Canadian Passport Photo Requirements and Guidelines
Get your Canadian passport photo right by following the official size, background, and lighting rules before you submit your application.
Official Size and Head Dimensions
The photo must be 50 mm wide by 70 mm high[1]. Your face and shoulders must be centered and squared to the camera, not tilted[1].
For printed photos, your face must measure 31–36 mm from chin to crown[1]. For online renewals, the digital photo’s chin-to-crown measurement must be 45%–50% of its height[1].
Taking the photo at home
For a printed passport application, go to a commercial photographer or photo studio to have your photo taken[1].
Set up in a room with plenty of even light so there are no harsh shadows behind your ears or neck. Position the camera at your exact eye level so you are looking straight ahead rather than looking up or down at the lens.
Background and Lighting Requirements
Use a plain white or light-coloured background with a clear difference between your face and the background[1].
Lighting must be uniform, with no shadows, glare, or flash reflections[1].
Expression, Glasses, and Head Coverings
Keep a neutral expression: look straight at the camera with your eyes open and mouth closed, and do not smile or frown[1]. Relax your facial muscles before the shot so you do not accidentally part your lips.
Glasses are allowed if your eyes are clearly visible and there is no glare; sunglasses and tinted lenses are not accepted[1]. Head coverings worn daily for religious or medical reasons are allowed if your full face is visible and there are no shadows on it[1].
Rules for Infants and Children
Newborns may have a range of facial expressions[1].
A newborn may sit in a car seat if a white blanket is placed over the seat behind the child’s head and there are no shadows on the face, shoulders, or background[1].
Digital Uploads and File Limits
For an online renewal, the photo must be 200 KB to 5 MB[1].
The digital image must have a 3:2 aspect ratio and specific pixel dimensions[1]. It must be at least 1,800 pixels high by 1,200 pixels wide, and no larger than 4,500 pixels high by 3,000 pixels wide[1]. You can use the tool above to crop and check your digital file dimensions before you submit your application online.
Printed Submissions and Professional Rules
For an application in person or by mail, submit two identical, unaltered photos taken by a commercial photographer and professionally printed on photographic paper[1]. Home printing and cropping around the head and shoulders are not accepted[1].
Checking your photo
Before you send or upload your file, check that your entire face is clearly visible and well-lit. Look closely at your eyes in the preview to verify there is no flash reflection or glare from your glasses.
Check the background to confirm it has no patterns, textures, or dark spots. Make sure your head is not tilted to the side and your shoulders are completely level before you finish.
Common Reasons Photos Are Refused
Photos that do not meet the requirements can lead to the application being refused[1]. Check for glare, shadows, and incorrect head measurements[1].
Use a plain white or light-coloured background[1]. For an online renewal, follow the separate digital photo requirements[1].
Frequently asked questions
Can I wear glasses in my Canadian passport photo?
Ordinary glasses are accepted if your eyes are clearly visible and lenses have no glare, but sunglasses and tinted lenses are not accepted[1].
What are the exact pixel dimensions for a digital Canadian passport photo?
For digital uploads, the image must be at least 1,800 pixels high by 1,200 pixels wide, and no larger than 4,500 pixels high by 3,000 pixels wide[1].
Can I print my passport photos at home using a standard printer?
What file size is allowed for online passport renewals?
Your digital photo file must be between 200 kilobytes and 5 megabytes in size[1].
Are hats allowed for religious reasons?
Hats and head coverings worn daily for religious beliefs or medical reasons are permitted, as long as your face remains fully visible and free of shadows[1].