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No Guarantor for Canadian Passport? Declaration in Lieu of Guarantor Explained
The Declaration in Lieu of Guarantor is a sworn form used when you cannot find an eligible guarantor for a Canadian passport or travel document application. Instead of having a guarantor complete the guarantor section and certify your photo, you swear or affirm a separate declaration before an authorized official, such as a commissioner for oaths, notary public, or lawyer.
For Canadian passport applications, this is usually done using form PPTC 132. For certain Canadian travel document applications, such as refugee travel documents or certificates of identity, the related form is usually PPTC 326.
This guide explains when you need the declaration, who can act as a guarantor, what to bring, and what mistakes can delay your application. It is general information only. Passport Canada or IRCC makes the final decision on every application.
Who qualifies as a guarantor?
A guarantor is someone who confirms your identity for a passport application. They do this by completing part of the application form, certifying one of your passport photos, and being available if Passport Canada contacts them.
For most Canadian passport applications, a guarantor must meet these requirements:
Be a Canadian citizen
Be 18 years of age or older
Hold a valid Canadian passport, or a passport accepted under current Passport Program rules
Have known you personally for at least 2 years
Be available in Canada, if your application is being made in Canada
Sign the guarantor section of your application
Certify one passport photo by writing the required certification wording and signing it
The guarantor must know you well enough to confirm basic facts about your identity. They do not need to be your closest friend, but they cannot be someone who only knows your name or met you recently.
For a child passport, the guarantor rules can be slightly different because the guarantor may be confirming the identity of the applying parent or guardian and the child. Always check the instructions for the exact child application being submitted.
The key point is simple: a guarantor is not just a witness. They are vouching for your identity, and Passport Canada may contact them.
When you need the declaration instead
You need a Declaration in Lieu of Guarantor when you cannot reasonably find someone who meets the guarantor requirements.
This often happens in a few common situations.
You are applying for a first Canadian passport
First-time applicants sometimes struggle to find a guarantor, especially if they recently moved, changed communities, or do not know another Canadian passport holder who has known them for 2 years.
A first passport application often requires more identity confirmation than a simple renewal. If no proper guarantor is available, the declaration may be required.
Your passport expired a long time ago
If your previous Canadian passport expired too long ago, you may not qualify for the simplified renewal process. You may need to apply as if it were a new adult passport application.
That can bring back the guarantor requirement. If no eligible guarantor is available, PPTC 132 may be the solution.
You are a new Canadian citizen
New citizens often face this problem. Someone may have lived in Canada for years, but they may not know a Canadian citizen with a valid Canadian passport who has known them for at least 2 years.
In that case, the declaration helps bridge the gap. It does not guarantee approval, but it gives the passport office a sworn identity statement when a guarantor is not available.
You live in Canada but your close contacts do not qualify
A friend may know you well but not be a Canadian citizen. A co-worker may be Canadian but not have a valid passport. A neighbour may have a passport but has only known you for 6 months.
In all of these cases, that person may be a useful reference, but they likely cannot act as a guarantor.
PPTC 132 vs PPTC 326
PPTC 132 and PPTC 326 serve a similar purpose, but they are used for different types of applications.
Form | Usually used for | Who it is generally for |
PPTC 132 | Declaration in Lieu of Guarantor for passport applications | Canadian citizens applying for a Canadian passport |
PPTC 326 | Statutory Declaration in Lieu of Guarantor for travel document applications | Refugees, protected persons, stateless persons, and some permanent residents in special cases |
PPTC 132 is for Canadian passport applicants
If you are a Canadian citizen and you cannot find a guarantor for your passport application, PPTC 132 is usually the form you need.
This applies to many adult passport applications and some child passport situations where the standard guarantor requirement cannot be met.
PPTC 326 is for certain travel document applicants
PPTC 326 is usually connected to Canadian travel document applications, not regular Canadian passports.
It may apply to people seeking documents such as:
Refugee travel documents
Certificates of identity
Travel documents for protected persons
Travel documents for stateless persons
Travel documents for permanent residents in special cases
A permanent resident does not automatically use PPTC 326. The correct form depends on the type of travel document being requested and the person’s status in Canada.
