Canada Passport Photo Specifications

Requirement	Specification
Country	Canada
Document Type	Passport
Photo Size	50 × 70 mm (2 × 2¾ inches)
Resolution (DPI)	600
Pixel Size (at 600 DPI)	1181 × 1654 pixels
Face Height	31–36 mm (1¼–1⅞ inches) from chin to crown
Background Color	Plain white or light-colored
Printable	Yes — on matte or glossy photo-quality paper
Digital for Online Renewal	Yes — minimum 1200×1800px, max 5 MB, JPEG
Color	Color only (black and white not accepted)
Quantity Required	2 identical photographs
Guarantor Signature	Required — one photo must be signed on the back
Recency	Taken within the last 6 months

Detailed Canadian Passport Photo Requirements

Canadian passport photos must meet strict requirements set by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). Below is a comprehensive guide to ensure your photo is accepted.

Photo Basics

• Your photo must be in color — black and white photos are not accepted
• Must be a recent photo, taken within the last 6 months
• The photo must be clear and in focus, with no blurriness or pixelation
• No filters or editing — do not apply social media filters or digitally alter your appearance
• Must reflect your current appearance
• You must submit 2 identical photographs printed on quality photo paper

Size and Dimensions

• Photo size: exactly 50 × 70 mm (2 × 2¾ inches)
• Face height (chin to crown of head): 31–36 mm (1¼–1⅞ inches)
• The face must be centered in the photo
• Printed on matte or glossy photo-quality paper

Pose and Expression

• Face the camera directly — your head must not be tilted or turned
• Maintain a neutral facial expression — mouth closed, no smiling
• Both eyes must be open and clearly visible
• Keep your mouth closed — no smiling with teeth showing
• Ensure your face is fully visible from the bottom of your chin to the top of your forehead, and ear to ear

Background

• Use a plain white or light-colored background
• No patterns, textures, or objects visible behind you
• No shadows on your face or behind your head
• Sufficient contrast between your face and the background

Glasses

Glasses are NOT allowed in Canadian passport photos (since July 15, 2019). This applies even if you wear glasses daily. The only exception is for medical reasons with a written explanation from your doctor.

Head Coverings and Hats

• No hats or head coverings are allowed, unless worn daily for religious purposes
• If worn for religious reasons, your full face must still be visible from the bottom of your chin to the top of your forehead
• No headphones, earbuds, or wireless hands-free devices

Clothing

• Wear normal everyday clothing
• Do not wear uniforms, except religious clothing worn daily
• Avoid wearing white or very light-colored tops that may blend with the background

Guarantor Requirements

• One of your two photos must be signed by your guarantor on the back
• The guarantor must write: "I certify this to be a true likeness of [your full name]"
• The guarantor must also sign their name on the back of that photo
• Both photos must be identical — the guarantor only signs one of them

Children and Baby Photos

• The child must be the only person in the photo — no parent's hands or arms visible
• The child's eyes must be open and visible (for newborns, eyes may be partially closed)
• No toys, pacifiers, or other objects visible in the photo
• A plain white or light-colored sheet may be used as a background for babies
• The photo must show the child's full face from chin to top of head

Source: Government of Canada — Passport Photo Requirements

How to Take a Canadian Passport Photo at Home

You don't need a professional studio. Follow these simple steps to take a compliant Canadian passport photo at home using your smartphone.

Good and Bad Examples of Canadian Passport Photos

Frequently Asked Questions