Solemn Declaration PR Card Solemn (IMM 5451): Form Filling Steps, Lost PR Card Help, Download PDF And Requirements

Solemn Declaration PR Card. If your Permanent Resident (PR) card has gone missing, never arrived, or was damaged by accident, understanding the Solemn Declaration PR Card process can save you from stress and confusion.
Many people panic when their PR card disappears, but the truth is Canada has a clear and simple system to help you report the issue safely.
In this guide, we’ll learn exactly what the solemn declaration form is how IMM 5451 works, how to fill it step-by-step, and what to expect next.
What Is a Solemn Declaration PR Card?
A solemn declaration PR card is a formal written promise you give to the Canadian government where you:
- Explain that your PR card is lost, stolen, destroyed, or never received, and
- Confirm that all the information you are giving is true, just like you are giving it under oath.
You use a special form called:
“Solemn Declaration Concerning a Lost, Stolen, Destroyed or Never-Received Permanent Resident Card (IMM 5451)”
This form is not for applying for a new PR card by itself.
It is mainly to report a problem with your existing or expected card.

When Do You Need a Solemn Declaration for PR Card?
You should fill this solemn declaration IMM 5451 in these situations:
1. PR Card Never Arrived
You:
- Applied for a PR card or PR card renewal,
- IRCC’s normal processing time is over,
- You have waited at least 6 extra weeks after that,
- And still no PR card in your mailbox.
Then you use this form to say:
“I never received my PR card.”
2. PR Card Lost
You had your PR card, but now:
- You can’t find it,
- Maybe you misplaced it while moving, traveling, or changing wallet,
- And you don’t know where it is.
You use the form to officially declare that it is lost.
3. PR Card Stolen
Your PR card was taken by someone else, for example:
- Wallet or handbag stolen,
- Break-in at home or car,
- You suspect someone took your documents.
In this case, you:
- Declare that your card was stolen, and
- Mention if you reported it to police and attach any report number.
4. PR Card Destroyed
Your PR card is damaged so badly that it can’t be used, for example:
- Burned,
- Torn,
- Bent badly,
- Washed in laundry and unreadable,
- Broken chip / unreadable data.
You use this form to say that your card has been destroyed or damaged.
Is the Solemn Declaration the Same as a PR Card Application?
No. This is very important.
- IMM 5451 (Solemn Declaration) = to report a lost, stolen, destroyed, or never received PR card.
- PR Card Application (like IMM 5444) = to apply for a new PR card or renewal.
Sometimes you may need both:
- First, submit the solemn declaration to report what happened.
- Then, submit a new PR card application if you want a replacement card.
What Is IMM 5451 E (Solemn Declaration Form)?
IMM 5451 E is the form number used by IRCC for:
“Solemn Declaration Concerning a Lost, Stolen, Destroyed or Never-Received Permanent Resident Card”
- IMM = Immigration form
- 5451 = specific form number
- E = English version
You use it to:
- Provide your personal details,
- Explain what happened to your PR card,
- Confirm that your statements are true,
- Promise to return the card if you ever find it again.
Where to Get the Solemn Declaration Form PDF (IMM 5451)?
You can download the IMM 5451 form PDF directly from the official IRCC website.
General steps:
- Go to the official Government of Canada immigration website.
- Search for:
- “IMM 5451 solemn declaration PR card”
- Open the page for:
- “Solemn declaration concerning a lost, stolen, destroyed or never received Permanent Resident Card”
- Click the PDF link to download the form.
Important: Use a Computer, Not a Phone
IRCC forms often:
- Do not open properly on phones or tablets.
- Need Adobe Acrobat Reader (version 10 or higher).
So:
- Download the form on a computer.
- Save it in a folder you can remember.
- Open it with Adobe Acrobat Reader, not in the browser preview if that gives issues.
If the form doesn’t download:
- Right-click on the link.
- Click “Save as”.
- Then open it from your computer using Acrobat Reader.
Solemn Declaration Form
How to Fill the Solemn Declaration Form (IMM 5451)
Now let’s break down the main parts of the form in simple language.
Rule:
- Answer every question.
- If something does not apply to you, write “N/A” (Not Applicable).
- Do not leave blank spaces.
