Canadian Passport Photo Requirements

YOUR PHOTOS MUST BETaken in person by a commercial photographer.50 mm wide X 70 mm high (2 inches wide X 2- 3/4 inches long) and sized so the height of the face measures between 31 mm (1- 1/4 inches) and 36 mm (1- 7/16 inches) from chin to crown of head (natural top of head).Clear, sharp and in focus.Photos may be in colour or in black and white.Taken with a neutral facial expression (eyes open and clearly visible, mouth closed, no smiling).Taken with uniform lighting and not show shadows, glare or flash reflections.Taken straight on, with face and shoulders centered and squared to the camera.Taken in front of a plain white or light-colored background with a clear difference between your face and the background. Photos must reflect/represent natural skin tones.Original photos that are not altered in any way or taken from an existing photo.Reflect your current appearance (taken within the last six months)

Professionally printed on plain, high quality photographic paper (photos printed at home and photos printed on heavy weight paper are not acceptable).

THE FOLLOWING MUST BE INCLUDED ON THE BACK OF ONE PHOTO

The name and complete address of the photo studio and the date the photo was taken. The photographer may use a stamp or hand write this information. Stick-on labels are unacceptable.Your guarantor must clearly write: “I certify this to be a true likeness of (applicant’s name)” and sign (guarantor’s name and surname). If you are renewing an adult passport, a guarantor is not needed.

EXTRA DETAILS

Glasses may be worn in photos as long as the eyes are clearly visible and there is no glare in the glasses.Sunglasses and tinted eye glasses are unacceptable.Photos with the red-eye effect or red eye alterations are unacceptable.Hats and head coverings must not be worn, unless they are worn daily for religious beliefs or medical reasons. However, your full face must be clearly visible and the head covering must not cast any shadows on your face.Your hair can be down.Shadows are not acceptable. Lighting must be uniform to avoid shadows across the face or shoulders, around the ears or in the background.