Lost or Stolen Passport Procedures in British Columbia

Quick Answer

If your passport is lost or stolen in BC, immediately call the Canadian Passport Program at 1-800-567-6868 to report it, file a report with the local RCMP or municipal police (e.g., VPD), then apply in-person at a Service Canada Centre with a completed declaration form, proof of citizenship, two photos, ID, the police report number, and payment (replacement cost: $120-$190).

1. Immediate Steps to Take in BC

Time is critical. Follow these steps in order to mitigate risk and speed up replacement.

1. Report the Loss/Theft to Canadian Authorities: Call the Canadian Passport Program at 1-800-567-6868 (TTY: 1-866-255-7655). They will invalidate your passport globally in the Interpol SLTD database.
2. File a Local Police Report: Go to the nearest police station in the jurisdiction where the incident occurred. This report is mandatory for your replacement application.
3. Contact Your Embassy/Consulate (If you are a foreign national): Visitors to BC must contact their home country's diplomatic mission (e.g., U.S. Consulate General Vancouver, British Consulate-General Vancouver).
4. Secure Other Valuables: Cancel credit cards if stolen and monitor accounts.

2. Reporting to Police in BC: Local Differences

Police structure in BC is a mix of municipal forces and RCMP jurisdictions. Where you report matters.

Data Point: In 2022, the VPD responded to over 1,200 reports of lost government-issued identification. A police report number is your proof for the passport office.

3. Reporting to the Federal Government

This is a national procedure, but BC residents have specific access points.

• Telephone Reporting (Mandatory): The 1-800-567-6868 line is your official federal report. Agents are available Mon-Fri, 8 am-8 pm local time. Outside hours, follow recorded instructions.
• Online Reporting: While you cannot fully report a loss online, you can download the required PPTC 203 Declaration Form.
• BC-Specific Federal Offices: Your report will be linked to your file at the Vancouver Passport Office (Sinclair Centre) or the Service Canada Centre where you will later apply.

4. The Replacement Application Process in BC

You must apply in person for a replacement of a lost/stolen passport. Mail-in applications are not accepted.

1. Complete Forms: Fill out the PPTC 203 (Lost/Stolen Declaration) and the standard adult (PPTC 153) or child (PPTC 155) application form.
2. Gather Documents: See Section 5 for a detailed list.
3. Get Passport Photos: Use a reputable photographer familiar with Canadian specifications. Many London Drugs, Shoppers Drug Mart, and independent studios in BC offer this service (~$15-$25).
4. Submit In Person: Go to a Service Canada Centre with Passport Services or a Passport Office. Present all documents, have your application reviewed, and pay fees.
5. Track & Receive: You will receive a tracking number. You can pick up the passport at the office or have it mailed via registered post.

5. Required Documents & BC-Specific ID

You must prove your identity and citizenship from scratch. Original documents are mandatory.

• Proof of Canadian Citizenship:
  • Original Canadian birth certificate (from any province, but if from BC, issued by the BC Vital Statistics Agency).
  • Original Certificate of Canadian Citizenship.
  • Note: A cancelled passport is NOT proof of citizenship.
• Proof of Identity (with Signature and Photo):
  • BC Driver's Licence or BC Services Card (with photo).
  • BC Identification Card (BCID).
  • Other valid federal or provincial photo ID.
• Supporting Documents:
  • Police Report: The file number and agency name.
  • Passport Photos: Two identical, recent photos endorsed by the guarantor (if required) or photographer.
  • Completed Application Forms: PPTC 203 + PPTC 153/155.
• Any Valid Passports: You must submit any other valid Canadian passports or travel documents in your possession.

6. Where to Apply in British Columbia

Remote & Northern BC: Residents in areas like Prince George, Kamloops, or Fort St. John can use local Service Canada Centres. Processing may involve mail-out to Vancouver, potentially adding 1-2 business days to standard times.

7. Processing Times & Expedited Services in BC

Times vary based on season (summer and Christmas are peak), location, and service type.

