Canadian passport photo requirements
Canada has the largest passport photo of any major country, and one rule that catches people out: it must be taken by a commercial photographer. Here are the full rules, checked against canada.ca.
Checked against canada.ca: Passport photo requirements on 30 October 2026.
The rules at a glance
- Photo size
- 50 mm wide × 70 mm high (2 × 2¾ in)
- Face height
- 31–36 mm, chin to crown (natural top of head)
- Number of photos
- 2 identical, unaltered photos
- Background
- Plain white or light-coloured
- Recency
- Taken no more than 6 months before you apply
- Who takes it
- A commercial photographer or photo studio
- Back of photo
- Studio name and full address, and date taken, on one photo
What gets photos rejected
Use a commercial photographer
Canada does not accept photos you take yourself. This applies to printed photos and to online renewals.
Studio details on the back
The photographer must write or stamp the studio name, full address and the date taken on the back of one photo.
Face 31–36 mm
Measured from the chin to the natural top of the head.
Glasses without glare
Glasses can be worn if there is no glare and the lenses are not tinted. Taking them off is simpler.
Two identical photos
Both photos must be identical and unaltered.
Questions
Can I take my Canadian passport photo at home?
No. Canada requires a commercial photographer for passport photos, including the digital photo for online renewal. That's why our photo maker doesn't offer Canadian passports.
Where can I get a Canadian passport photo?
Most pharmacies and photo studios offer them. Ask for Canadian passport size (50 × 70 mm) and check they write the studio details on the back.
Official source: canada.ca: Passport photo requirements (Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada). Rules can change, so check the official page before you apply.