If you're applying for a Canadian passport or need to renew yours in 2024, there are many rules and policies you'll want to know about before you submit your application.
One of the easiest to mess up is your passport photo — there are rules for what you can and can't wear, who can take the photo, and even how you should look in the photo.
Messing up your passport photo can mess up your whole application, so you'll want to make sure you get it right the first time. To help, we're laying out everything you need to know about getting your passport photos taken in Canada in 2024, including how to dress, where to take them and when.
When do I need to take passport photos?
If you're applying for a Canadian passport, you'll need to provide two identical photos along with your application. However, you'll also need new passport photos if you're just renewing your passport.
Passport photos are only valid for six months from when they were taken, so make sure you don't wait to submit them.
What are the rules for Canadian passport photos?
The Government of Canada has many rules that need to be followed when taking passport photos.
In addition to being taken within the last six months, the photos must also be taken against a plain white or light-coloured background with enough contrast between the background, facial features and clothing, so that "the applicant’s features are clearly distinguishable against the background."
The photos must be clear and in focus and show the applicant's full head without any head covering.
The government says exceptions are made if the covering is worn for religious beliefs or medical reasons, but that the head covering must not cast shadows on the applicant's face and the full face must be clearly visible.
Your eyes must be open and clearly visible — red-eye effect or even red-eye alterations aren't allowed.
The two passport photos must be 50 millimetres by 70 millimetres in size, and must be identical, unaltered and produced from a single negative or from a single electronic image file.
While you can provide passport photos in colour or black and white, they must be printed on plain, high-quality photographic paper. Any other kind of paper is unacceptable, says the government.
On the back of one photo you must provide the name of the photographer or studio, the complete address where the photo was taken and the date the photo was taken
"This information should be stamped or handwritten by the photographer. Stick-on labels are unacceptable," says the government.
You also need to make sure enough space is left on the photo for your name as the applicant.
If you need a guarantor as part of your application, there must be enough room for them to clearly write "I certify this to be a true likeness of (applicant's name)" and sign the back of the photo. Those renewing an adult passport, however, do not need a guarantor.
A complete checklist of the requirements for passport photos can be found on the government's website.
Where can I get my passport photos taken?
According to the Government of Canada, passport photos must be taken by a commercial photographer, meaning a professional photographer who produces photos used by businesses or publications.
Thankfully, Canadians have quite a few options for taking photos that meet the government's requirements. While prices vary, you can generally expect to pay around $15-20 for two photos.
Shoppers Drug Mart provides passport photo services for all ages, including toddlers and newborns, and allows you to receive your photos instantly, with no appointment required.
You can also get your passport photos done at Walmart's Photo Centre.
Your local CAA store may also offer passport photos, with members also able to get a discount.
The UPS Store also offers passport photo services, and offers a variety of shipping services for on-time delivery to the Government of Canada Passport Office.
What should I wear for my passport photo in Canada?
Passport Canada suggests wearing brightly coloured clothing to ensure contrast with the white photo background.
Dark-coloured clothing is also a safe option, according to Shoppers Drug Mart. You'll also want to avoid wearing white.
If you wear jewellery, the government says to avoid anything distracting, like very sparkly jewellery or large pieces.
If you wear glasses, you can wear them in the photo provided there isn't any glare that obstructs the view of your eyes. Sunglasses and tinted glasses, though, won't be accepted.
Can you wear makeup for your passport photo?
You may have seen those viral TikTok videos showing the ideal way to do your makeup for your passport photo. However, for the best results, you may not necessarily want to follow them.
While you certainly can wear makeup for the photo, passport photo rules stipulate that the photo must show the natural tone of your skin. According to Passport Canada, it's also a good idea to avoid wearing shiny lipgloss or products that may make your face shiny.
If you have a naturally shiny face, it's suggested that you wipe it down with a tissue before your photo. You can also use mattifying makeup to control shine.
You may want to avoid wearing heavy makeup that changes your appearance — while the passport photo makeup trend makes for a flattering shot, some TikTokers have said they were stopped or faced delays when travelling because they didn't look like their pictures.
Your hair should also be out of your face for your photos, so that your entire face is clearly visible.
Can I smile in my passport photo?
No, you can't smile in your passport photo — according to Canada's passport photo policies, the applicant must have a neutral expression.
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada tells Narcity that this type of photo helps to confirm a traveller's identity and prevent fraud.
According to the IRCC, a neutral facial expression means that your eyes are open and clearly visible; you’re looking straight at the camera; your mouth is closed, and you’re not smiling or frowning.
Best of luck!
