Find out what size your photos need to be and other requirements for your passport application. Canada's passport photo requirements are different from other countries.
We will refuse your application if your photos do not meet our requirements.
Photo requirements for adult passports
Provide these requirements to your photographer
- Number of photos you need
- photo specifications
- Size
- image quality
- Facial expression
- appearance and attitude
- Have your guarantor sign 1 of your photos
- Video: Tips for adult passport photos
- Examples of acceptable and unacceptable passport photos
Number of photos you need
you must send2 identical and unchanged photoswith each passport application.
photo specifications
Passport photo size information
Go to a commercial photographer or studio to have your photo taken.
Take care of your photo
- andcorrect size
- I have thequalitywe need
- captures a neutralfacial expression
- reflectsHow are you now(no more than 6 months before application)
Size
Your photos must meet these specifications:
- They should be 50 mm wide by 70 mm high (2 inches wide by 2¾ inches high).
- The height of your face should be between 31 mm (1¼ inches) and 36 mm (17⁄16 inches) from the chin to the top of the head (natural top of the head).
image quality
Your photos can be in color or black and white.
It should
- be clear, sharp and focused
- have uniform lighting andnoshadows, glare or glare reflections
- show a clear difference between your face and the background
- show your natural skin tone
- to be taken in person by a commercial photographer or studio
- be professionally printed on high quality plain photo paper
- We do not accept photos printed at home or photos printed on heavy paper.
- be an original photograph that has not been alteredAnypath
What is an altered photo?
A modified photo is any photo that has been edited or altered in any way and by any means. That includes
- make technical corrections or improvements, such as changes to
- cor
- shine
- contrast
- acidity
- cut around the head and shoulders, inclusive
- by cutting and pasting your image on a white background
- edit your facial features like
- change the size or shape of the eyes, nose, mouth or ears;
- processing to improve its appearance, such as e.g
- removing the shine
- removing red eye
- hair color change
- removal of scars or marks
- garment processing including color change
- change the background, including removing shadows
Facial expression
THEInternational Civil Aviation Organizationrecommends that passport photos show a neutral expression. This type of photo helps us verify your identity and prevent fraud.
ONEneutralfacial expression means this
- your eyes are open and clear
- you are looking directly at the camera
- your mouth is closed
- you don't smile or frown
appearance and attitude
Your photos should show how you are now. This means your photos should beit didn't take more than 6 monthsbefore submitting your application.
Your photos should too
- show your face and shoulderscenteredand square for the camera,noleans in any direction
- have a plain white or light colored background
If you cannot meet these requirements for medical reasons
Explain your reasons in writing when you apply.
Usto acceptphotos with
- cups
- Your eyes should look clear.
- There should be no glare on the lens.
- hair down or up
- Your hair should be away from your face so that the edges of your face are visible.
- hats and head coverings worn daily for religious beliefs ormedical reasons
- Your entire face should be clearly visible.
- The head covering should not shade your face.
- a wheelchair if you place a white blanket behind your head
- Your facial features and the edges of your face should be distinct.
Cap or nasal cannula
If you use a medical helmet or nasal cannula for medical reasons
- your eyes must be clearly visible in the photo
- include a signed letter of explanation with your application
We may ask you to send a letter from your doctor.
UsI do not acceptphotos with
- sunglasses or sunglasses
- This includes prescription lenses, even when your eyes are clearly visible.
- red-eye phenomenon or red-eye changes
- hats and headgearnoit is used daily for religious beliefs or medical reasons
- shadows
- lighting should be uniform to avoid shadows
- around your ears
- in the background
- on your face or shoulders
- lighting should be uniform to avoid shadows
Have your guarantor sign 1 of your photos
What the back of 1 photo should look like
No lyrics 1 photo
- The photographerhe mustwrite clearly or stamp it
- date the photo was taken
- name and full address of the photographer
- yoursguarantorhe must
- clearly write "I certify that this is a true likeness of (applicant's name)" on an application
- sign the back of the photo
If you are renewing an adult passport, you donoguarantor needed.
