Job Discussion Forums

AQUA MARINA

If I am out of the country and need to renew my passport or driver's licence BEFORE it's expiry date, is there a way to do this outside of Canada?

If so, is it quick and easy process?

Dr_Zoidberg · Posted: Fri Dec 22, 2006 11:22 pm Post subject:

I doubt you can renew your driver's licence outside of your province.

You can get a new passport easily enough (Canadians can't renew a passport), but be aware that in the absence of a guarantor you will be charged an extra 6 000 NT (CAD$170). Three thousand is levied for you not having a guarantor, and another three thousand is charged for the form you will need to fill out because you don't have a guarantor.

AQUA MARINA · Posted: Fri Dec 22, 2006 11:36 pm Post subject:

I'm not quite sure what you mean. We can get a new passport but can't renew it? Isn't there a Canadian Embassy in TW that we can go to without leaving the country?

Also what does having guarantor mean?

markholmes · Joined: 21 Jun 2004 Posts: 661 Location: Wengehua

There is no Canadian embassy in Taiwan, because Taiwan is not officially a country, however there is a trade office which basically operates as a defacto embassy, or at least some of it's functions. Yes, you can get a new passort in Taiwan. As a Canadian you do not need to go to another country to get it done, but as mentioned it's a bit pricey (so unlike the Canadian government to screw every last penny out of you).

Toe Save · Posted: Sat Dec 23, 2006 2:34 am Post subject:

A guarantor can be your dentist or doctor. So, as soon as you get your health insurance, go get your teeth cleaned for 100NT and make nice with the dentist. Then, when it comes time to get your new passport, he can sign the needed paperwork and pics. Officially, they must claim to have known you for a year, so keep that in mind as well.

One important thing to remember when getting a new Cdn passport is to make sure your pics meet their exacting standards. Don't futz around. If they are not the exact specifications, they wll be turned down.

Also, prepare to wait in a long line. If you've recently arrived from Cantada, then you will already be well trained in this game. But those of us who've lived here and had to deal with Taiwanese Bureaucracy absolutely dread having to venture back into Canadian waters. For example, in 6 years and some 10 visits to the tax office, I've spent a grand total of less than 30 minutes in the place. Say what you will about the officialdom here, it is efficient.

A driver's license is so easy to get here. Just take the online mock test about 20 times and you'll have seen every question they will ask about 15 times. Do a knee bend, squeeze the bureaucrat's hands, make a giant u-turn with your scooter and you too can legally join the maddening daily fray that is Taiwanese traffic.

Dr_Zoidberg · Posted: Sat Dec 23, 2006 3:41 am Post subject:

Toe Save, the guarantor must meet two conditions:

1. Canadian Citizen
2. Has to have known the applicant for at least two years.

Aquamarina, the Canadian passport is never renewed. It is issued anew each time you apply.

Toe Save · Posted: Sat Dec 23, 2006 5:58 am Post subject:

Dr_Zoidberg · Posted: Sat Dec 23, 2006 8:04 am Post subject:

Toe Save, you are right. The guarantor does not have to be a Canadian citizen if one is applying from outside of Canada. However, the guarantor's professional status is still valid. Citizenship of the guarantor is only a factor if one applies from within Canada.

The government website

danielita · Joined: 06 Mar 2006 Posts: 281 Location: SLP

AQUA MARINA · Posted: Wed Dec 27, 2006 1:25 am Post subject:

Yes I am in Ontario. This is good to know since it would be a waste to return sooner than I need to in order to maintain my Drivers Licence.

I definatley don't want to take the test over again just because I didn't return in time to renew!

What do most of you guys do when it comes to renewing your passport? Do you do this when you go back home or bare the double charge in TW?

jeffinflorida · Posted: Thu Dec 28, 2006 5:32 am Post subject:

i Hate to ask an obvious question but... can you renew your drivers license online?

In Florida (lots o Canadians here...) you can do it online and they mail you the new license. Pay by credit card and you can do it starting at 18 months before it expires.

No vision test required (explains how all the 90 year olds still cruisin I 95 at 45 mph in the left lane can do it..)

BigWally · Posted: Thu Dec 28, 2006 1:45 pm Post subject:

AQUA MARINA · Posted: Thu Dec 28, 2006 7:33 pm Post subject:

Of course doing this on-line would be way too easy. I checked out their
website and looks like I may have to do this thru mail for authentication purposes. Also I will call them to find out if there are other options.

AQUA MARINA · Posted: Thu Dec 28, 2006 7:55 pm Post subject:

How much is it to get a new passport In TW after 5 years?