How to obtain a temporary ID card if you lose your passport?

Losing your passport abroad is a stressful situation, especially if you are in another country without local documents proving your identity. In Calgary, as in the rest of Canada, there are clear procedures in place to help Canadian citizens and foreign nationals temporarily maintain the legitimacy of their status while replacing lost or stolen documents. In this article, we will take a detailed look at how to obtain a temporary ID in Calgary, including all the necessary steps, documents, deadlines, and practical advice.

1. Immediate actions after losing your passport

Reporting the loss

  • If your passport has been stolen, contact the Calgary Police Service immediately.

  • In case of emergency, call 911.

  • For non-emergencies, call 403-266-1234.

  • Obtain a police report — you will need it to renew your passport and file insurance claims.

  • If the document is lost (not stolen), contact the police station for an official report of loss, which will also confirm the fact that your passport is missing.

Temporary identification

While you are waiting for your passport to be replaced, you will need an alternative form of identification. There are different options depending on your status.

2. Temporary identification for Canadian citizens

Emergency Travel Document (ETD)

  1. Contact your nearest Passport Canada office or service center (e.g., in Edmonton or Vancouver)

  2. Apply for an Emergency Travel Document (ETD) through the website https://www.canada.ca/passport-emergency

  3. Send a copy of the police report, the completed application, and two passport-size photos

  4. Pay for the emergency service (approximately $110 CAD plus the standard fee of $120 CAD)

  5. The ETD is only valid for travel to Canada; you will need to replace it with a regular passport

Provincial Identification Card

  1. Visit any Service Alberta office or authorized registry agent

  2. Complete the Application for Alberta Identification Card form

  3. Provide two pieces of identification (e.g., driver's license, PR card, birth certificate). If your passport is lost, you will need a police report along with another document.

  4. Pay the fee (approximately $25 CAD for a card valid for 5 years).

  5. Receive a temporary receipt that serves as ID until the card arrives in the mail.

3. Temporary certificate for permanent residents

PR Confirmation Certificate (IMM 5444)

  1. Go to the IRCC website and apply for Confirmation of Permanent Residence: https://www.canada.ca/pr-card
  2. Attach a copy of the police report and any other available ID card
  3. Pay $50 CAD; processing time is up to 6 weeks (express option can reduce the time to 2 weeks for an additional fee)
  4. The temporary document is sent by mail and is used as proof of PR status

Temporary Person Card

  1. Obtain a Proof of Status letter through an online IRCC request
  2. Use it together with the police report as temporary identification

4. Temporary Identification for Foreigners with Non-Immigrant Status

Replacement document (Refugee Protection Claimant Documents, Visitor Record, etc.)

  1. Contact IRCC via the website https://www.canada.ca/immigration-refugees

  2. Apply for a Visitor Record, Work Permit, or Study Permit Replacement

  3. Attach the police report and copies of any other documents

  4. Pay the fee (ranges from $75 to $200 CAD)

  5. A temporary document is provided in the form of a photo ID that is valid until a decision is made or until a specified date

5. Required documents and requirements

  • Police report (original or certified copy)
  • Copies of other IDs (driver's license, PR card, residence permit)
  • Completed forms (for ETD, PR Card, provincial ID)
  • Passport photos (2)
  • Fee payment (credit/debit card)

6. Processing times and costs

Document Processing time Cost
Emergency Travel Document (ETD) 1–2 days $230 CAD
Alberta Provincial ID Card Same day $25 CAD
Replacement PR Card 2–6 weeks $50 CAD
Proof of Status letter 3–5 business days Free
Visitor/Work/Study Permit Replacement 2–4 weeks $75–$200 CAD

7. Practical tips

  1. Keep scanned copies of all documents on cloud storage
  2. Carry secondary ID (driver's license, Health Card) with you in case your passport is lost
  3. Immediately notify your employer and family doctor about the loss of your passport
  4. Check the status of your application online through the IRCC or Service Alberta portals

So, losing your passport or other key identification in Calgary is not the end of the world. By following a clear algorithm of actions, you will be able to obtain a temporary ID and continue to use basic services while you restore your primary documents. Timely reporting to the police and using the online services of IRCC and provincial authorities will help minimize stress and quickly return to your normal rhythm of life in Canada.