Canadian Passport Photo

Instant Canadian passport pictures online that meet every requirement – get yours now, with guaranteed acceptance!

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Canadian Passport Photo

How to get instant passport photos online?

Fast-track your application with our online passport photo tool – secure a biometric picture in under 3 minutes.

Step 1
Snap or upload your picture

Snap or upload your picture

Getting started is a breeze – You have the option to take a picture or upload an existing photo. The AI tool will handle the subsequent steps.

Step 2
Smart AI image processing

Smart AI image processing

The AI tool automatically removes any unwanted background and resizes your picture to fit the official passport photo dimensions.

Step 3
Comprehensive AI photo check

Comprehensive AI photo check

The AI tool conducts further verifications and checks to ensure the photo's compliance and readiness for submission.

Step 4
Choose digital or printed photos

Choose digital or printed photos

You can obtain your biometric photos as a digital copy or as printed photos, delivered to your doorstep within a few days.

How to take a clear photo?

Say goodbye to passport picture hassles! Here’s how you can capture compliant and biometric passport photos in minutes.

Step 1
Use a plain background

Use a plain background

Ensure there are no objects behind you. Position yourself at least 2 meters away from the background to prevent shadows.

Step 2
Keep your posture straight

Keep your posture straight

Align your head, shoulders, and upper body within the frame of the photo. Remember to remove your glasses before taking the picture.

Step 3
Maintain a neutral facial expression

Maintain a neutral facial expression

Make sure your entire face is visible. Look directly at the camera with a neutral expression, eyes open and mouth closed.

Basic Passport Photo Guidelines

dimensions
Dimensions
50 x 70 mm
dimensions
Resolution
600 dpi
dimensions
Background Color
White
dimensions
Face Expression
Neutral
dimensions
Things to Avoid
  • Glasses
  • Smiling
  • Image retouching
  • Wearing uniform and hat
Basic Passport Photo Guidelines

All About Canadian Passport Photos

Canadian Passport Photo Requirements: Overview

Navigating the Canadian passport photo requirements is essential for a smooth passport application process. The Canadian government has strict rules to ensure consistency and security in passport images, which are integral to personal identification.

Passport Photo Size

The size of a Canadian passport photo must be precisely 50 mm wide and 70 mm high (2 inches wide by 2 3/4 inches high). The face—from the bottom of the chin to the top of the head—should measure between 31 mm and 36 mm.

Face Position

The applicant's face must be centred and directly facing the camera. It ensures both sides of the face are equally visible without tilt or turn. The full face must be visible, without any hair obscuring the facial features.

Background and Lighting

The background should be plain white or light-coloured, with no shadows, textures, or patterns. The lighting must be even and well-balanced, illuminating the face without causing glare, shadows, or overexposure.

Facial Expression

A neutral facial expression is mandatory. The mouth should be closed, and there should be no smiling, frowning, or exaggerated expressions. Both eyes must be open and visible.

Appearance and Posture

The head should be straight, not tilted, and the shoulders should be level. The posture should be natural, with the head and shoulders centred in the picture.

Glasses and Lens

If glasses are worn in a Canadian passport picture, they must not cause glare or reflections and should not cover the eyes. Tinted lenses and sunglasses are not permitted in passport images.

Facial Hair

Facial hair is allowed as per the photo requirements for a Canadian passport. If you have a beard or moustache, you can keep it in the picture–no need to shave it off.

Makeup and Jewellery

Makeup and jewellery should not significantly alter one’s appearance. Large, shiny, or reflective jewellery that might affect the photo's clarity should be avoided.

Head Covering

Head covering for religious or medical purposes is permissible but must not obscure facial features. The face must be visible from the bottom of the chin to the top of the forehead.

Photo Quality

The image should be of excellent quality, sharp, and printed on high-quality photographic paper. Any digital modifications or enhancements that alter the person's appearance are not permissible.

Altered Photo

Passport photo guidelines in Canada don’t allow digitally altered or enhanced pictures to change a person's appearance. It includes modifications to the complexion, face shape, eyes, or other features.

Recency and Validity

Photos must be recent, within the last six months to accurately reflect the applicant's current appearance.

Another essential requirement for taking photos for passport applications in Canada is that a commercial photographer should capture the picture. It means the images taken at home can only be accepted if they meet the requirements.

To meet this rule, you can use Pixelied to let you know if your photograph is fit for a passport application or needs to be retaken. The tool also makes auto-adjustments, such as changing the background, cropping, and adjusting position.

Number of Photos

Two identical photos are required for passport applications. These photos must meet all the specified criteria.

Passport Guarantor Signature

One of the passport photographs must be signed and dated on the back by a guarantor, as mentioned in the rules for passport photos in Canada. The guarantor confirms the applicant's identity and attests that the image is an accurate likeness. The guarantor must meet specific criteria set by the Canadian government.

Guidelines for Digital Passport Photos

Capturing the perfect digital passport photo is no longer just a formality; it's a crucial aspect of navigating the modern world. As identification requirements grow stricter, taking passport photos at home and adhering to specific guidelines can be challenging.

Here is what you should look out for in a digital passport photo:

  1. Photo Size: The picture must be at least 1800 pixels high by 1200 pixels wide and shouldn’t be greater than 4500 pixels high by 3000 pixels wide.
  2. File Format: The image should be in JPEG or JPG format, the standard for most digital photography. The file size should be between 200 KB and 4 MB.
  3. Resolution: Minimum resolution should be 600 pixels per inch. High resolution is necessary for clarity and sharpness in the printed version.
  4. Colour and Quality: The photo can be in colour or black and white. It should accurately represent the individual’s skin tone and be free of digital alterations that change the appearance.
  5. Background: The digital photos for the passport must have a plain white or light-coloured background with no patterns, shadows, or textures.
  6. Technical Aspects: Avoid any digital compression that significantly reduces image quality. The photo should retain its natural appearance after resizing or cropping. Scanned copies of the physical prints are not allowed.