1. Personal Details
You’ll need to enter:
- Surname (Family Name)
- Write your last name exactly as shown on your PR documents.
- Given Name(s)
- Your first name and middle names, if any.
- Client ID Number (UCI)
- This is your Unique Client Identifier.
- Usually 8 or 10 digits, printed on your PR card or official letters.
2. Details of Birth
You provide:
- Date of birth in format YYYY-MM-DD
- Example: 1992-05-08
- City/Town of birth
- Country of birth
Write them clearly and correctly.
3. Permanent Address
This is your main home address in Canada:
- House/Apartment number and street name
- Apartment number, if any
- City
- Province
- Postal Code
Also:
- Home telephone number – include area code.
- Business telephone number, if you have one (otherwise write N/A).
- PR Card Number – if you know it (from older photocopy or previous documents). If you truly don’t know, write N/A.
4. What Happened to Your PR Card?
You will see checkboxes like:
- Lost
- Stolen
- Destroyed
- Never received
Choose only the option that matches your situation.
You will also see:
- “On or about (YYYY-MM-DD)”
- If it was lost, stolen, or destroyed, write the approximate date when it happened.
- If never received, write the date when you expected it or realized it did not arrive.
- City/Town and Country
- Where the event happened (for example, Toronto, Canada / Dubai, UAE / etc.).
Then there’s a big box:
“Under the following circumstances (full information must be provided below)”
Here you should explain clearly and simply what happened.
Example for Lost Card
“I moved to a new apartment in June 2025. During the move, I misplaced my wallet that contained my PR card. I have searched all my belongings and old apartment but cannot find it.”
Example for Stolen Card
“My handbag was stolen on the subway in Montreal on 2025-08-10. My PR card was inside the wallet in the bag. I reported the theft to the local police on the same day.”
Example for Never Received
“I applied for a new PR card on 2025-02-01. The online status shows it was sent, but I never received it in the mail. I have checked with my building management and mailbox. It has been more than 6 weeks past normal processing time.”
5. Efforts to Locate the Card
There is a question about what efforts you made to find the document.
Here you should mention things like:
- You checked your house, car, office, and all bags.
- You called the local post office.
- You asked building management, security, etc.
- If stolen, you:
- Reported to the police,
- Include police report number or incident number,
- Attach a copy of the report if available.
Example answer:
“I checked all my bags, drawers, and files at home and work. I contacted the building’s security office and the local post office. I also filed a theft report at the downtown police station. Incident report number: 12345-2025.”
6. Promise to Return the Card If Found
In the form, you must promise that:
- If you ever find the original PR card again,
- You will immediately return it to:
- a Citizenship and Immigration Centre in Canada, or
- a Canadian Embassy / Consulate / High Commission if you are outside Canada.
This is very important because:
- You cannot use two PR cards at once.
- Old or invalid cards must be returned or destroyed according to rules.
7. Declaration, Signature and Date
At the end, the form includes a statement like:
- You declare that everything you filled is true,
- You understand that giving false information can lead to legal action / prosecution,
- You allow the department to verify the information.
You must:
- Sign your name in the signature box.
- Write the date (YYYY-MM-DD).
If the person is under 18 years of age:
- A parent or legal guardian must also sign and date the form.
Where to Send the Completed IMM 5451 Form
Once you complete and sign the form, you must send it to the PR Card Processing Centre.
You can send it in two ways:
1. By Mail
Mail the form to:
PR Card Processing Centre
P.O. Box 9000
Sydney, Nova Scotia
B1P 6K7
Canada
2. By Fax
Fax the completed and signed form to:
1-902-564-3148
Make sure:
- The signature is clear.
- All pages are readable.
- You keep a copy for your records.
Solemn Declaration PR Card Processing Time
The solemn declaration itself (IMM 5451) is usually processed together with your PR card file.
A few key points:
- Sending the solemn declaration does not instantly give you a PR card.
- IRCC will:
- Update your file that the PR card was lost / stolen / destroyed / never received,
- Possibly cancel the old card,
- Then continue or adjust processing for:
- a new PR card,
- or your existing application.
What Affects Processing Time?
- The current PR card processing time on IRCC website.
- The volume of applications.
- Whether you have also submitted a new PR card application (IMM 5444).
- If IRCC needs extra documents or clarification.
