Canadian certificate of identity photo (50×70 mm)

Official Size and Dimensions

The official photo size is 50 mm wide by 70 mm high (about 1.97 by 2.76 inches)^[1].

Submit two identical, unaltered photos taken within the last six months^[1].

When you print or prepare your pictures, check that the physical paper matches these dimensions exactly. If you use a home printer or online tool to check your crop, always verify the final printed output with a physical ruler before you submit your application packet^[1].

Head Position and Measurement

Your head must measure between 31 mm and 36 mm from the bottom of your chin to the top of your head^[1].

Keep your face and shoulders square to the camera^[1].

Stand or sit straight, and look directly into the camera lens. Do not tilt your head up, down, or to the side. If you are helping someone else take the picture, line up the camera at their eye level so the angle stays flat and even.

Background and Lighting

The official instructions state that you must use a plain white or light-coloured background with enough contrast between the person and the background^[1]. Avoid patterned wallpaper, dark surfaces, or textured walls that can confuse the review process.

Use even lighting so your face is clear and shadows do not fall on the background.

Turn off any overhead lights that create heavy shadows under your eyes or nose. Face a large window with soft daylight or use two lamps placed at equal angles on the left and right sides of your face. Make sure the background behind you is evenly lit so shadows do not appear behind your head^[1].

Expression, Glasses, and Headwear

You must maintain a neutral expression with your mouth completely closed during the photo capture^[1]. Do not smile, grin, frown, or raise your eyebrows in any way.

You may wear glasses if your eyes are clearly visible and there is no glare on the lenses^[1]. Head coverings are permitted for religious or medical reasons if they do not obscure your full facial features^[1].

Practice your neutral face in a mirror before the camera clicks. If you wear prescription glasses, look closely at the lenses in a well-lit room to check for light reflections. If your frames are very thick or block your eyes, you may want to remove them for the photo to meet the visibility standard^[1].

Professional Requirements and Photographer Details

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada notes that a commercial photographer takes the photos for this document^[1]. In addition, one of the two required photo prints must carry the commercial photographer details and the guarantor’s likeness certification written on the back^[1].

A commercial photographer must take the photos^[1]. Check the application instructions before mailing your application.

How to Take and Prepare Your Photos

The final photos must be taken by a commercial photographer^[1].

Submit two identical photos. On the back of one, the photographer must write their name, studio address and the date taken; your guarantor must sign it and certify that it is a true likeness^[2][1].

Submit the two photos with your application^[2][1].

Common Reasons Photos Are Refused

Photos must meet the official requirements, including a neutral expression, the specified head size, and a background with enough contrast^[1].

The back of one photo must include the photographer’s name, studio address and date, plus the guarantor’s signature and likeness certification^[2][1].

One photo must include the photographer’s details and the guarantor’s likeness certification^[2][1]. Check that this information is on the back before you submit your application.

Checking Your Photo

Before you finalize your prints, measure the distance from your chin to the top of your head using a small metric ruler^[1]. Confirm that this measurement falls inside the required 31 mm to 36 mm window^[1].

Check that your ears and the outline of your face are fully visible. Make sure there are no stray hairs covering your eyes or cheeks.