Your Guide to Canadian Passport Photo Requirements

Applying for a new Canadian passport or renewing an existing one? In Canada, passport photos must be taken within six months of submitting your application and must reflect your current appearance. However, that’s only part of the process; Canadian passport photos must also follow specific standards to be accepted.

This guide takes you through the Canadian passport photo rules and offers tips to help you get it right the first time, saving you time and money.

Photo Basics

Before we get into the specific details, here are some core requirements you must meet with your application:

• You must submit two identical and unaltered* photos with your individual passport application
• Your photo must be taken by a commercial photographer or studio
• Both photos must be 50 mm wide x 70 mm high (which is 2 inches wide and 2 ¾ inches long)
• The height of your face in the photo should measure between 31 mm and 36 mm from the bottom of the chin to the top of your head

Image Quality and Printing

Photos must be clear and in focus, with no shadows/glare/flash. They can be in colour or black and white, but must be printed on plain, high-quality photographic paper.

*You must submit original photos without any alterations. Alterations can include applying corrections or enhancements, cropping around your head and shoulders, edits to your facial features or clothing, changing the background, removing shadows, etc.

Note: Home-printed photos are not accepted when submitting a passport application.

What to Wear in Your Passport Photo

When choosing what to wear, it is best to avoid white or light-coloured clothing, as it can make you blend into the background. Everyday clothing in darker or vibrant solid colours is ideal. Uniforms (or clothing that resembles a uniform), hoodies with the hood up (or that prevent your face or neck from being seen), camouflage patterns, and clothing with visible company logos or words are not permitted.

What Your Passport Photo Must Show

For an adult (16 and older) Canadian passport photo to be accepted when you submit your application, be sure to follow these criteria:

• Neutral expression: Look straight at the camera with a neutral facial expression (no smiling). Your mouth should be closed, and your eyes open and visible.
• Head and shoulder placement: Your face and shoulders should be centred in front of the camera, and you cannot tilt your head.
• Backdrop: Use a plain white or light-coloured background.
• If you wear prescription glasses: While you are allowed to wear your prescription eyeglasses, your eyes still must be clearly visible (you cannot wear sunglasses or tinted eyeglasses), and you must not be able to see a reflection or glare on the lenses.
• If you wear a head covering: If you wear a head covering for religious or medical reasons, your nose and mouth cannot be covered (full face must be visible), and it cannot cast a shadow on your backdrop.

For more information on printed copies of your passport photo, including photo examples, please visit the Government of Canada website and select whether you are applying for an adult or a child (as there are additional requirements if you’re taking a passport photo for a newborn).

Get Passport Photos at The UPS Store

Need a passport photo? Our team at The UPS Store can help! Photos are ready in five to ten minutes with no appointment needed. Click here to find a location near you to get started. (Participating stores only.)

And if you’re looking to ship your passport application to the Government of Canada Passport Office or anywhere else it may need to go, ask our team about our shipping services with tracking visibility.