A Guide on How to get Digital Passport Photos in Canada

Your passport needs to be renewed every several years to reflect any changes in your appearance. If you want to renew your passport and submit an application to the passport offices, keep reading for an easy-to-follow guide on getting digital passport photos. 

What is a digital passport photo?

A digital passport photo is essentially a photograph before it has been printed. Some passport offices will accept a digital photo attached to the application. Therefore, make sure to check your country’s requirements and evaluate whether you will need a physical or digital image.

Where can I take digital passport photos in Canada?

Some retail stores will provide passport photo services and offer you a digital passport photo. Here is a list of some of the places where you can get one:

  1. London Drugs

London Drugs has a photo centre and photographers that can take your photo and provide digital and physical copies. However, you may need to ask to have the digital in advance.  

  1. Shoppers Drug Mart

Shoppers Drug Mart is a retail chain that offers passport photo services at participating locations. They may require an appointment to have the service provided. 

  1. Local Photo Studios 

You may have some local photography studios in your area that will take your passport photo service. It will usually cost a bit more than a large retail chain, but they will produce high-quality photos. 

  1. Smartphone iD App

The Smartphone iD app is the fastest and most affordable way of getting your digital passport photo taken. After taking the photo, you will be provided with a digital photo to your mailbox and the option to have the image printed and shipped to your home address.

Where can I find digital passport photo services near me?

You can find a place to have your digital passport photo taken by simply searching on Google. After searching, you will receive a list of options and stores that offer photography services. If you’re unsure where to find the store, check to see if they have a store locater on their website.  

If the store is too far away, you can download the Smartphone iD app and take a passport or other ID photo without leaving home! 

How to get a digital passport photo?

You can get a digital passport photo from several photo centres and retail stores. Walmart, Shopper’s Drug Mart, and several other pharmacies may offer this service. However, the easiest option is to use the Smartphone iD app. They provide a digital passport photo with every picture taken on their app. 

What are some of the Canadian passport photo requirements?

The Canadian passport office has provided a list of guidelines that must be followed to take a good photo. 

  • A clear and in-focus image.
  • Neutral facial expression.
  • Consistent lighting and no shadow or glare over your face.
  • An unaltered photo that represents your authentic appearance.
  • The photo is less than 12 months old.
  • Your eyes must be visible in the photo.
  • Head covering for religious reasons can be worn.

Canada Digital Passport Photo Size Requirement (In Pixels)

A digital passport photo must be 420×540 pixels to meet the Canadian passport office guidelines.

What is the cost of a digital passport photo?

 cost of a digital passport photo

Generally, the cost of a digital passport photo varies considerably based on where you have it taken. For example, you might expect to pay $15 to $25 for a set of passport photos at a local retail store.

However, the cheapest place to have your image taken was Costco, but they ceased to offer passport photos in 2020. Now, Smartphone iD is the most affordable option for getting a picture taken

Where to print a digital passport photo in Canada?

You can print a digital passport photo at several retail chains and pharmacy stores with a photo centre. Some examples of these stores are Walmart, Shopper’s Drug Mart, or at a Costco location for only $0.17, but you will need a store membership.

However, if you use the Smartphone iD app, you can have them print and ship the photos to your desired address. 

What is a digital passport photo code?

ID photo codes are a new system being experimented with in participating countries. It is a code that is generated when your ID photo is taken by an IDPC photographer. It is the best way to verify and submit photos for passport or visa applications. 

However, it is still becoming a more commonly used method and not all countries, retail stores, or photographers are offering the service. 

Where to get a digital passport code near me?

It’s essential to specifically search for stores or pharmacies that will offer a passport photo code in your area. The reason for this is that not all stores will offer this service.

If you struggle to find a participating store, consider using the Smartphone iD app. Using the app will let you take the photo at home and will generate a unique passport photo code for your image. 

How to take your digital passport photo with your phone?

If you want to take your digital passport photo with your phone, consider downloading the Smartphone iD app. Our app is compatible with IOS and Android devices while giving its users the ability to take their passport photos at home. 

Here is an easy-to-follow guide on using the Smartphone iD app:

  1. Download the Smartphone iD app from the Apple or Google Play store 
  2. Choose ‘Canada’ as your desired location.
  3. Choose ‘Passport’ as the desired document
  4. Follow the in-app guide to taking a passport photo
  5. Have the photo emailed and/or printed and shipped to your home

In summary

A digital passport photo is a photo taken before it has been printed and given to you physically. Some passport offices might accept applications using digital images, but many will require two printed physical copies.

The easiest way to accomplish either of these tasks is by downloading the Smartphone iD app and taking your photo at home. By doing this, you will get the digital photo emailed to you directly and the option to have a physical copy printed and posted to your address.

FAQs

Does Walgreens do digital photos for passports?

No, Walgreens will not provide a digital photo with any passport photos. If you need a digital photo, you can use the Smartphone iD app. 

Does Walmart do digital passport photos?

Walmart will offer digital passport photos. However, you will need to request this photo and wait 2-3 business days. If you use Smartphone iD, you can get the digital photo immediately. 

Does Staples do digital passport photos?

Some Staples locations will offer digital passport photos. However, if you need a digital photo, download the Smartphone iD app and take the picture from home. 

Can CVS send passport photos digitally?

You are not able to order your digital photo from CVS. If you need a digital passport photo, you can download Smartphone iD app and take the photo at home. 

Do photo booths do digital passport photos?

No, photo booths do not take passport photos. You will need to visit a store that offers this service, or you can use the Smartphone iD with an IOS or Android device. 

Does Tesco do digital passport photos?

Yes, Tesco will provide digital passport photos in their specialty photo booth. However, you will need to find a participating location. The easiest option is to download the Smartphone iD app and take the passport or ID photo at home. 

How can I turn my passport photo into a digital photo?

If you have a physical passport photo and want to turn it into a digital photo, then you will need to use a photo scanner. This will copy the image onto your laptop or smartphone. If you don’t have this device, visit a local photography store, and they can help you. 

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