You should always:
- Check the official IRCC “Check processing times” page for PR cards.
- Add extra time if you are outside Canada or if mail is slow.
Does Filling IMM 5451 Give You a New PR Card?
No. IMM 5451 is only a declaration form. To get a new card, you must also submit:
PR Card Application (IMM 5444)
With:
- Photo
- Payment receipts
- Supporting documents
The solemn declaration supports your new application but does not replace it.
Why the Solemn Declaration Is Important
Submitting the form helps you:
1. Protect Your Identity
Lost or stolen PR cards can be used for:
- Identity theft
- Fraud
- Illegal travel attempts
IRCC cancels your old card to protect you.
2. Allow IRCC to Issue a New Card Safely
They must confirm the old card is invalid before they print a new one.
3. Maintain Accurate Records
Your PR file must match your current document status.
How the Solemn Declaration Helps You
You might feel: “Why so much formality just for a lost card?” But the solemn declaration is very important because it:
- Protects you from identity misuse
- If someone else finds your PR card, they might try to use it.
- When you declare it lost or stolen, IRCC can flag / cancel that card.
- Keeps IRCC records accurate
- They know you are not holding multiple valid cards.
- They track which card is active and which is not.
- Supports your new PR card application
- When you apply for a replacement card, IRCC already has your written explanation.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Here are mistakes many people make with the solemn declaration PR card form:
1. Waiting Too Long to Report
Some people lose the card and say, “Maybe it will show up later,” and never report.
- You should report quickly once you are sure it is gone or stolen.
- This reduces risk of fraud or misuse.
2. Not Giving Full Details
Writing only:
“Card lost. Don’t know how.”
is not helpful.
Instead, give clear details:
- When you last used it,
- Where you think it got lost,
- What you already did to search for it.
3. Leaving Questions Blank
Never leave lines empty.
- If not applicable, write “N/A”.
- This shows IRCC that you did not skip by mistake.
4. Not Signing the Form
It seems basic, but it happens a lot.
- An unsigned form is not valid.
- Always sign and date before sending.
5. Not Keeping a Copy
You should always:
- Scan or photocopy the completed form,
- Keep it with your records in case IRCC asks you something later.
Tips Before You Submit the Form
- Double-check your UCI / Client ID number.
- Make sure your address is current and written clearly.
- Use block letters if your handwriting is not very neat.
- If English is hard, you can:
- Ask a trusted friend or consultant to help,
- But you still must sign and declare.
If your PR card was stolen:
- Report it to the local police (especially if abroad).
- Keep the report number and attach it if possible.
FAQs About Solemn Declaration PR Card
Do I have to pay a fee to submit IMM 5451?
Generally, no fee is charged just for submitting the solemn declaration form. However, if you apply for a new PR card, that application has its own fee.
Does IMM 5451 replace the PR card application?
No.
IMM 5451 = report of lost / stolen / destroyed / never received card.
PR card application form = request for a new or replacement PR card.
You may need both in some cases.
Can I travel with a solemn declaration only?
No.
A solemn declaration is just a statement.
You still need a valid PR card or Permanent Resident Travel Document (PRTD) to return to Canada by commercial transport (like airline).
What if I find my PR card after submitting the form?
You have already promised that if you find the card, you will:
Return it immediately to a local IRCC office in Canada, or
To a Canadian embassy / consulate / high commission if abroad.
Do not keep or use it once IRCC treats it as lost/stolen/cancelled.
Can someone else fill the form for me?
Someone can help you write the answers, but:
The declaration is yours,
The information must be true,
You must sign it yourself,
Or your guardian must sign if you’re under 18.
How long after “normal processing time” should I wait if my PR card never arrives?
You should wait at least:
Normal PR card processing time (as shown on IRCC website) + 6 weeks.
If after that you still don’t have your card, you can use IMM 5451 to declare that it was never received.
Conclusion
Losing a PR card or waiting endlessly for one that never arrives can be stressful, but the Solemn Declaration (IMM 5451) makes the process simple and secure. By reporting what happened, you protect your identity, keep your PR record clean, and allow IRCC to move forward with your replacement card. When you explain your situation clearly, fill the form correctly, and submit it on time, the entire process becomes smoother and faster.






