantor to sign your application and verify your identity. A guarantor must be a Canadian citizen who has known you personally for at least two years. For many recent Permanent Residents (PRs) living in bustling cities like Toronto, Vancouver, or Calgary, finding someone who meets these strict criteria can feel completely overwhelming.
If you genuinely do not know anyone who qualifies, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) and Passport Canada offer a legal alternative. You can submit a Statutory Declaration in Lieu of Guarantor. This process allows a legal professional, such as a notary public or a lawyer, to verify your identity. While it adds an extra step to your application, it ensures that your lack of a long-term Canadian network does not prevent you from obtaining your vital travel documents.
Step-by-Step Process in Canada
Whether you are visiting a Service Canada centre in Edmonton, Halifax, or Montreal, the rules for the PPTC 132 form remain strictly federal. Navigating this process requires careful attention to detail, as any mistakes will cause your passport application to be rejected.
Step 1: Requesting Form PPTC 132
Unlike standard passport forms, Form PPTC 132 is not available for download on the IRCC or Government of Canada website. 📝 You must request this specific form in person at a designated Passport Canada office or call the federal passport program to have it mailed to you. The government restricts access to this form to ensure it is only used when absolutely necessary.
Step 2: Finding a Qualified Notary or Commissioner
Once you have the form, you must find an authorized legal professional. In most Canadian provinces, you can use a notary public, a commissioner of oaths, or a lawyer. You must bring your unsigned PPTC 132 form, your unsigned passport application, your photos, and your original identification documents (like your PR card or provincial driver’s licence) to the appointment.
Step 3: Swearing the Oath and Signing
During the appointment, the notary will ask you to swear an oath or make a solemn affirmation that the information in your application is true. 🗂️ You will then sign the form in front of them. The notary will officially stamp and sign the PPTC 132 form, sign your passport application, and write a specific certification on the back of one of your passport photos.
Step 4: Providing References
Using a Statutory Declaration does not exempt you from providing references. You must still provide two references on your passport application who have known you for at least two years. These references do not need to be Canadian citizens, but they cannot be your family members. Passport Canada will almost certainly call these references to verify your identity.
How Much Does it Cost in Canada?
Using a Statutory Declaration will add some legal fees to your standard passport or citizenship application costs. Below are the estimated expenses in CAD as of May 2026.
| Requirement / Service | Average Cost (CAD) | What is Included |
|---|---|---|
| Form PPTC 132 | $0 | The physical form provided by Passport Canada is free. |
| Notary Public Fee | $30 – $80 | The fee paid to the lawyer or notary to administer the oath and stamp your documents. |
| Adult Passport Fee (10-Year) | $160 | The standard government processing fee for a 10-year Canadian passport. |
| Citizenship Certificate Replacement | $75 | Government fee to replace a lost or stolen citizenship certificate. |
How Long Does the Process Take?
Obtaining the PPTC 132 form by mail can take 5 to 10 business days. ⏳ Once you have the form, a notary appointment usually takes less than 30 minutes. However, because applications using a Statutory Declaration undergo enhanced security screening, you should expect your overall passport processing time to be delayed by an additional 1 to 2 weeks.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can a lawyer act as my regular guarantor instead?
Only if the lawyer is a Canadian citizen with a valid passport who has known you personally for at least two years. If you just met the lawyer to hire them for this service, they cannot be your regular guarantor, but they can administer the PPTC 132 Statutory Declaration.
Can I use this form for my child’s passport?
Yes, if you are the parent applying for a child’s passport and you cannot find a guarantor for yourself to verify your identity as the applicant, you may use the Statutory Declaration in Lieu of Guarantor process.
Will Passport Canada definitely call my references?
Yes. When you use a PPTC 132, the security checks are much stricter. Passport officers will almost certainly contact your two listed references to confirm your identity and background.
Can a pharmacist sign a PPTC 132?
No. While pharmacists and doctors used to act as guarantors under old rules, a Statutory Declaration is a legal sworn statement. It must be signed by someone authorized by the province to administer oaths, such as a notary public or a commissioner for taking affidavits.
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