Tips for taking a good passport photo
- If you are in a wheelchair
- Passport photos must be taken on a plain white background. If your wheelchair has a headrest, a plain white cover should be placed over the headrest. This makes your facial features and the edges of your face appear sharp against the background.
- If you have a headgear or nasal cannula
- Your headdress or nasal cannula may appear in a passport photo if worn for medical reasons. Your eyeshe mustStay clear. Include a signed explanation with your application. We may ask for a letter from your doctor.
- Why can't I smile in my passport photo?
- THEInternational Civil Aviation Organizationrecommends taking passport photos with a neutral expression. This allows us to use facial recognition systems to prevent fraud. They electronically verify identity based on each person's unique facial features.
Photo requirements for children's passports
Provide these requirements to your photographer
- Number of photos you need
- photo specifications
- Size
- image quality
- Facial expression
- appearance and attitude
- Additional guidelines for newborn photos
- Ask your guarantor to sign 1 of your child's photos
- Video: Tips for passport photos of children and newborns
- Examples of acceptable and unacceptable passport photos
Number of photos you need
you must send2 identical and unchanged photoswith each passport application.
photo specifications
Go to a commercial photographer or studio to have your child's picture taken.
Make sure your child's photo
- andcorrect size
- I have thequalitywe need
- captures a neutralfacial expression
- reflects your child's appearance now (taken no later than 6 months before applying)
Passport photo size information
Size
Your child's photos must meet these specifications:
- They should be 50 mm wide by 70 mm high (2 inches wide by 2¾ inches high).
- The height of your child's face should be between 31 mm (1¼ inches) and 36 mm (17⁄16 inches) from the chin to the top of the head (natural top of the head).
image quality
Your child's photos can be in color or black and white. It should
- be clear, sharp and focused
- have uniform lighting andnoshadows, glare or glare reflections
- show a clear difference between your child's face and the background
- show your child's natural skin tone
- to be taken in person by a commercial photographer or studio
- be professionally printed on high quality plain photo paper
- We do not accept photos printed at home or photos printed on heavy paper.
- be an original photograph that has not been alteredAnypath
What is an altered photo?
An altered photo refers to any photo that has been edited or altered in any way and by any means.
That includes
- make technical corrections or improvements, such as changes to
- cor
- shine
- contrast
- acidity
- cut around the head and shoulders, inclusive
- cut and paste your child's picture on a white background
- processing of facial features such as
- change the size or shape of your child's eyes, nose, mouth or ears;
- processing to improve your child's appearance, such as
- removing the shine
- removing red eye
- hair color change
- removal of scars or marks
- garment processing including color change
- change the background, including removing shadows
Facial expression
THEInternational Civil Aviation Organizationrecommends that passport photos show a neutral expression. This type of photo helps us confirm your child's identity and prevent fraud.
ONEneutralfacial expression means this
- the eyes are open and distinct
- eyes look directly at the camera
- the mouth is closed and does not smile
Observation:Newborns can have a variety of facial expressions.
Your child's passport photos must be taken in person by a commercial or studio photographer with
- uniform lighting
- noshadows, glare or glare reflections
appearance and attitude
Your child's passport photos should show how they look now. That means it should beit didn't take more than 6 monthsbefore submitting the application.
Your child's passport photos must too
- show your child's face and shoulderscenteredand square for the camera,noleans in any direction
- noshow your hands or your child's hands
- have a plain white or light background that shows a clear difference between your child and the background
- reflect or represent your child's natural skin tone
If you cannot meet these requirements for medical reasons
Explain your reasons in writing when you apply.
Usto acceptphotos with
- cups
- Your child's eyes should be distinct.
- There should be no glare on the lens.
- hair down or up
- The hair should be away from your child's face so that the edges of the face are visible.
- hats and head coverings worn daily for religious beliefs ormedical reasons
- Your child's entire face should be clearly visible.
- The head covering should not shade your child's face.
- a wheelchair if you place a white blanket behind your child's head
- Your child's facial features and the edges of his face should be distinct.
