Statutory Declaration In Lieu of Guarantor: For Travel Document

What Is a Guarantor and Why Is One Required?

A guarantor is someone who confirms your identity when you apply for certain government documents, including a travel document/passport.

They play an important role by:

• Signing your application form

• Certifying your passport photo

• Being available to verify your identity if contacted with questions

You’ll typically need a guarantor when applying for:

• Your first Canadian passport

• A child’s passport

• A replacement for a lost, stolen, or expired passport

To qualify, a guarantor must be a Canadian citizen with a valid passport who has known you personally for at least two years. While that may sound simple, many people find it surprisingly difficult to meet these requirements, especially if you are new to Canada or have a limited network.

What can you do if you do not have a guarantor?

There is an alternative available if you do not have a guarantor available to sign your document in Canada. If you cannot find someone who qualifies, you can complete a Statutory Declaration in Lieu of Guarantor (Form PPTC 132):

• The form allows an applicant to declare their identity and explain why they don’t have a guarantor

• It must be sworn in front of a notary public or commissioner of oaths

• It is accepted as an alternative, but applications using it may be subject to additional review or verification

• It does not guarantee the same processing speed or simplicity as having a guarantor

• Keep in mind that applications submitted with this form may be subject to additional review, so processing times can be longer.

  As passport forms are periodically updated, it is always a good idea to confirm you are using the most current version from Passport Canada.

In addition to signing the declaration, the official/notary will also need to certify, sign and date the back of one photo with "This is exhibit A in support of the applicant's statutory declaration". If you are also submitting additional supporting identity documents, these will need to be signed and dated by the official/notary as well.

Who Can Be Your References?

Even without a guarantor, you’ll still need to provide two references on your application.

The requirements for references are more flexible:

• They must be at least 18 years old

• They must have known you for at least two years

• They cannot be family members or live in your household

Your references can be friends, coworkers, neighbours, or acquaintances who can confirm your identity if contacted. Unlike guarantors, they do not need to sign your application.

Need Help getting Your Statutory Declaration Commissioned/Notarized?

At Affordable Markham Notary Public, we make the process simple, fast, and stress-free. Whether you’re applying for your first passport or replacing a lost one, we can help with your Statutory Declaration in Lieu of Guarantor.

We offer:

• Same-day appointments

• Walk-in availability

• Affordable, transparent pricing

• Friendly, professional service

Don't delay and book an appointment today: https://www.affordablemarkhamnotary.com/booking-calendar/statutory-declaration?referral=service_list_widget