A Single Parent's Guide to Child Passports in Ontario
Planning a trip but facing a paperwork nightmare? Learn when you need your ex's signature, how to apply with 'Sole Custody,' and what to do if the other parent refuses to sign.
Legal Review: This passport guide was reviewed by Deepa Tailor, Senior Family Lawyer, to ensure compliance with Passport Canada regulations and Ontario Family Court procedures (2026).
Do I Need the Other Parent's Signature?
The General Rule: YES. Passport Canada typically requires signatures from both biological parents (or legal guardians) listed on the birth certificate.
The Exception: You can apply alone ONLY if you have a valid Court Order (not just a separation agreement) granting you 'Sole Decision-Making' AND specifically stating the other parent has no rights regarding passport application. If you don't have this order, and the other parent refuses to sign, you must go to court to get one.
Which Situation Fits You?
Cooperative Co-Parents
Both parents sign the application. One acts as the 'Applicant,' the other signs as 'Other Parent.' This is the fastest route.
Sole Custody Order
You have a Court Order granting Sole Decision-Making. You submit the application alone, attaching the certified court order.
The Refusal
The other parent exists but refuses to sign out of spite. Passport Canada will reject your application. Remedy: Court Motion to Dispense with Consent.
The Absent Parent
The other parent cannot be found. You may need to submit form PPTC 116 (Statutory Declaration) proving you have tried to locate them.
What Does Passport Canada Accept?
Bureaucracy is strict. Don't get rejected at the counter.
Separation Agreement
Status:
Often Rejected
Why:
A private contract is not a court order. Even if it says you have custody, Passport agents may still demand the other parent's signature to avoid liability.
Final Court Order
Status:
Accepted
Why:
A judge's order overrides parental rights. We draft orders with specific 'Passport Clauses' directing the government to issue the document without the ex's signature.
How to Force the Issue
The Request Letter
We send a formal legal letter asking them to sign the application by a specific date. This proves you tried to be reasonable.
The Motion (Form 14B)
We file a motion in Family Court asking for an order 'Dispensing with Consent' for the passport.
Costs Argument
Because their refusal was unreasonable, we ask the judge to order them to pay your legal fees for the motion.
The Travel Consent
Getting the passport is Step 1. You may also need a court order allowing you to travel without a notarized consent letter from the ex.
Passport FAQs
Related Resources
Deepa Tailor
Senior Family Lawyer
Deepa Tailor is the founder of Tailor Law. She helps single parents overcome bureaucratic roadblocks, securing the court orders needed to obtain passports and travel freely with their children.
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