A valid Canadian passport photo must measure exactly 50mm wide by 70mm high, with your face measuring between 31mm and 36mm from chin to the crown of your head. The background must be plain white or light-coloured, your expression neutral, and the photo taken within the last six months by a commercial photographer. Get any one of these wrong and the Passport Office will reject your application — costing you the fee and two to three weeks of processing time.
If you’re applying for or renewing a passport in Mississauga, here’s everything you need to know before you sit down for the photo.
Exact Size and Specs for a Canadian Passport Photo
Canada’s passport photo requirements are more specific than most countries’. Here’s the full breakdown:
| Requirement | Specification |
|---|---|
| Photo size | 50mm wide x 70mm high (about 2 x 2¾ inches) |
| Face height (chin to crown) | 31mm to 36mm |
| Background | Plain white or light-coloured, no shadows or patterns |
| Expression | Neutral, mouth closed, both eyes open |
| Colour | Colour or black and white accepted |
| Recency | Taken within the last 6 months |
| Photographer | Must be taken by a commercial photographer or studio |
| Quantity | Two identical prints per application |
A few details trip people up more than others. Glasses are no longer permitted in Canadian passport photos — you’ll need to remove them for the sitting. Head coverings are allowed only for religious reasons, and your full face must still be visible from chin to forehead. And if you have very light hair or fair skin, ask your photographer to use a slightly off-white background — pure white can wash out the contrast the Passport Office needs to verify your photo.
Why Canadian Requirements Are Stricter Than the US or UK
If you’ve applied for a US or UK passport before, don’t assume the same photo will work here.
| Country | Photo Size | Face Height |
|---|---|---|
| Canada | 50mm x 70mm | 31–36mm |
| United States | 2in x 2in (51mm x 51mm) | 25–35mm |
| United Kingdom | 35mm x 45mm | 29–34mm |
Canada’s format is unique on this list — it’s neither square like the US photo nor the smaller UK size. A photo printed to US or UK specifications will be rejected outright by a Canadian Passport Office, even if the face height happens to overlap. Always ask specifically for a “Canadian passport photo” when booking, especially if you’re using a studio that also serves international clients.
The Two Things Most People Get Wrong
Most guides stop at the size and background rules. But the part that causes the most rejected applications is what happens on the back of the photo — and almost nobody explains it clearly.
1. The guarantor signature. One of your two photos must be signed on the back by a guarantor: someone who has known you for at least two years and meets Canada’s professional criteria for guarantors (a doctor, teacher, lawyer, or similar). The guarantor writes the date and confirms the photo is a true likeness of you. The second photo is left blank.
2. The photographer’s stamp. A commercial photographer must complete a note on the back of at least one photo, listing the studio name, address, and date the photo was taken. This is why you can’t simply print a passport-sized photo at a home printer or self-serve kiosk and expect it to be accepted — the Passport Office is specifically checking for this professional certification.
Skipping either of these is one of the most common (and most avoidable) reasons Canadian passport applications get sent back.
Can You Take Your Own Passport Photo at Home?
No — not for a standard paper application. Canada requires photos to be taken in person by a commercial photographer who can complete the certification on the back. Self-taken photos, even ones that meet the size and background specs perfectly, will be rejected because they’re missing the required photographer note.
There is one exception: eligible adults renewing a passport online can use a different route that accepts a digital JPEG file directly from a commercial photographer, rather than printed photos. If you’re renewing online, ask your photographer whether they can provide this digital file in addition to (or instead of) prints — not every studio offers both formats.
Passport Photos for Babies, Toddlers, and Children
Children need their own passport, which means their own compliant photo — and the rules have a few kid-specific adjustments. A child’s face and shoulders must be centred and squared to the camera, and no adult’s hands can be visible in the frame, even if you’re holding your child steady just out of shot.
For newborns, Canada allows a bit more flexibility: babies can be photographed sitting in a car seat with a plain white or light-coloured blanket draped behind their head, and some natural variation in facial expression is permitted since a neutral newborn expression isn’t realistic to ask for.
A studio experienced with young children makes a real difference here — getting a compliant photo of a squirming toddler in one or two tries takes patience most home setups don’t allow for.
What Happens If Your Photo Gets Rejected
If the Passport Office rejects your photo, you’ll need to resubmit your entire application with a new, compliant photo — which means another sitting, another set of prints, and the delay of resubmission. It’s frustrating, but avoidable: bringing a printed copy of the current specs to your sitting, or booking with a studio that photographs passport applicants regularly, significantly reduces the odds of rejection.
Getting Your Passport Photo Done in Mississauga
Courtesy Photo has been part of the Mississauga community since 1992, taking government-compliant passport and visa photos for families, students, and professionals across the city. Our team knows the current requirements inside and out, including the guarantor and photographer certification steps outlined above, so your photos are ready to submit the first time.
We’re located at 1250 Eglinton Ave W, Mississauga, ON L5V 1N3 — book a session or stop by, and if you need family photos, a business headshot, or old photos restored while you’re here, we handle all of that under one roof too. See our full passport and visa photo service details, or explore our family photography if you’re bringing the kids in for their photos as well.
