Applying for a passport

Photos

A considerable number of photos are rejected due to common, avoidable errors. Please take the time to thoroughly read the photo specifications on this page. The passport application will be rejected if the photos do not meet these specifications. To avoid further delays, we suggest that you print a copy of our checklist to take with you to your photographer.

Quantity

TWO identical photos produced from the same film, or from the same electronic file capturing the digital image, are required for each passport.

Specifications for photos

Refer to measurements indicated below, and not to the illustration size, to obtain the actual size.

Size and paper

• The length of the face on the photo from chin to crown of head (natural top of head) must be between 31 mm (1 1/4 in.) and 36 mm (1 7/16 in.) .
• The photos must measure 50 mm X 70 mm in size (2 inches wide X 2 3/4 inches long).
• The photos must be a close-up of the head and shoulders so that the face covers approximately 65 to 75% of the photo.
• The photos must be printed on plain, high quality photographic paper. Heavy weight paper is unacceptable.
• Either black and white or colour photos are acceptable.

Image information

Acceptable photos*

Uniform lighting	Height of face correct	Correct child pose
* These photos do not represent the actual size of a passport photo. Please see the specific dimensions.

Unacceptable photos

No contrast	Shadow behind ears	Hands in picture
Reflection on glasses	Face not square to camera	Facial features not clearly visible
Mouth open	Smiling	Wrong format

• The photos provided will be printed in the passport. In order for our equipment to read the photo correctly, applicants are asked not to smile.
• Photos must be taken against a plain white or light-coloured background so that the applicant's features are clearly distinguishable against the background. There should be enough contrast between the background and the traits or clothing.
• Shadows are unacceptable. The lighting must be uniform to avoid shadows across the face or shoulders, around the ears or in the background.
• There must be no reflection or glare on the face or glasses.
• Applicant must show a neutral facial expression (no smiling, mouth closed) and look straight at the camera.
• Eyes must be open and clearly visible. Glasses, including tinted prescription glasses, are acceptable as long as the eyes are clearly visible and there is no glare in the glasses. Sunglasses and red eyes are unacceptable.
• Photos must show a full head without any head covering, unless it is worn for religious beliefs or medical reasons. However, both edges of the face must be clearly visible.
• Photos must show a full front view of the face and top of the shoulders squared to the camera (the image of the face and shoulders must be centered in the photo).
• Photos must be clear, sharp and in focus.
• Photos must be originals and not taken from an existing photo.

Photographer

• You must be a commercial photographer to provide acceptable passport photos.
• The name of the photographer or studio, the address and the date the photo was taken (not the date the photo was printed) must be provided directly on the back of one photo (see illustration above). The photographer may handwrite this information. Stick-on labels are unacceptable. Sufficient space must be allowed for the name of the applicant, the signature of the guarantor and the guarantor's declaration.

Guarantor

• One photo must be signed by a guarantor as a true likeness of the applicant.
• Notarial seals must not be imprinted on photos.

Children

• Photos must show the child's head and shoulders only. Parent's or child's hands must not appear in the photo. Passport Canada recognizes the difficulty in obtaining a neutral expression of a newborn and will allow for some tolerance in this regard.
• Child replacement passport: If applying for a replacement passport for a child, you must include a photo that has been taken within one month of the date the application is submitted.