Important Due to Covid-19, processing times for passports are taking longer than normal for both standard and expedited services.

Can I renew my US passport while retaining my Canadian citizenship?

Question: I'm 28 years old, born in the US and am a Canadian citizen living in Canada. My US passport was last renewed at the age of 5.


1. I would like to renew my US passport and not sure how to do so. Please advise.

2. I would also like to know if I can retain my Canadian citizenship as well after renewing my US passport; i.e. would I be able to have dual citizenship? If so, what steps do I need to take?

Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Answer: The U.S. and Canada allow for dual citizenship. You only lose U.S. citizenship if you voluntarily relinquish it. This requires you complete a form and pay a fee. If you did not do this, then you probably have dual citizenship and can possess passports from both countries. You should use a valid U.S. passport to enter the United States and a valid Canadian passport to enter Canada.

Since your U.S. passport was issued when you were a minor, you must appear in person in order to apply for a new one. You can do this at the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate general. Below if a list of locations.

• Canada: Ottawa

• Canada: Calgary

• Canada: Halifax

• Canada: Montreal

• Canada: Quebec

• Canada: Toronto

• Canada: Vancouver

• Canada: Winnipeg

Comments for Can I renew my US passport while retaining my Canadian citizenship?

Click here to add your own comments

US Passport renewal - Dual citizenship
by: Jimmy

Question: I am US-born. I am a U.S. and Canadian citizen. My U.S. passport is expiring. Do I need to renew my U.S. passport or I can simply travel to the U.S. on my Canadian passport?

Answer: You are required my law to enter and depart the United States using your U.S. passport. If it will expire before your trip to the U.S., you need to renew your passport before traveling.

You can do this via mail or at the U.S. Embassy or the nearest U.S. Consulate in Canada.

Click here to add your own comments

Join in and write your own page! It's easy to do. How? Simply click here to return to Passport Renewal Questions.

Click for fast expedited courier service

Top 5 Questions About Expedited Passport Couriers

1. How can you get a passport when you're in a hurry?
2. What exactly does a passport expediter do?
3. Are passport expediting services legitimate?
4. How can I identify a reliable passport expeditor?
5. Is expedited passport service worth it?

Read them in order or click the question you most want answered.

UPDATE: Mailing delays and high demand are impacting passport processing. The Department of State's processing times begin when applications are received at a passport agency or center and not when you mail them or apply at a local acceptance facility. Standard service may take between 10 and 13 weeks. This timeframe does not include delivery time. Mailing times vary across the country.

Expedited service takes from 7 to 9 weeks excluding mailing times on the front and back end. Current mailing delays are significant. Requesting 1-2-day mailing service is recommended.

Regional passport agencies are offering two types of appointments: Life-of-Death Emergency Service and Urgent Travel Service.

Life-or-death emergencies are serious illnesses, injuries, or deaths in your immediate family (parent, legal guardian, child, spouse, sibling, and grandparent) that require you to travel outside the United States within 3 business days.

If you need to travel due to a qualified life-or-death emergency, please call the National Passport Information Center for an appointment:

Mondays through Fridays 8 A.M. to 8 P.M. ET, call 1-877-487-2778 (TDD/TTY:1-888-874-7793) Outside of these hours, call 202-647-4000.

For Urgent Travel Service, you need to call 14 days before your scheduled international travel or 28 days if you also need to secure a foreign visa.

If you need to travel urgently for reasons other than a life-or-death emergency, please call the NPIC at 1-877-487-2778 Mondays through Fridays 8 A.M. to 10 P.M. ET.

Latest Passport & Travel Updates

Getting a Passport Expedited at a Post Office
Requesting express service at post offices and other facilities that accept application forms from U.S. citizens.

Applying at a Regional Passport Agency
Where processing centers are located. How to schedule an appointment. What documents to take with you.

Using a Registered Courier Service
How to pick a legitimate courier service company to assist in getting your passport quickly.

Routine vs. Expedited Passport Service: How to Choose
Guide to help you decide if standard or fast track processing is the best option for your situation.

10 Benefits of Expediters
What are the advantages of employing the services a qualified expediter?

How to Renew a U.S. Passport Fast
Learn to expedite passport renewals as quickly as the same day. Where and how to renew passport in a hurry.

Passport Renewal Videos
Watch step-by-step instructional passport videos of how to renew a passport in 3 steps.

Make Your Own Passport Photos
Use the online Passport Photo Wizard tool to make your own passport photos in minutes. Save money and time.

Travel Warnings
The latest alerts to help you prepare for a safe and secure trip abroad.

Travel Documents
List of the most important travel documents and information about how and where to get them.

Travel Safety
Discover practical advice on how to keep safe during international trips.

23 International Travel Tips to Save Money on Transportation, Lodging & More
Cool ways to make your money stretch farther on travel expenses so that you can go more often and stay longer.

Expedite Your Passport Now!

About :: Contact :: Privacy Policy :: Cookie Policy :: Terms of Use :: Sitemap
© U.S. Passport Service Guide, All Rights Reserved