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Canadian passport photos must be 50mm x 70mm, taken in person by a commercial photographer or photo studio, against a plain white or light background, with a neutral expression. Requirements apply the same way regardless of which studio takes the photo, since they’re set by the Government of Canada, not the photographer.
Renewing a passport or applying for the first time? Canadian passport photos follow specific rules, and getting one detail wrong is one of the most common reasons applications get delayed or sent back. Here’s what the requirements actually are, what to expect from a session, and how to avoid the mistakes that trip people up.
Canada requires passport photos to be taken in person by a commercial photographer or photo studio. A photo taken at home won’t be accepted, even if it technically meets the size and background requirements. This applies whether you’re applying by mail, in person, or online.
Requirements are updated periodically, so it’s worth confirming current specs on the Government of Canada’s passport photo page before your appointment rather than relying on an older guide.
Children’s and infant passport photos follow the same core size and background rules, with a few additional guidelines: no visible hands or objects supporting the child in frame, and no other people visible in the shot. Getting a compliant photo of an infant can take a few extra attempts, since eyes-open, neutral-expression requirements are harder to time with a baby. A studio experienced with child and infant passport photos will generally have a process for handling this smoothly.
Passport photo services often extend beyond a standard Canadian adult passport. Many studios that handle passport photos also offer photos for visa applications to other countries, along with other ID types like Permanent Residence cards, citizenship applications, and firearms or security licenses. Each of these can carry slightly different size or background specifications, so it’s worth confirming a studio has experience with the specific document type you need before booking.
Can I use a photo I took on my phone?
No. Canadian passport photos must be taken in person by a commercial photographer, even if a self-taken photo technically meets the size and background requirements.
Do passport photo requirements ever change?
Yes, requirements are updated periodically. A studio that handles these regularly will stay current on the latest specifications.
How long does a passport photo session usually take?
It’s typically one of the quickest sessions a studio offers, often just a few minutes, since it’s a standardized shot rather than a styled portrait.
Do I need a new photo every time I renew my passport?
Yes. Passport photos must reflect your current appearance and be taken within the timeframe set by the Government of Canada, so a photo from a previous renewal won’t be accepted.
Can I get passport photos for a country other than Canada at the same studio?
Many studios that offer Canadian passport photos also handle visa and ID photos for other countries, though it’s worth confirming they’re familiar with that country’s specific requirements.
Most passport photo rejections come down to a handful of avoidable issues: lighting, expression, or sizing that’s slightly off from what the application requires. A studio that does these regularly will know the current specifications without you having to double-check every detail yourself, which is really the main advantage of not trying to handle it on your own. For children, infants, or a less common document type like a visa or firearms license, that experience matters even more, since there’s less room for trial and error.
READY TO BOOK?
Mathieson & Hewitt Photographers offers guaranteed Canadian passport photos for adults, children, and infants. Walk in weekdays, 9AM–5PM, no appointment necessary. We also handle visa and ID photos for other countries, plus PR cards, citizenship, and firearms or security license photos. Visit our studio today.