Canadian passport photo specifications

When it comes to applying for a passport, the smallest detail can hold everything up. Every year, thousands of applications are delayed or rejected because of photo problems. Your Canadian Passport Photo isn’t just a formality—it’s a strict requirement. If it doesn’t meet the exact standards, your application will be refused.

At Quik Print, we help clients avoid this headache. Below, we’ll walk through the official Government of Canada passport photo requirements step by step. Whether you’re applying for an adult or child passport, you’ll know exactly what to expect and how to prepare.

Passport Photos: Printed Copies

Passport Canada requires two identical, unaltered printed copies of your photo with every application. These must meet strict standards for size, quality, and authenticity. Canadian rules differ from those of other countries, so don’t assume a photo taken for a U.S. visa or another ID will be accepted.

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Quick Note

If you’re renewing an adult passport online, you’ll need a digital passport photo that meets separate online renewal standards.

Photo Requirements for Adult Passports

Number of Photos You Need

2 identical photos (unaltered, original prints).

Size Specifications

Dimensions: 50 mm wide x 70 mm high (2 inches x 2 ¾ inches).
Face height: 31 mm to 36 mm (1 ¼ to 1 ⁷⁄₁₆ inches) from chin to crown.

Image Quality

Your photos can be colour or black-and-white, but they must:

Be sharp, clear, and in focus.
Have uniform lighting, with no shadows or glare.
Show natural skin tone and good contrast.
Be printed professionally on plain, high-quality photographic paper.
Be taken in person at a commercial studio (no home-printed photos).
Be original, unaltered prints (no retouching, digital editing, or filters).

Photos printed at home or on heavy stock paper will not be accepted.

Facial Expression and Appearance

The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) sets international standards, and Canada follows them. That means:

Neutral expression (mouth closed, eyes open, no smiling or frowning).
Looking straight at the camera.
No shadows across your face or shoulders.

Posture and Background

Shoulders and face centered, squared to the camera—not tilted.
Plain white or light-colored background only.
If in a wheelchair, use a plain white blanket behind your head for contrast.

Clothing, Glasses, and Headwear

Everyday clothing is fine, but avoid white tops that blend into the background.
Glasses allowed only if eyes remain fully visible with no glare or tint.
Religious or medical headwear is permitted, but it must not cast shadows on the face.
Hair can be worn up or down, but edges of your face must be clearly visible.
No sunglasses, tinted glasses, or fashion hats.

Guarantor’s Signature Requirement

For new adult passport applications:

On the back of one photo, the photographer must write or stamp the date, name, and address of the studio.
Your guarantor must write:
“I certify this to be a true likeness of [applicant’s name].”
The guarantor must also sign the photo.

For adult renewals, a guarantor is not required.

Photo Requirements for Child Passports

Children under 16 must also provide two identical photos. Extra care should be taken to ensure:

A plain background with no toys, hands, or other distractions in the photo.
The child’s face is clearly visible, eyes open if possible (infants are allowed exceptions).
No shadows across the face or background.

Acceptable vs. Unacceptable Photos

Examples of acceptable passport photos include:

Good contrast with a white background.
Clear visibility of facial features.
Non-tinted glasses with no glare.
Neutral expression.
Face square to the camera.

Unacceptable passport photos include:

Smiling or open mouth.
Tinted or reflective glasses.
Shadows behind the ears or across the face.
Incorrect sizing or wrong background color.
Hands or objects visible in a child’s photo.

Special Considerations

Medical reasons: If you can’t meet the requirements, include a written explanation with your application. You may also need a doctor’s letter.
Headwear and medical devices: Religious head coverings and medical devices such as nasal cannulas may appear in the photo, as long as your face remains fully visible.

Why You Can’t Smile in Your Passport Photo

It might feel unnatural, but smiling is not allowed. Neutral expressions are essential because facial recognition systems rely on biometric accuracy. Smiles, exaggerated expressions, or open mouths distort key features and increase the risk of identity fraud.

Tips for a Perfect Canadian Passport Photo

Wear darker solid clothing for better contrast.
Keep hair neat and away from the eyes.
Avoid makeup that alters your natural skin tone.
Relax your face—neutral doesn’t mean tense!
Always go to a professional studio like Quik Print to ensure compliance.