If unsure, check the application guide or ask the office helping with the application before swearing the form.
What to bring to swear it
The declaration must be sworn or affirmed before an authorized official. That person confirms your identity, watches you sign, and completes the commissioning section.
Bring everything needed so the declaration can be completed properly in one visit.
You should bring:
The correct form, PPTC 132 or PPTC 326
The form filled out, but not signed
Two passport photos
Two pieces of identification
Your passport application package, if available
Your child’s birth certificate, if the application is for a child
Any supporting documents connected to the application
Do not sign the declaration before the appointment. The whole point is that the signature must happen in front of the authorized official.
If you need local help, Document Genie offers commissioner for oaths services for these declarations.
References
The declaration does not remove the need for references. You still need people who can confirm your identity if Passport Canada or IRCC contacts them.
Most applications require two references.
Your references generally must:
Be unrelated to you
Have known you for at least 2 years
Be available by phone
Know enough about you to answer basic identity questions
Not live at the same address, unless the application guide allows it
References are not the same as guarantors. They do not sign your passport photo. They do not complete the guarantor section. Their role is to answer questions if contacted.
Choose references carefully. Tell them before you list them. Make sure their phone numbers are current and they know to expect a possible call.
A delayed or missed reference call can slow down the application.
Validity
A Declaration in Lieu of Guarantor is tied to the application it was made for.
That means:
One declaration is used for one application
The original declaration must be submitted with the application
A photocopy is usually not enough
A declaration for one person cannot be reused for another person
A declaration for one application type should not be used for a different application type
If two family members are applying, each person will usually need their own declaration if each person lacks a guarantor.
For example, a parent applying for a passport and a child applying for a child passport should not assume one declaration covers both files. Each application has its own identity review.
Common mistakes
Signing the form too early The declaration must be signed in front of the authorized official. If it is signed before the appointment, it may need to be redone.
Using the wrong form Canadian citizens usually need PPTC 132. Travel document applicants may need PPTC 326. The wrong form can cause delays.
Bringing only one piece of ID Bring two pieces of identification unless your instructions clearly say otherwise. More complete documents make the appointment easier.
Listing relatives as references References usually must be unrelated. A relative may know you well, but that does not usually make them acceptable as a reference.
Forgetting the photo certification requirement The photo may still need to be certified as part of the declaration process. Bring the photos with you.
FAQ
Can a family member be a guarantor?
Sometimes, yes, if they meet all guarantor requirements and the application instructions allow it. They must be a Canadian citizen, be at least 18, have an acceptable Canadian passport, and have known you for at least 2 years.
Do not assume a family member qualifies just because they know you well. They must meet the passport program’s guarantor rules.
Can references be relatives?
Usually, no. References are generally expected to be unrelated to you and to have known you for at least 2 years.
Use people such as long-time friends, neighbours, co-workers, landlords, teachers, or community contacts, as long as they meet the requirements and are available by phone.
How long is it valid?
A declaration is meant for the specific application being submitted. It should be completed close to the time the application is filed.
If too much time passes, or if the application changes, you may be asked to complete a new declaration.
Is one declaration valid for two applications?
No. One declaration is for one application.
If two people apply, each person who lacks a guarantor generally needs their own declaration. If one person has two separate applications, those files may also need separate documents.
How Can Document Genie Help You?
Document Genie has helped with passport-related declarations since 2017, serving clients across Canada and abroad. The team has handled thousands of similar files and has more than 3,000 Google reviews at 4.9 stars.
For Declaration in Lieu of Guarantor files, Document Genie can help with:
Blank PPTC 132 and PPTC 326 forms on hand
Commissioning completed on the spot
Photo certification
Passport photos taken
Application package checked before submission
This can be helpful if you are unsure which parts to sign, what ID to bring, or whether your photos and references are ready.
Document Genie is not a passport office. It cannot submit your application for you, approve your passport, or expedite processing. The final decision stays with Passport Canada or IRCC.
If you need help with a Declaration in Lieu of Guarantor, call 587-501-2088 or book online. Bring your unsigned form, two photos, two pieces of ID, and your application package so everything can be reviewed in one visit.
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