Condensed guide. Read the full Canadian passport requirements or the rejection diagnostic.
Specification
| Photo size | 50 × 70 mm (1.97 × 2.76 in) |
|---|---|
| Pixels at 300 / 600 dpi | 591 × 827 px / 1181 × 1654 px |
| Head height (chin to crown) | 31–36 mm |
| Eye line from bottom | not specified |
| Head width | not specified |
| Space above the crown | not specified |
| Background | plain and light |
| Background editing | not allowed (retake instead) |
| Glasses | allowed only with no glare and frames clear of the eyes |
| Expression | neutral, mouth closed |
| Recency | taken in the last 6 months |
| Print requirements | plain, high-quality photo paper, professionally printed — Home-printed photos and heavyweight paper are not accepted. The photographer stamps the back of one photo. |
| Digital upload | none |
| Self-taken photos | not accepted |
| Prints needed | 2 |
| Infant rules | eyes open, mouth may be open (under 1) |
| Official source | Government of Canada – Passport photos |
- Information and checker only. No paid product is offered because Canadian passport photos must be taken by a commercial photographer.
Can I take it myself? No
No. The Government of Canada page is unambiguous: the photo must be taken in person by a commercial photographer or photo studio, printed professionally, and for first adult and child passports the studio's name, address and the date go on the back. Even the digital photo for online renewal has to come from a commercial photographer and must not be a scan of a print. For that reason we sell nothing for the Canadian passport. Use the free checker here to confirm a studio photo meets the 31–36 mm head rule before you lodge, and take the measurements to the photographer if it does not.
Why CA passport photos get rejected
- Taken at home or printed at home. Not accepted under any circumstances. Use a commercial photographer.
- Head height outside 31–36 mm. Measure the print; ask the studio to reprint if it is out of band. Use the free checker here to confirm.
- Altered or filtered photo. Canada rejects any editing, filters or AI alteration. Ask for the untouched image.
- Light clothing blending into the background. Wear a darker top than the wall.
- Glare on glasses or tinted lenses. Remove them, or have the photographer adjust the lighting.
CA passport photo FAQ
Can I take my own Canadian passport photo?
No. The photo must be taken in person by a commercial photographer or photo studio and printed professionally. We do not sell a Canadian product for this reason.
What size is a Canadian passport photo?
50 mm wide by 70 mm high with the head 31–36 mm from chin to crown. It is bigger than the 35×45 mm used in most countries, so a generic passport photo will be refused.
Is a digital photo accepted?
Only for online adult renewals, and only if a commercial photographer took it. It must be 3:2, at least 1200×1800 px, 200 KB to 5 MB.
Why is there a free checker if I cannot make the photo?
So you can measure a studio print or file against the 31–36 mm rule before you lodge. Studios do get it wrong.
Can I wear glasses?
Yes, if your eyes are clearly visible and there is no glare. Sunglasses and tinted lenses are refused, including prescription tints.
What goes on the back of the photo?
For first adult passports and child passports, the photographer's name, address and the date, plus the guarantor's statement and signature.
Related documents
Canada visa and immigration photo (IRCC)
35×45 mm · head 31–36 mmUS passport
50.8×50.8 mm · head 25.4–34.9 mmLast verified 2026-10-28 against Government of Canada – Passport photos. Spotted a mistake? Report an error.