New passport requirements coming May 9

Canadians applying for a passport this spring should take note of new photo and signature requirements.

As of May 9, photos will be valid for six months from the date they were taken (currently 12 months). Additionally, applicants will not be allowed to wear tinted eyeglasses for their passport photo.

New passports printed on or after May 9, 2015, will no longer have a pre-printed digital signature on page 2. Applicants must physically sign page 3 in the passport book when they receive it. This change has no effect on the security or integrity of the passport. Previous versions of the passport book, which include the signature, remain valid.