Information for Canadian law enforcement

The Canadian passport is a valuable document that, in addition to facilitating international travel, also demonstrates identity and citizenship. Information sharing between Passport Canada and our national and international security partners is a key element to protecting the security of Canadian travel documents.

Guidelines for the handling of lost, stolen and found passports and travel documents

Lost and stolen Canadian passport or travel document

When a member of the public reports the loss or theft of a Canadian passport/travel document to law enforcement, Passport Canada requests that the law enforcement agency:

  • Accepts the report of loss or theft;

  • Enters the occurrence in the Canadian Police Information Centre (CPIC) (detailed instructions on how to report lost or stolen Canadian passports/travel documents in CPIC can be found under Appendix III-5-D of the CPIC Manual); and

  • Advises the complainant to immediately report the loss or theft to Passport Canada by calling 1-800-567-6868 or presenting themselves at a Passport Canada Office. Outside Canada, a report should be made at the nearest Government of Canada office abroad and to local police.

Once a passport/travel document has been reported lost or stolen, it must never be returned to the bearer as it is no longer valid and cannot be used for travel. If the passport/travel document is later found or recovered, Passport Canada requests that the law enforcement agency return the document to Passport Canada directly (see address below).

Found Canadian passport or travel document that is returned to police

All found Canadian passports and travel documents must be returned to Passport Canada. A Canadian passport or travel document that is returned to law enforcement should never be returned to the bearer under any circumstances.

When in possession of a found passport or travel document, the law enforcement agency must:

  • Obtain a written statement from the individual of where, when and how he or she found the passport or travel document; and

  • Return the passport or travel document to Passport Canada (at the address below) with:

    • full contact details or business card of the law enforcement officer; and

    • a copy of the police occurrence report or a note detailing the circumstances (how, who, where, when) the passport or travel document was recovered.

    Passport Canada
    Security Bureau - Passport Protection Section, 3rd floor
    Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada
    Gatineau, QC  K1A 0G3

Passport Canada’s process for handling lost or stolen Canadian passports or travel documents

When Passport Canada becomes aware that a Canadian passport/travel document is lost or stolen:

  • Passport Canada invalidates the document.

    • Once it has been reported lost or stolen, the passport/travel document is no longer valid and cannot be used for travel. This is to ensure that it is not used for fraudulent purposes.

  • Passport Canada disseminates information.

    • Passport Canada enters information about lost and stolen passports/travel documents into the Canadian Police Information Centre (CPIC). INTERPOL obtains this data from CPIC and uploads it into their Lost, Stolen and Fraudulent Document (LSFD) database, where it can be accessed by member countries and border officials.
    • Passport Canada also provides information about lost and stolen passports/travel documents to Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) directly. CBSA uploads this information into their systems, making it accessible to their frontline officers.

Guidelines for the handling of seized or surrendered Canadian passports or travel documents

Passport Canada’s legal authority and mandate are derived from the Canadian Passport Order. Pursuant to section 3(c) of the Order, Canadian passports/travel documents remain the property of Her Majesty in right of Canada at all times. In respect of this property right, it is important that Passport Canada be advised immediately when a law enforcement agency seizes a Canadian passport/travel document, or when a court orders an accused to surrender his or her passport/travel document. Law enforcement must provide this notice via CPIC. Please see Appendix III-5-D of the CPIC manual for additional information.

Upon being advised that a Canadian passport/travel document has been seized or surrendered, Passport Canada will notify the agency by CPIC message that the passport/travel document must be returned as soon as possible. Law enforcement may also advise the passport/travel document bearer that the document in question has been returned to Passport Canada and to contact Passport Canada once his/her legal issues are resolved. Note that a template letter can be obtained from Passport Canada should individuals in this situation have questions about the whereabouts of the travel document issued in their name.

As well, upon being advised that a Canadian passport/travel document has been seized or surrendered, Passport Canada will re-assess the individual’s ongoing entitlement to passport/travel document services. This assessment may result in formal revocation proceedings and the imposition of a period of withheld service.

Returning seized and surrendered Canadian passports/travel documents to Passport Canada will:

  • safeguard the security, value and integrity of Canadian passports/travel documents;
  • ensure the identity of its bearer is not compromised.

Seized and surrendered Canadian passports/travel documents should be returned by traceable mail to Passport Canada (see below) at the earliest opportunity along with your full contact details and a copy of the recognizance, undertaking, bail document, interim release document, court order or seizure notice.

Passport Canada
Security Bureau, 3rd floor
Foreign Affairs and International trade Canada
Gatineau, QC  K1A 0G3