Again it's time for that ritual! Canadian passports are only valid for five years. At this time, rather than just a renewal, the whole process must be completed over again. If I had the chance to wait another month, I would be eligible for the slightly relaxed procedures that are due to come into effect. But as there have been long delays, and as I want the new one by mid-September, I chose to initiate the process now. This means I still need to go through the process of having a guarantor from the professions sign the form, verify the photos, and vouch for me.After getting the photos, I drove home, parked outside, and ran up to get my completed application form. In the morning, I had used Passport Canada's online method to fill in the data and print the forms myself. I had to run back uptown to my doctor's office to drop off the paper work, so he can act as guarantor.
Tomorrow, I hope to get it back from the doc and drop off the application at the Surrey passport office. It will mean turning in my current one. It seems a little silly to have to be without one in order to get a new one. I'm not quite sure how the country is safer because of the required procedures.