Canadian Passport Photo Requirements: Size, Rules & How to Get One (2026)

Planning to apply for or renew a Canadian passport? The photo requirements are different from most countries — and stricter than you might expect.

This guide covers everything you need to know about Canadian passport photos in 2026.

Canadian Passport Photo Size

Canadian passport photos have unique dimensions:

Size: 50mm × 70mm (2” × 2.75”)
Shape: Rectangular (portrait orientation)
Face height: 31mm to 36mm (chin to crown)

These dimensions must be followed precisely for your application to be accepted.

Photo Requirements Checklist

Your Canadian passport photo must meet all these requirements:

Dimensions & Framing

50mm wide × 70mm tall
Face centered in frame
Head height 31-36mm from chin to crown
Full head visible including hair

Background

Pure white or light grey
No shadows
No patterns or objects

Expression & Pose

Neutral expression (no smiling)
Mouth closed
Eyes open and clearly visible
Looking directly at camera
Face straight (not tilted or turned)

What’s Not Allowed

❌ Glasses (including prescription glasses)
❌ Hats or head coverings (except religious)
❌ Shadows on face or background
❌ Red-eye
❌ Digital alterations

Where to Get Canadian Passport Photos

In Canada

Shoppers Drug Mart: ~$15-20 CAD
Walmart Photo Centre: ~$13-15 CAD
London Drugs: ~$15-18 CAD
CAA offices: ~$15 CAD
Professional photographers: $20-40 CAD

Outside Canada

Many photo services outside Canada don’t offer Canadian passport size by default. Options:

Find a photographer familiar with Canadian specs
Use One Dollar Passport Photo — select Canada as country
Take your own and have it printed at custom size

Taking Your Own Canadian Passport Photo

You can take your own photo if you follow the rules:

Setup

Stand against a white wall
Use natural daylight from a window
Position camera at eye level, 4-6 feet away
Have someone take the photo (no selfies)

Camera Settings

Use rear camera (not front-facing)
Turn off beauty mode and filters
Highest resolution setting

After Taking

Upload to One Dollar Passport Photo
Select “Canada” and “Passport”
Tool auto-crops to 50×70mm
Download and print at photo shop

Printing Your Canadian Passport Photo

If you’re printing at home or at a photo shop:

Print size: 50mm × 70mm exactly
Paper: High-quality glossy or matte photo paper
Resolution: At least 300 DPI
Quantity: You need 2 identical photos

Many print shops offer custom sizes. Bring the exact dimensions (50×70mm or 2×2.75 inches).

Guarantor Requirements

For Canadian passports, your photos must be certified by a guarantor — someone who has known you for at least 2 years and can verify your identity.

The guarantor must:

Sign the back of one photo
Write “I certify this to be a true likeness of [your name]”
Add their signature and the date

Common Rejection Reasons

Canadian passport photos are rejected for:

Wrong size — Not 50×70mm
Shadows — On face or background
Glasses — Any eyewear in photo
Expression — Smiling or mouth open
Poor quality — Blurry, grainy, or low resolution
Background — Not white/grey or has objects

Frequently Asked Questions

What size is a Canadian passport photo?

Canadian passport photos are 50mm × 70mm (2 inches × 2.75 inches). This is a vertical rectangle, unlike the square US passport photo.

Can I wear glasses in my Canadian passport photo?

No. As of 2023, glasses are not permitted in Canadian passport photos, even if you wear them daily. Remove all eyewear before taking the photo.

Can I smile in my Canadian passport photo?

No. You must have a neutral expression with your mouth closed. Smiling — even slightly — can cause rejection.

Can I use my US passport photo for a Canadian passport?

No. US passport photos are 51×51mm (square), while Canadian photos must be 50×70mm (rectangle). The dimensions are completely different.

How many Canadian passport photos do I need?

You need 2 identical photos for a Canadian passport application. One must be signed by your guarantor.

Get Your Canadian Passport Photo

Need a Canadian passport photo? Use One Dollar Passport Photo to create a photo that meets all Canadian requirements. Just select “Canada” and “Passport” — the tool handles the 50×70mm sizing automatically.

Create Your Canadian Photo →