UsI do not acceptphotos with
- sunglasses or sunglasses
- This includes prescription lenses, even when your child's eyes are clearly visible.
- red-eye phenomenon or red-eye changes
- hats and headgearnoit is used daily for religious beliefs or medical reasons
- shadows
- lighting should be uniform to avoid shadows
- near your child's ears
- in the background
- on your child's face or shoulders
- lighting should be uniform to avoid shadows
Additional guidelines for newborn photos
You can take a photo of your newborn sitting in a car seat for as long as
- a white blanket is placed over the seat behind your child's head
- It makes your child's facial features and the edges of your child's face stand out against the background.
- there are no shadows
- near your child's ears
- in the background
- on your child's face or shoulders
We know it's hard to get a neutral expression from your newborn. We allow some latitude for children's facial expressions.
Your guarantor must also write "I certify that this is a true picture of (newborn's name)" and sign on the back of the picture.
Ask your guarantor to sign 1 of your child's photos
What the back of 1 photo should look like
No lyrics 1 photo
- The photographerhe mustwrite clearly or stamp it
- date the photo was taken
- name and full address of the photographer
- yoursguarantorhe must
- write clearly "I certify that this is a true picture of (child's name)"
- sign the back of the photo
Tips for passport photos of children and newborns
- If you are in a wheelchair
- Passport photos must be taken on a plain white background. If your wheelchair has a headrest, a plain white cover should be placed over the headrest. This makes your facial features and the edges of your face appear sharp against the background.
- If you have a headgear or nasal cannula
- Your headdress or nasal cannula may appear in a passport photo if worn for medical reasons. Your eyeshe mustStay clear. Include a signed explanation with your application. We may ask for a letter from your doctor.
- Why can't I smile in my passport photo?
- THEInternational Civil Aviation Organizationrecommends taking passport photos with a neutral expression. This allows us to use facial recognition systems to prevent fraud. They electronically verify identity based on each person's unique facial features.
FAQs
Why is my passport photo not good enough? ›
It is also important that the digital photo is in focus, not blurry and a clear contrast to the background. The passport office does not accept photos where the individual has “red eye” as your true eye color should be visible.
What is the difference between US and Canada passport photos? ›In general requirements, they are. However the sizes are different: US Passport Photo Size: 2 inches x 2 inches. Canada Passport Photo Size: 50 mm x 70 mm.
Does CVS do Canadian passport photos? ›CVS for Canadian citizenship photos
If you're in need of a high-quality passport photo, look no further than CVS Pharmacy.
Your passport photo must be a full-color photograph. Black and white, dull, washed out, or overexposed images are unacceptable. As such, it is crucial to verify that the image of you in your passport photo looks like you do in natural light.
How do I know if my passport photo is correct? ›- The photographs must not be older than six months.
- The photographs must measure 2×2″ (5×5 cm)
- The photographs of the applicant's head must be between 1″ to 1 3/8″ (2.5 to 3.5 cm) when measured vertically.
- The photographs must have a white background.
Does Walgreens take Canadian passport photos? Yes, at Walgreens you can have your Canadian passport photo taken. Walgreens photo center computers have built-in rules and regulations for taking photos for Canadian passports and any other documents.
Does Walmart take Canadian passport photos? ›Select your local Walmart store to take your photo!
Receive two Canadian Passport Photos, stamped and ready to submit. Please Note: A photo upload is not part of this service, your photo will be taken instore. Infant photos are not available.
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Who can notarize passport photos in Canada? ›Photographs: As the federal government requires that you have your photographs verified for your Canada passport application, a notary public or commissioner for taking affidavits may certify your photographs in case you do not have a guarantor.
What software do I need to take passport photos in Canada? ›...
Crop and Generate Passport Photos
- Select a country. ...
- Upload your photo. ...
- Crop photo. ...
- Download passport photos.
Does Costco do Canadian passport photos? ›
How to get a passport photo printed at Costco? As has been noted, a passport photo cannot be taken at a Canadian Costco store, but they do offer printing services. The photo will need to be taken by another store's photographer or by using an online app and then printed and collected at a nearby Costco.
