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Canadian Passport Photo Requirements: Size and Rules

Canadian passport photos are 50 mm wide by 70 mm high, with the face 31 to 36 mm from chin to crown. You need two identical photos taken in the last 6 months, on a plain white or light background, with a neutral expression. Online renewal needs a digital photo from a commercial photographer.

By Fact-checked by Samuel Athur

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Printed photos (in person or by mail)

  • Number: 2 identical, unaltered photos.
  • Size: 50 mm wide by 70 mm high (2 by 2¾ inches).
  • Face: 31 to 36 mm from chin to crown, centred and square to the camera.
  • Age: taken no more than 6 months before you apply.
  • Background: plain white or light-coloured, contrasting with your face.
  • Expression: neutral, eyes open, mouth closed.
  • Glasses: allowed if your eyes are clearly visible with no glare. No sunglasses or tinted lenses.
  • Head coverings: only if worn daily for religious or medical reasons, with the full face visible.
  • Editing: none, including filters and AI tools.
  • Back of one photo: the photographer writes the studio name, address and date. For new passports, your guarantor also signs it.

Digital photos (online renewal)

  • Taken in person by a commercial photographer, in the last 6 months.
  • A .jpg or .jpeg file, 3:2 portrait, at least 1,200 by 1,800 pixels and no larger than 3,000 by 4,500.
  • File size 200 KB to 5 MB; face 45% to 50% of the photo height.
  • Not a scan of a printed photo.

Related

How to Renew a Canadian Passport: Online, by Mail or in Person You can renew an adult passport issued in the last 15 years, when you were 16 or older, if your name, date of birth, place of birth and gender identifier are unchanged. Renew online or by mail in about 20 business days, or in person for faster service. A 10-year passport costs $163.50 in Canada. Renew Your Passport Online in Canada: Who Can and How Online passport renewal is open to adults in Canada whose current passport expires within 6 months or has already expired, was issued in the last 15 years when they were 16 or older, and is undamaged. You need an IRCC Portal account and a digital photo from a commercial photographer. It takes up to 20 business days plus mailing. Child Passport in Canada: How to Apply for Under 16 Children under 16 get a 5-year passport that costs $58.50 in Canada. Child passports can't be renewed, so you apply for a new one each time. A parent or legal guardian applies with the child's proof of citizenship, two photos and a guarantor.

Frequently asked questions

Can I take my passport photo at home?

No. Printed photos must be professionally printed, and digital photos for online renewal must come from a commercial photographer.

Can I smile in my passport photo?

No. You need a neutral expression with your mouth closed. Babies get some leeway.

Sources

North Help Desk is an independent guide, not a government website. Rules, amounts and phone hours can change; always confirm on the official page before you act. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.