Everything you need to know about Canadian passport photo requirements, including exact dimensions, background color, guarantor signature rules, and how to take a compliant photo at home.
| Requirement | Specification |
|---|---|
| Country | Canada |
| Document Type | Passport |
| Photo Size | 50 × 70 mm (2 × 2¾ inches) |
| Resolution (DPI) | 600 |
| Pixel Size (at 600 DPI) | 1181 × 1654 pixels |
| Face Height | 31–36 mm (1¼–1⅞ inches) from chin to crown |
| Background Color | Plain white or light-colored |
| Printable | Yes — on matte or glossy photo-quality paper |
| Digital for Online Renewal | Yes — minimum 1200×1800px, max 5 MB, JPEG |
| Color | Color only (black and white not accepted) |
| Quantity Required | 2 identical photographs |
| Guarantor Signature | Required — one photo must be signed on the back |
| Recency | Taken within the last 6 months |
Canadian passport photos must meet strict requirements set by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). Below is a comprehensive guide to ensure your photo is accepted.
Glasses are NOT allowed in Canadian passport photos (since July 15, 2019). This applies even if you wear glasses daily. The only exception is for medical reasons with a written explanation from your doctor.
You don't need a professional studio. Follow these simple steps to take a compliant Canadian passport photo at home using your smartphone.
Any modern smartphone camera is more than capable of taking a passport-quality photo. Make sure the lens is clean and the camera is set to the highest resolution.
Place your phone on a tripod or ask someone to take the photo for you. Selfies tend to have the wrong angle and distortion.
Stand facing a window with natural daylight for the best even lighting. Avoid direct sunlight, which creates harsh shadows.
Wear your normal everyday clothing. Avoid uniforms and white tops that blend with the background. Make sure your hair does not cover your eyes.
Stand about 1.5 meters in front of the camera with your head facing directly forward. Keep your shoulders relaxed and your head level — not tilted.
Keep your face relaxed with a neutral expression. Both eyes must be open and your mouth closed. No smiling — a straight, neutral expression is required.
Comparison of acceptable and unacceptable passport photos
A Canadian passport photo must be 50×70mm (2×2¾ inches). The face must measure 31–36mm (1¼–1⅞ inches) from chin to crown of head. You need 2 identical photos printed on quality photo paper.
No. Since July 15, 2019, glasses are not allowed in Canadian passport photos, even if you normally wear them for medical reasons.
No. You must have a neutral facial expression with your mouth closed. No smiling, frowning, or squinting is permitted.
Yes. One of the two photos must be signed by your guarantor on the back. The guarantor must write "I certify this to be a true likeness of [your name]" and sign their name.
The background must be plain white or light-colored. No patterns, objects, shadows, or other people should be visible. Our tool will automatically replace your background with white.
Yes! Simply upload your photo to Passport Size Photo and our AI will automatically crop, resize, remove the background, and ensure it meets all official Canadian passport photo requirements.
Your passport photo must have been taken within the last 6 months. It should reflect your current appearance.
If your passport photo doesn't meet the requirements, your passport application will be delayed or returned. Using Passport Size Photo ensures your photo meets all official requirements before you submit.
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