Does the post office do Canadian passport photos? ›Pharmacies, mailing services and the United States post office will take your passport photo and provide a US passport format, not a photo formatted for Canada. The Canadian passport office will reject photos not taken by a photo studio.
Does AAA do Canadian passport photos? ›AAA does NOT issue passports.
AAA does take passport photos.
Generally, the backdrop for passport photos will be either white or light gray, so choose a darker colored top to contrast the background of your photo. A white blouse with a white background will most likely get rejected, so your best bet is to stay away from light colors.
What Cannot be worn in passport photos? ›Both adults and children cannot wear uniforms, clothing that looks like a uniform, or camouflage attire in their photos.
Why should you not smile in passport photos? ›The government doesn't want you to smile in your photo for one simple reason: facial recognition. A smile in a passport photo distorts your facial features and makes it almost impossible to match you to the document, especially when done by a computer.
How do I get the perfect passport photo? ›be facing forwards and looking straight at the camera. have a plain expression and your mouth closed. have your eyes open and visible. not have hair in front of your eyes.
What if my passport photo doesn t look like me? ›You will have to get a new passport before your current one has expired if you have altered your appearance so much that your picture no longer resembles you.
Can you retake your passport picture if you don't like it? ›You cannot change just the photo in your passport. The only way to change it is to apply for a renewal. You can do this at any time but will lose the remaining validity in your current passport. Passports issued to adults are valid for 10 years.
Where is the best place for passport photos in Canada? ›The UPS Store can help. Come into our locations to have your passport photo taken. Our photos meet all requirements for Canadian passports and most other photo identification cards, including international needs. No Appointment Needed – Just walk in!
How much does CVS charge for passport photos? ›
Quick, convenient and government compliant.
Passport photos cost $16.99, and we guarantee they meet all mandatory government parameters.
Along with a printable template you will get a digital Canada passport photo to submit your passport or visa application online. Retail chains. Canadian pharmacies and convenience stores have about the same rates for passport photos. On average, it is $13 CAD for two Canada ID pictures.
Where is the cheapest place to take a passport photo? ›Retail stores for your Passport Photos
WalMart and Costco both provide professional passport photos. In the case of Costco, you have to be a club member but generally the photos are slightly less expensive and it's one of the cheapest places to get passport photos.
The World's Strongest Passports for Travel Freedom
A passport issued by Japan allows the holder to enter 193 different countries and territories without having to get a visa in advance. Singapore and South Korea are tied for 2nd place.
No. 1 most powerful passport in the world: Japan
As of 2023, Japanese passport holders can visit 193 of 227 destinations visa-free, which is 85% of the world, according to data from the International Air Transport Association compiled by Henley & Partners.
Henley & Partners have announced Japan as the winner for the fifth year in a row, but where does the U.S. rank?
Should my passport be stamped in Canada? ›When you arrive at the point of entry in Canada, a border services officer will make sure you meet the requirements to enter Canada. The officer will authorize your stay by stamping your passport and/or issuing another document.
Who can notarize US documents in Canada? ›Consular officials at any U.S. embassy or consulate abroad can provide a service similar to the functions of a notary public in the United States. It is also possible to have a document notarized by a local foreign notary or local government official and then have the document authenticated by a U.S. consular officer.
Can a US notary accept a Canadian ID? ›Driver's license or a non-driver's ID issued by another US territory or state. U.S. military ID. Valid driver's license officially issued in Canada or Mexico. An inmate ID card issued after or on 1/1/1991 by the Federal Bureau of Prisons or North Carolina Department of Corrections (but to identify prisoners only)
What are the requirements for Canadian photos? ›The frame size must be at least 35 mm x 45 mm (1 3/8″ x 1 3/4″). The photographs must show the full front view of the head, with the face in the middle of the photograph, and include the top of the shoulders. The size of the head, from chin to crown, must be between 31 mm (1 1/4″) and 36 mm (1 7/16″).
