Ottawa is trying to make it easier for Canadians to travel.
The federal government announced on Tuesday that it has lifted the cap on the number of people per day who can renew their passport online. This clears the way for all eligible Canadians can get a passport renewal digitally.
"Expanding online renewal gives eligible Canadians a simpler, more convenient way to renew their passports, without unnecessary barriers or delays," said Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Lena Metlege Diab.
She added that there are a few requirements for renewing digitally that differ from doing it in person or by mail.
You can only apply online if your passport expires in six months or less, if you live in Canada and will be home to receive your passport, and if there are no observations on your passport.
If you're renewing online, you must use the same name, date of birth, place of birth and gender identifier on your new passport as on your current passport.
The government warns that as soon as you apply for a new passport online, your current passport will be cancelled, adding that you should ensure you won't need it in the time it takes for your new passport to be processed and mailed to you.
It's believed that expanding passport renewal services will benefit people who struggle to get to Service Canada Centres, including those who live in rural or remote communities and those with mobility challenges.
"Accessible service means giving Canadians options, starting with more ways to renew a passport," said Minister of Jobs and Families Patty Hajdu. "We are removing the barriers between Canadians and the services they rely on by modernizing how we deliver them and shaping them around how people live."
In person and mail in services are still available.
