Canadian Driver Licence Photos
Learn about the rules and dimensions for Canadian driver licence photos across different provinces and territories.
Provisional Rules Across Canada
Canada has separate provincial and territorial licensing authorities[1]. In Québec, the licence photo is taken at a service outlet[2]. Check with the authority that issues your licence for its requirements.
Because licences are issued at the provincial and territorial level, rules can vary widely depending on where you live[1]. Some jurisdictions may have specific photo submission policies, while others handle the picture-taking process entirely on-site[2].
Size and Head Measurements
There is no single national photo size or head-height rule for Canadian driver’s licences. Check the requirements of your provincial or territorial licensing authority[1].
There is no single national photo size for Canadian driver’s licences. Check the requirements of the provincial or territorial authority that issues your licence[1].
Background Colours and Lighting
Background rules depend on the province or territory that issues the licence. Check with that authority for its requirements[1].
Background and lighting requirements depend on the provincial or territorial issuer. Check that authority’s instructions.
Facial Expression and Glasses
Photo rules, including expression and glasses, depend on the provincial or territorial licensing authority. Check with the authority that issues your licence[1].
Expression and glasses requirements depend on the provincial or territorial issuer. Check that authority’s instructions[1].
Head Coverings and Exemptions
Head-covering rules depend on the provincial or territorial licensing authority. Check with the authority that issues your licence[1].
Head-covering requirements depend on the provincial or territorial issuer. Check that authority’s instructions[1].
Preparing and Practising at Home
In Québec, the licence photo is taken at a service outlet[2]. Check with your local licensing authority for its photo process.
If your province allows you to submit your own photo or requires you to bring one, have a helper take the picture using a digital camera or phone rather than taking a selfie, which distorts facial proportions. Stand straight, look directly at the lens, and keep your shoulders level.
Visiting the Service Outlet
In Québec, the licence photo is taken at a service outlet; the guidance directs people seeking a new photo to a service outlet[2]. Photo procedures vary by issuer, so check with your provincial or territorial authority[1].
Check with your provincial or territorial licensing authority for instructions before visiting[1].
Frequently asked questions
What size is a Canadian driver licence photo?
There is no single national photo size for Canadian driver’s licences. Check with the provincial or territorial authority that issues yours[1].
Can I wear glasses in my licence photo?
Glasses rules depend on the provincial or territorial licensing authority. Check with the authority that issues your licence[1].
What background colours are allowed?
Background rules depend on the provincial or territorial licensing authority. Check with the authority that issues your licence[1].
Who takes the driver licence photo?
Can I use my own photo for a Canadian driver licence?
Photo procedures depend on the provincial or territorial authority that issues your licence. Check with that authority[1].
What should I wear when getting my photo taken at an office?
Check with the authority that issues your licence for any clothing guidance.