If you have landed on this page, it means you are searching for guidelines to take a Canadian passport photo by yourself.
There is a set of rules for passport photos at national level that often are in line with those of ICAO (international civil aviation organization) . If you decide to create a photo on your own, be sure to specifically check national standards as they might be stricter than those of ICAO.You need to submit two identical, unaltered photographs with every adult and child’s Canadian passport application. It’s important to ensure that your photo shows a neutral face expression, is the correct size and quality, and captures how you look currently (the photo can’t have been taken more than 6 months before the application)!
Last update:1/15/2024
What is the required passport photo size in Canada?
You need two photographs that meet the following specifications:
- 50mm (width) by 70mm (height)
- The face height needs to measure between 31mm and 36mm from chin to crown
What are the international mandatory regulations for passport photo?
The general rule is that photo must be taken recently. The government of Canada states that a valid photo must be taken within the last 6 months to reflect your current appearance.
1. LIGHTING/ COLOR
The photo should have a good balance between overexposure and underexposure. It should be high contrast, with no shadow on the face or in the background. Photo must be clear and in color, that reproduces skin tones accurately.
2. PHOTO QUALITY
The photo must be of high quality (clear, without traces or folding lines). If you submit it in digital format, make sure that the file size is not too big or too small and that it has the appropriate resolution and image depth. The photo must not be distorted in any way such as barrel or compression artifacts. For printed photos, there must not be any creases or ink marks. Photos should be in clear focus and digital alterations are not permitted.
3. Background
Your passport photo should have a plain white or light-coloured background. No objects should be visible within the background.
4. HEAD IN OFFICIAL PHOTO
Your head must be bare, without a hat, scarf, headband or any other decorative object and your hair must be seen. No visible accessories should be noticeable on your official photo. That includes barrettes, elastic bands and other extras. If your hair is bothering you, tie it in a ponytail behind your head. It will not be visible in the photo.
Only little make-up is allowed because it can affect computerized as well as human facial recognition capabilities. The photograph needs to show the top of your head to the mid torso with a little bit of space inbetween.
5. EYE DIRECTION AND HEAD POSITION
The subject must face the lens, hold head straight and look directly into the lens. A neutral expression must be maintained with closed mouth.
6. FACE AND EYES
Face must be clear. Eyes must be open. The aim is to recognize you as well as possible.
7. GLASSES
Thick frames are prohibited in a passport photo. Glasses must not obscure the eyes, therefore tinted glasses are prohibited. Note that there should be also no reflection on the glasses. Due to high number of refused photos, we kindly ask you to remove glasses when taking photo with Smartphone iD app.
8. BODY
Wearing clothes is obligatory and it cannot be uniform.
The photo must show only your head, neck and shoulders.
Cick hear to read the official document on the biometric passport photos by the ICAO.
How to make succesful passport photos with Smartphone iD?
Stand one meter from wall to avoid the shadow.
Hold your arm straight at the level of your shoulders.
Fit your body within the mask.
Your back camera can produce a higher quality picture
Remember if your iD photos are not accepted, the process of getting passport or any other official document will be prolonged. So let our team make sure that your photo conforms with the national and ICAO standards, and spare yourself the unease about a possible refusal!
Our software respects the standards of ISO/IEC 1979465 and the ICAO (International Civil Aviation Organisation) that guarantees ID photo quality and conformity with all the requirements (format, face angles, brightness, resolution etc.) Certain countries require stricter rules at national level that are programmed into our software.
Steps to get your Canadian passport photo with smartphone id
To take a Canadian passport photo at home, you can use the Smartphone iD app. Here are the steps to follow:
- Download the Smartphone iD app on your Android or iOS smartphone.
- Open the app and select the country “Canada” and the document “passport.”
- Place your smartphone on a stable stand and make sure the lighting is even. A plain white wall can serve as the background for your photo.
- Follow the instructions of the app to position your face correctly. The app will guide you through its advanced real-time artificial intelligence system to center your face, adjust your expression, and check that your hair and ears are visible.
- Take your ID photo yourself with your phone’s camera. You can take as many tries as needed to get the right shot.
- The app automatically removes the background and allows you to preview it.
- Once you are satisfied with your photo, order it directly from the app.
- Our experts and our artificial intelligence system will examine your photo under a microscope to ensure that it meets the criteria required by the Colombian authorities.
- Once your photo is validated, it is 100% guaranteed. You will receive it instantly by email to your address.