What is proof of status in Canada for US citizens? ›
This could include: the passport or travel document you used to enter Canada as a permanent resident. If you have never entered as a Canadian permanent resident, include a photocopy of the passport or travel document you used as a temporary resident.
Can I use any photo for Canada visa? ›The photographs must be identical and taken within the last six months. They may be either black and white or colour. The photographs must be clear, well defined and taken against a plain white or light-coloured background. Photographs must be printed on quality photographic paper.
Can you wear t shirt for passport photo Canada? ›In general, it's best to dress in casual clothing that you would wear on any given day. Avoid anything too fancy or formal – as this can come across as staged. Wear clothes that you're comfortable in and that won't make you look stiff or unnatural in the photo.
Can you use an app for passport photo? ›ID Photo & Passport Photo Maker is also a popular passport photo editor and id photo maker app. It provides all the tools you need to make a good passport photo, including background remover, passport photo cropping tool, and photo printing service.
Can you Photoshop photo for passport? ›Can a passport photo be Photoshopped? No, passport photos cannot be Photoshopped and must show your natural, everyday look. Enhancing or retouching your passport pictures in any way will cause them to be rejected.
Why did Costco stop taking passport photos? ›Why did Costco Close its Photo Center? As technology has advanced, many customers are finding it easier than ever to get US Passport photos through their phones and online. Due to this, Costco felt it necessary to close down the services they provide through their physical stores.
Does Costco give digital copy of passport photo? ›Does Costco print passport photos? No, it doesn't (officially, anyways). Costcophotocenter.com does not have the option to print passport photos. You can, however, print 4×6” standard photos with biometric passport photos superimposed on them (available through third-party software such as Passport Photo Online).
Can anyone use Costco photo Center? ›First off, only Costco members can use the Costco Photo Center. If you don't know about all the Costco membership perks yet, they're worth checking out (hint: The Costco Photo Center is one of them)!
Are Canadian and American passport photos the same? ›The US passport photo is a square, two inches (or 51 mm) on all sides. This is an unusual aspect ratio, but American pharmacies and photo labs are set up to accommodate it. The Canadian passport photo, on the other hand, is a rectangle 50 mm (2 inches) wide x 70 mm high (2 ¾ inches).
Can I go to any passport office in Canada? ›You can submit most passport applications at a Service Canada Centre. However, certain complex applications need to be submitted at a passport office.
How do I renew my Canadian passport if I live in the US? ›
- Canadian passport renewal application form completed and signed on all pages.
- Proof of Canadian citizenship (birth certificate, certificate of citizenship original documents!)
- Proof of identity (driver's license, resident's card, Canadian passport)
- Two photos.
CVS for Canadian citizenship photos
If you're in need of a high-quality passport photo, look no further than CVS Pharmacy.
Did you know your American Automobile Association (AAA) membership is honored in Canada? Through reciprocal arrangements with the Canadian Automobile Association (CAA), AAA members can use benefits like roadside assistance and while in Canada.
Can I shoot my own passport photos Canada? ›Photos must be taken in person by a commercial photographer and they must comply with the Passport Program's specifications and requirements above.
How can I make my passport photo better? ›Your passport photo will need to be well-lit, and the best lighting is always natural lighting – try standing in front of a window and taking your photo earlier in the day to avoid any evening shadows. If you can't make the most of the natural light, you can always use a lamp instead.
What to do if you hate your passport photo? ›Remember, this is a legal document and as much as you hate your bad photo it cannot be changed or altered by you or anyone else. The only way to change that terrible photo is to get a new passport. You can find a complete list of passport offices here.
Who takes the best passport photos? ›The three largest pharmacy chains in the United States are CVS, Rite Aid and Walgreens. All three of these chains and more can provide good passport photos for you. All total these 3 chains have over 20,000 locations, so you should have no problem finding a location to take your passport photo.
What is the best color to wear for a passport photo? ›Choose Darker Colors
A white blouse with a white background will most likely get rejected, so your best bet is to stay away from light colors. Shades like black, dark blue, and brown are all safe options for your top, but you can also get away with wearing a brighter color so long as it's not overly distracting.