Passport Size Photo Examples

Bad Passport Photos

Bad Passport Photo Examples

Acceptable Passport Photos

Acceptable Passport Photo Example

Where to Get Passport Pictures in Canada?

In Canada, there are several options for getting passport images. Each has distinct advantages, disadvantages and pricing structures.

Shoppers Drug Mart

You can get a passport photo from Shoppers Drug Mart, as it offers the convenience of numerous locations across Canada. The cost is typically around CAD 19.99 per set. The service is quick, but the photo quality might vary since the staff isn’t always the same, which is a minor drawback.

London Drugs

London Drugs, primarily available in Western Canada, charges about CAD 15 per set. The price doesn’t include taxes. It’s renowned for its consistent photo quality and efficient service. However, the limited regional availability might be a disadvantage for those residing outside Western Canada.

Walmart

Walmart presents an affordable solution that meets Canadian passports' photo specifications, usually priced at CAD 16.97. Known for its widespread presence, Walmart offers speedy services at its numerous outlets, although the quality of photos may slightly differ between locations. The procedure for obtaining a passport-size photograph at Walmart has a unique approach. Customers use Walmart's portal to order and make payments online. Following this, the picture is taken at a Walmart location, and the printed copies are provided within minutes.

Staples

Staples is priced at approximately CAD 21.99 per set. Staples is known for reliable quality, quick processing, and following passport photo specifications. However, they have limited in-store photography services compared to specialised photo centres, which could be a limiting factor for some.

CAA

CAA passport photos are priced at CAD 19.95 + Tax. It is free for all CAA Plus, Premier and Corporate Members. The downside is the requirement of a CAA membership to access the discounts, and the number of locations is less compared to other nationwide chains.

UPS

UPS service is priced at approximately CAD 14.99-24.99 per set. While this option is slightly more expensive, it offers professional service quality and is convenient for those looking to ship passport applications directly.

Jean Coutu

Jean Coutu is an excellent option in Quebec and parts of New Brunswick. For a set of two passport photographs, they charge something between CAD 12 to CAD 15. They offer good quality photos, but their service is geographically limited to specific regions in Canada.

Superstore

Superstore is another affordable option to get passport photos, usually costing between CAD 10 to CAD 12 per set. It's convenient for those doing their regular shopping, although the quality and service level may vary from one location to another.

Special Guidelines for Baby Passport Photos

When it comes to taking passport photos of babies in Canada, particular guidelines must be followed to ensure passport authorities accept the images. These guidelines are designed to accommodate the challenges of photographing infants while maintaining the integrity of the passport photo standards.

  • Firstly, the size requirement for baby passport photos is the same as for adults: 50 mm wide by 70 mm high. However, given the smaller size of a baby’s face, the picture must have the baby’s head measuring between 31 mm and 36 mm from the bottom of the chin to the top of the head.
  • One of the unique challenges with baby passport photos is ensuring the baby's face is visible and properly positioned. The baby's face should be visible and facing the camera. While it can be challenging to have infants hold a neutral expression, their mouths should be closed and their eyes ideally open. If the baby is very young, closed eyes are often acceptable.
  • The acceptable passport photo background colors are plain white or light. Lighting is another critical factor. The photo should be evenly lit without shadows on the baby’s face or in the background. It might require some adjustments and trials to get it right, especially when taking the photo at home.
  • The photo must be recent, ideally taken within the last six months, to accurately reflect the baby’s appearance.

Tips for Passport Photo of an Infant

Taking a passport-size picture of an infant can be especially tricky. Since babies cannot support themselves in the required position, they can be laid on a plain sheet. If a parent holds the baby, their hands must not be visible in the photo. Some parents find it helpful to lay the baby down and take the picture from above to meet this requirement.

How to Print a Passport Photo in Canada?

Printing an image in Canadian passport photo size involves several vital steps to ensure that the picture meets the strict criteria set by the government. First of all, you must be aware of the exact dimensions. Afterwards, find a trusted printing facility that won’t compromise the quality.

Choosing the Right Photo

Before printing, having a passport image that meets all the Canadian guidelines is essential. It includes the correct size, background, facial expression, and other passport photo rules. If the picture is taken digitally, ensure it adheres to digital photo guidelines.

Furthermore, before printing the image, you must find someone willing to provide you with a passport photo signature and become your guarantor.

Selecting a Printing Service

Choose a reliable printing service for passport-size photographs. It could be a professional photo studio, a pharmacy like Shoppers Drug Mart or London Drugs, or a retail store like Walmart or Staples. These places are familiar with passport-size picture requirements and can provide quality prints.

Verifying the Photo Quality

After printing, check the quality of the photo. Ensure it is clear, in focus, and free from any smudges or marks. The printed picture should accurately represent the colour and details of the original digital image. Any damage to the photo can result in it being rejected during the passport application process.

Preparing for Submission

If a guarantor’s signature is required on the picture, ensure it is signed and dated on the back of one of the photos. This step is crucial for the verification of the applicant's identity.

Get a Passport Size Photo Online

With Pixelied's online tool, getting your Canadian passport pictures is now more straightforward than ever. Simply upload your image from the comfort of your home and let Pixelied handle the rest. Our quick and user-friendly process ensures you receive your passport photo without any hassle.

Frequently Asked Questions