Can I replace my citizenship certificate or card if there’s a mistake on it?

This includes applications for

• adults
• minors 14 and older
• Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) members

How to send the request

Email the office that sent you your ceremony invitation. If possible, reply directly to the invitation email, so we can answer you faster.

In the email

• type this in the subject line: “E-certificate error – application number (provide your application number(opens in a new tab)  )”
  • For example: E-certificate error – application number C123456789
• provide the applicant’s name and date of birth
• tell us what needs to be fixed

If your request is urgent

To send an urgent request, follow the instructions above and

• add “Urgent” at the beginning of the email’s subject line
  • For example: Urgent - E-certificate error – application number C123456789
• tell us why it’s urgent
  • For example, you have an emergency.
• include a document that shows why your request is urgent

After you send the email

We’ll review your request to confirm if we can replace your certificate for free.

If we determine that we did not make the mistake

• we’ll explain why we’re refusing the request
• if you want, you can apply on paper to replace the certificate and pay the fee (opens in a new tab)  

This includes applications

• for a minor aged 13 and under to become a Canadian citizen
• for proof of citizenship (citizenship certificate)
• to resume Canadian citizenship after giving it up

How to send your request

Submit a request using our web form (opens in a new tab) .

Complete all the required fields and tell us what needs to be fixed.

If your request is urgent

To send an urgent request, follow the instructions above and

• write “URGENT” in the web form
• tell us why it’s urgent
  • For example, you have an emergency.

After you send your request

We’ll review your request to confirm if we can replace your certificate for free.

If we determine we did not make the mistake

• we’ll explain why we’re refusing the request
• if you want, you can apply on paper to replace the certificate and pay the fee (opens in a new tab) 

1. Prepare these documents:
   • the citizenship certificate with the mistake
   • a note explaining what needs to be fixed

   If your request is urgent, you also need to

   • explain why it’s urgent (for example, if you have an emergency)
   • include a document to support your explanation
   • write “Urgent” in large, dark letters on the envelope.
2. Send your documents to us.

   Send them to us by mail or courier if you got the certificate after applying.

   • to become a Canadian citizen (grant of citizenship)
   • to resume your Canadian citizenship after giving it up
   • for a citizenship certificate (proof of citizenship) from Canada or the United States
     • This includes online and paper applications.

If you applied for a citizenship certificate from outside Canada and the United States, send your documents to the Canadian embassy, high commission or consulate(opens in a new tab) 

• where you submitted your paper application or
• that you chose in the online application

We’ll review your request to confirm if we can replace your certificate for free.

If we determine that we did not make the mistake

• we’ll explain why we are refusing the request
• you’ll get your documents back
• if you want, you can apply on paper to replace the certificate and pay the fee (opens in a new tab)