*Emergency service is discretionary and requires proof of travel (e.g., booked flight itinerary) within the next 24-48 hours due to a humanitarian crisis, critical illness, or death. Not for routine travel inconveniences.

8. Costs, Fees, and Potential Financial Implications

Replacing a lost/stolen passport incurs the same fees as a new application, with no "lost passport penalty fee."

• Replacement Passport Fees (2024):
  • 10-year adult passport (ages 16+): $190
  • 5-year adult passport (ages 16+): $120
  • 5-year child passport (0-15): $57
• Additional Service Fees:
  • Express Pick-up (2-9 business days): +$110
  • Emergency Pick-up (Next business day): +$110 (plus stringent eligibility)
• Incidental Costs in BC:
  • Passport Photos: $15 - $25 at most pharmacies (e.g., London Drugs).
  • Notarized/Commissioned Statements: If required for discrepancies, a BC Notary Public or Commissioner for Oaths may charge $50-$100.
  • Travel to Office: Potential transit/parking costs, especially in downtown Vancouver.
  • Replacement of Other Lost ID: Cost to replace a BC Driver's Licence (~$75) or BCID (~$35).
• Insurance: Some premium travel insurance policies (e.g., through BCAA, or credit cards like RBC Avion) may cover a portion of replacement costs and unexpected accommodation if stranded. Check your policy's "lost document" coverage.

9. Emergency Travel & Temporary Documents

If you need to travel before a full passport is ready, limited options exist.

• Emergency Travel Document (ETD): Issued by Global Affairs Canada for a direct return to Canada. For BC residents abroad, contact the nearest Canadian embassy. For foreign nationals in BC, contact their embassy.
• Temporary Passport: A limited-validity passport issued by the Vancouver Passport Office in proven urgent situations (e.g., critical illness/death abroad). Requires extensive documentation of the emergency.
• Travel Within Canada: You do not need a passport for domestic flights within Canada. A BC Driver's Licence or other government-issued photo ID is sufficient.
• Travel to the USA by Land/Sea: While a passport is recommended, a NEXUS card or an Enhanced Driver's Licence (EDL) from BC can be used at land/sea crossings. If your passport is lost but you have a valid NEXUS card, you may still cross.

10. Prevention & Safety Tips for BC Travelers

Reduce your risk, especially in high-traffic tourist areas like Vancouver's Gastown, Robson Street, or Whistler Village.

• Make Digital Copies: Scan your passport photo page, visa, and BC ID. Store securely in cloud storage (e.g., password-protected) and email a copy to yourself.
• Use Hotel Safes: Leave your passport locked in your hotel/Airbnb safe when not needed for identification.
• Carry a Photocopy: Carry a colour photocopy of your passport's photo page separately from the original. This can aid police and consular officials.
• Be Vigilant: Be aware of pickpockets in crowded areas (public transit, festivals like the Celebration of Light). Use anti-theft bags or inner pockets.
• Know Before You Go: For day trips to the USA (e.g., from BC to Washington), understand that losing your passport on the other side complicates re-entry. Always have your NEXUS/EDL as a backup.
• Register with ROSECA: BC residents traveling abroad for extended periods should register with the Registration of Canadians Abroad (ROSCA) service for emergency updates.

11. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Official Resources

• Government of Canada: Passport Services - Main portal for applications, forms, and fees.
• List of Passport Offices & Service Canada Centres in BC - Official locations and service hours.
• Form PPTC 203: Declaration Concerning a Lost, Stolen, Inaccessible or Destroyed Canadian Passport or Travel Document - Direct PDF download.
• Global Affairs Canada: Emergency Assistance - For Canadians abroad needing emergency travel documents.
• BC Ministry of Citizens' Services - For assistance with other lost BC government ID.
• Vancouver Police Department - Non-emergency contact and precinct locations.
• RCMP in British Columbia - Find local RCMP detachments outside major city centers.