Applying for a Canadian Passport: Understanding Guarantors, the "In Lieu of Guarantor" Form, and the Notary’s Role

Applying for a Canadian Passport: Understanding Guarantors, the "In Lieu of Guarantor" Form, and the Notary’s Role

Applying for a Canadian passport can feel overwhelming — especially when clients arrive at my office expecting me to act as their guarantor. As a licensed Notary Public and Commissioner of Oaths in Ontario, I frequently see this confusion. Many people believe a notary can serve as a guarantor or fully handle the entire passport application. Unfortunately, that is not correct.

In this guide, I explain the passport application process in Canada, the guarantor requirement, when and how to use the Statutory Declaration in Lieu of Guarantor, and exactly what a notary can (and cannot) do to help you.

1. Do You Need a Guarantor for a Canadian Passport?
Yes — in most cases.

According to the official Government of Canada website, a guarantor is required for most adult passport applications submitted within Canada. The guarantor must:

Be a Canadian citizen
Be 18 years or older
Have known you personally for at least 2 years
Hold a valid 5- or 10-year Canadian passport (not expired for more than 1 year)
The guarantor must personally sign:

Your passport application form
The back of one of your passport photos (“I certify this to be a true likeness of…”)
Photocopies of your supporting identity documents (if you are not submitting originals)
Important: A Notary Public cannot act as your guarantor simply because they are a notary. The guarantor role is personal and based on knowing you for two years.

2. What If You Don’t Have a Guarantor?
If you cannot find an eligible guarantor, you must complete the Statutory Declaration in Lieu of Guarantor (Form PPTC 132).

This form is not available online. You must request it by:

Visiting a Passport Canada office in person, or
Contacting the Passport Program by phone or mail
Once you have the form, you must:

Fill it out (but do not sign it yet)
Bring it, along with your passport photos and supporting documents, to a Notary Public or Commissioner of Oaths
Swear/declare the information in front of the notary
The notary will then:

Witness your signature on the declaration
Certify your passport photos (by signing the back and writing “I certify this to be a true likeness…”)
Certify photocopies of your identity documents (if required)
3. The Notary’s Role in Passport Applications
As a Notary Public in Ontario, I can help with the following:

I CAN:

Witness and notarize the Statutory Declaration in Lieu of Guarantor
Certify your passport photos as a true likeness
Certify photocopies of your supporting identity documents
Administer oaths or declarations required for the application
I CANNOT:

Act as your guarantor
Provide legal advice about your passport application
Guarantee that the Government of Canada will approve your application
4. Step-by-Step Process Most Clients Follow
Complete the passport application form (PPTC 140 for adults).
Get two identical passport photos taken.
Try to find an eligible guarantor. If unsuccessful, request Form PPTC 132.
Book an appointment with a notary public.
Bring:Completed application form
Original identification documents
Two passport photos
Completed (unsigned) Statutory Declaration in Lieu of Guarantor (if applicable)
The notary will witness your signature and certify the photos/documents.
Submit everything to a Passport Canada office or by mail.
Final Advice
Many clients come to my office expecting a quick stamp and signature, only to discover they need a guarantor or the special declaration form. Planning ahead saves time and stress.

If you’re applying for a Canadian passport and don’t have a guarantor, feel free to contact me. I can notarize the Statutory Declaration in Lieu of Guarantor and certify your photos and documents properly.

Need help with your passport documents? Call or text 647-853-4977 to book a mobile or office appointment with New Horizons Notary Services in Toronto & the GTA.