Hi,
We did our application on-line and went to Hamilton office. There were about 150 people there already, so I thought we would have to wait hours. We didn't even sit down and our number was up next!! Our post office came 2 weeks, 4 days after visiting the passport office. New passports, not renewals for the 4 of us.
The best part was watching all the other people who had been there for hours and were still waiting because they did not have their applications filled out. One lady even yelled because she had been waiting already 2 hours and we just got there!!! Total time in passport office...30 minutes, that's right, 30minutes. Of course they charge huge for the service, rediculous. Online will tell you how much per person-depends on everyone's age.
We went to Wal-Mart for the pictures and they guarantee them providing you keep your receipt. If the passport office rejects your photo, Wal-Mart will retake free of charge with receipt from originals.
Your guarantor needs to be someone you have known for 2 years and holds a valid passport, we used a friend my DH has known for 34 years and travels alot. They sign the back of the pictures, prestamped at Wal-Mart AND the form you print online. THIS IS IMPORTANT THEY DO BOTH!!
My advice..fill your forms out online, print, get your guarantor to fill out their part, sign the pictures, and take with you.
I brought our marriage certificate, but because my OHIP, driver's licence and SIN were in my married name, she said I did not have to bring it, I hope you have the same luck.
Don't have a computer/printer? Ask someone to borrow theirs. Don't use a public one, just gives me shivers thinking about it.
Best luck!!!
