I like living close enough to a Passport Canada office that I can go into the office in person for a renewal. I could mail my renewal application (and passport) in person, but I like coming to the Passport Canada office in Canada Place. Aside from having to drive downtown and pay for parking I've always found my experience here to be pretty pleasant. I know some people aren't going to enjoy coming down to get a passport, but I'm okay with it, mainly because I know renewing my passport means getting to travel. Plus rumour has it that if you renew or send in a passport application in person it takes less time to get approved than if you were to mail your application in.
When you go in security will ask if you're getting a new passport or a renewal and will send you to the right line. You'll get up to a counter, and someone will review your forms, photos, and passport (if renewing). If you've missed something on the form, you'll need to fix the application or refill out a new one. I recommend filling out the form at home (available online at www.passport.gc.ca). If you filled out something incorrectly or missed something you might have to complete a new form, so it's also best to bring a pen with you. There was only one desk to sit at and fill out your forms, and it was pretty busy.
After (hopefully) getting approved at the first counter, you're given a ticket with a number on it. There's a digital display that will show which ticket numbers are ready to go up for the rest of the process. So even though it can get busy, and looks busy, it's pretty organized. I think my friend and I waited about 20 minutes while we were there. The workers here are super customer service friendly, but they're polite and quick, which is what you want in a place like this.
Depending on what passport you are getting the cost varies. For an adult, the 5-year passport costs $120 and the 10 year costs $160. Looking at it another way the 5-year passport $2/month, and the 10 year one works out to $1.33/month, which seems like a reasonable price to pay for travel. They only accept payment by debit or credit card, so some prepared. If you want to keep your old passport, as a memento of your previous travels, be sure to let them know before you pay, or else they'll destroy your old passport.
Finally, I'll finish this review with a small word of warning - make sure to give yourself lots of time to get you a passport, especially if you have travel plans. Back in 2010 I came into renew my passport, and this girl asked if she could go ahead of me in line. Not being in a rush I said, "sure." She went up to the counter and asked if she could get her passport right away because she had an international flight leaving in 3 hours. What? I'm sorry. Even a rush passport won't be approved in 3 hours (plus having to get to the airport, and go through security, and customs she would have never made her flight). So just remember this. Get your passport application in before, weeks, even months, before you need it.
Passport Canada it was fun. Hopefully, I won't have to go back here until 2025. read more