Your Guide to the Statutory Declaration in Lieu of Guarantor (Form PPTC 326)

By Narek Mirzoyan • Licensed Paralegal & Immigration Consultant • Updated on July 27, 2025 • 10 min read

By Narek Mirzoyan • Licensed Paralegal & Immigration Consultant

Updated on July 27, 2025 • 10 min read

Table of Contents

Key Takeaways

The Statutory Declaration in Lieu of Guarantor (Form PPTC 326) is for non-Canadians applying for travel documents who don’t have a guarantor.
This form is typically required when applying for a Certificate of Identity or a Refugee Travel Document.
Applicants must provide personal details, explain the absence of a guarantor, list two IDs, and sign the form in front of an official.
Form PPTC 326 must be commissioned in person, and two references are still required for the overall application.
Use NotaryPro’s free Form PPTC 326 template and book an in-person notary appointment online in minutes.

Applying for Canadian travel documents as a non-Canadian isn’t always straightforward, especially if you’re going through the process without a guarantor. At its core, a guarantor is an individual who can verify your identity and support your application. If you can’t find one who meets the requirements, you may need to submit a Statutory Declaration instead.

Understanding how a Statutory Declaration in Lieu of Guarantor (Form PPTC 326) works can help you move forward with confidence. This guide breaks it all down so you can prepare, complete, and commission your Form PPTC 326 with clarity and ease.

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What Is a Statutory Declaration in Lieu of Guarantor (Form PPTC 326)?

Form PPTC 326 is a legal document called a Statutory Declaration. You use this document when applying for a Canadian travel document as a non-Canadian who doesn’t have a suitable guarantor. A guarantor is a person who helps confirm your identity, attesting that you are who you claim to be.

Instead of confirming your identity with a guarantor, you use this declaration to swear that the information in your application is accurate. You must sign this declaration before an authorized official, like a notary, declaring that the contents of your application are truthful.

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Who is a Guarantor?

A guarantor is someone who knows you and can affirm that you are who you claim to be in your travel document application. This person confirms your identity and that you are the person in the photos you submit with your application. They can be a friend, co-worker, or neighbour, as long as they meet the core requirements listed below:

Be a Canadian citizen
Be at least 18 years old
Have personally known you for at least two years
Hold a valid or recently expired (within one year) five- or ten-year Canadian passport
Have been at least 16 years old when they received their Canadian passport
Be available to confirm your identity if contacted by Passport Canada
Be able to provide passport details, like their passport number and issue date

If you’re a parent or legal guardian applying for a travel document on behalf of your child, you cannot act as their guarantor. That said, the other parent or legal guardian (who is not submitting the application) can, provided they meet the above requirements.

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When Do You Need a Statutory Declaration in Lieu of Guarantor (Form PPTC 326)?

There are specific situations where Form PPTC 326 is required, these include when you are:

1. When applying for a Certificate of Identity

This applies to stateless individuals or permanent residents who are unable to obtain a national passport from their country of origin. These individuals may need a Certificate of Identity when a government is unwilling or unable to issue a passport to them.

2. When applying for a Refugee Travel Document

Refugees or protected persons under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act in Canada may need this document. A refugee or protected person would use this document when they need to travel but cannot obtain a passport from their country.

Who Can Use Form PPTC 326?

Form PPTC 326 is specifically reserved for individuals who are not eligible for a Canadian passport, including:

Refugees
Protected persons
Stateless individuals
Permanent residents (in special circumstances)

Canadian citizens applying for a passport, replacing their passport, or renewing their passport without a guarantor must use Form PPTC 132.

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Who Can Commission Form PPTC 326?

The Statutory Declaration in Lieu of Guarantor (Form PPTC 326) must be commissioned by an authorized official who administers oaths. If you’re inside Canada, common authorized officials include:

A notary public
A Commissioner for Oaths
A Justice of the Peace
A lawyer

Outside Canada, you can have your form commissioned by:

A Canadian or British diplomatic or consular representative
A qualified local official, such as a civil servant or member of Parliament

An authorized official does not need to know you personally. Their role is to witness your signature and certify that you are who you say you are.

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Where to Get Form PPTC 326?

You can download the Statutory Declaration in Lieu of Guarantor (Form PPTC 326) for free through our website. It’s the same official version provided by the Government of Canada.

You can also get a copy from any passport service location across Canada. If you’re applying from outside Canada or the U.S., contact the nearest Canadian embassy or consulate.

For additional questions regarding Form PPTC 326, you may contact the IRCC.

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Details to Include in Form PPTC 326

When completing Form PPTC 326, you need to write in capital letters and use black or dark blue ink. More importantly, ensure all information provided is truthful and complete. False declarations can result in legal consequences, prosecution, or refusal of your travel document or Certificate of Identity.

Here are the important details you need to include in your Form PPTC 326:

1. Applicant’s Personal Information

Start by entering your:

Full surname and given name(s)
UCI (Unique Client Identifier), if available
Date of birth
City, province or territory (if applicable), and country of birth
Current address and contact details

2. Declaration of Applicant

In the declaration portion, you need to explain why you can’t provide a guarantor. Write a short statement explaining why you’re unable to find someone who meets the guarantor requirements.

Next, list two valid pieces of ID, labelled as Document A and Document B. For each one, include:

Type of document (e.g., driver’s licence, PR card, or health card)
The document number

You must confirm all the information you’ve provided is true by singing this section. Ensure you include:

The date you’re signing
Whether the form is for yourself or for a child
Your city, province or territory, and signature

3. Declaration of the Official

After administering the declaration to you and watching you sign the form, the authorized official must complete this portion. They must include their:

Full name and occupation
Official title (e.g. notary public, lawyer, etc.)
Business address, including city, province or territory, and postal code
Contact information, including a daytime phone number
Signature and the date they signed

4. Additional Application Requirement: Two References

While Form PPTC 326 doesn’t require you to list references, you’ll still need to provide them as part of your document application.

Each reference must:

Be at least 18 years old
Have known you personally for at least two years
Not be related to you
Be available if contacted by IRCC to confirm your identity

To help prevent delays, ensure your references can be reached if contacted during the application process.

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What to Expect When Commissioning Form PPTC 326?

You must book an in-person notary appointment to have Form PPTC 326 commissioned; it cannot be done online. This means that you sign your form in front of an authorized official and declare that you are telling the truth. Here’s what you can expect during your notary appointment:

You’ll present a valid government-issued ID that matches the documents listed on your Form.
An official will confirm your identity, administer a declaration, and witness your signature.
You’ll sign your form in front of the official.
The official will write their information, and then sign and date the form.

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Get Form PPTC 326 Completed and Commissioned Today

If you’re a non-Canadian applying for travel documents and cannot find a guarantor, Form PPTC 326 helps you move forward with your application. Completing Form PPTC 326 correctly and getting it commissioned in person is a critical step.

Download the Statutory Declaration in Lieu of Guarantor (Form PPTC 326) for free through our site and start preparing it right away. Then, book an in-person notary appointment with us to have it commissioned quickly and stress-free at your preferred time and location.