Get Your Best Passport Photos

What are the Canadian passport photo requirements?

Whether renewing or applying for a first-time passport, Canadian citizens must provide 2 identical photos with their application form. The photographs will only be accepted if they:

• Measure 50x70 millimetres
• Reflect your natural, current appearance
• Have a plain white or light-coloured background
• Were taken within 6 months before the date of application
• Are sharp, clear, and without any damage like blurs, smudges, etc.
• Present you looking directly at the camera with your face clearly visible, eyes open, and mouth closed

Applicants for Canadian passports should pose for their identification photos right in front of the camera with neutral facial expression. Submitted passport photos can be in colour or black and white. The height of your head in the Canadian passport picture should measure between 31–36 mm.

If you are applying for your first-time Canadian passport, one photo must be signed by:

• The photographer with the stamp, date, name, and address of the studio
• The guarantor who confirms your identity by writing a note: “I certify this to be a true likeness of (your name).”

The guarantor for a Canadian passport must meet specific requirements, too—for example, you must have known each other for at least 2 years. You can find the full list of criteria on the official Government of Canada website.

Passport photo guidelines for children, toddlers and babies

Canadian passport photos for children, babies, and newborns are the same when it comes to technical photo specifications (size, quality, background colour, etc.)

Every time parents apply for their baby's Canadian passport, they must submit a photo signed by a guarantor. A guarantor should also complete respective spaces in a passport application form.

There is a relaxation in Canadian passport photo rules regarding newborns and their facial expressions—they might show an expression that differs from neutral.

Passport photo tips

Preparing a perfect passport picture means meeting the official requirements, specifications, and following dress code guidelines. Here we will discuss what’s acceptable and what’s better to avoid for your Canadian passport photograph.

What to wear for a Canadian passport photo

The following are only guidelines—there are no government requirements about specific pieces of clothing that you must wear for your passport image. Your biometric photograph must help the authorities recognise you. So, consider the following:

• Choose casual, everyday clothes. Avoid wearing uniforms or camouflage clothing
• Avoid white clothes—they will blend with the photo’s background. Dark-coloured attire will be a good choice
• You can wear glasses as long as your eyes and facial features are visible and the glasses do not cause glares
• Head coverings are acceptable only if they’re worn because of religious beliefs or medical reasons

Generally, opt for comfortable, day-to-day clothes.

What to avoid when taking a photo for a Canadian passport

Now that you know what’s good for your passport pictures, let’s look closely at what’s better to put aside.

• Sunglasses or tinted glasses
• Excessive makeup and shiny lip gloss
• Sparkly jewellery and excessive accessories

It’s always better to opt for a simple look while preparing for your passport photos. Your accessories or clothes cannot cast shadows or cover any face details.

Where to get passport photos in Canada

Canadian citizens have a wide range of choices when it comes to passport photography services. Some of them include:

• Pharmacies like Shoppers Drug Mart, Jean Coutu, or London Drugs
• CAA
• Retail stores, like Staples
• Photo shops and photography studios

You can also find the most suitable location for you by googling “Canadian passport photos near me.”

How much is a passport photo?

The cost of passport photos in Canada varies depending on the location and the service offered there. The table below serves as a comparison of prices for the places mentioned before.

Note: Did you know you can prepare your Canadian passport photos at home and get them for just a few cents? Read on to learn more!

Can you take passport photos yourself?

Absolutely! You can skip worrying about finding a perfect location or your photos being just like everyone else’s. Plus, if your child needs a passport picture, this solution will definitely save them some stress.

The only thing you need is your smartphone and our AI-backed passport photo tool. Our biometric photography experts will ensure your pictures meet government requirements in all aspects.

Thanks to our passport photo maker, you can create digital photos that we send immediately to your email address. We also deliver hard copies printed on high-quality paper. Alternatively, create a printable template and use the in-store printing service—with this option, you can pay as little as $0.55 for your photos!

Snap pictures at home or wherever you are—multiple times! We can help you make the photo-taking process as easy as it can be. Find the perfect angle and be happy with the final result!