A Step-by-Step 2023 Guide to taking a passport photo in Waterloo

passport photo in Waterloo

Getting passport photos in Waterloo might sound complex, but it is easier than you think! We created this article full of helpful tips and tricks for getting the best passport photo at the cheapest price. Therefore, keep reading and check out our advice for getting a successful passport photo in Waterloo.

Where to get passport photos in Waterloo

Waterloo is a bustling city within Ontario and has many potential service providers that can take great passport photos. Nonetheless, here are some addresses to the best options available.

Walmart: A superstore chain that has multiple locations in the city of Waterloo. It is a great place for getting a passport photo taken.

  • 100 The Boardwalk, Kitchener, Ontario
  • 70 Bridgeport Road East, Waterloo
  • 1400 Ottawa Street South, Kitchener, Ontario
  • 2960 Kingsway Drive, Kitchener, Ontario

Shoppers Drug Mart: A pharmacy chain with multiple locations in Waterloo. They have a photographer that offers passport photo services.

  • 50 Weber Street North, Waterloo, Ontario
  • 75 King Street South Unit 42/43, Waterloo, Ontario
  • 190 Northfield Drive West, Waterloo, Ontario

Pro Passport Photo: A specialty passport photo centre with multiple locations in Waterloo

  • 150 University Avenue West, Waterloo, Ontario
  • 55 Northfield Drive East, Waterloo, Ontario
  • 133 Weber Street North, Waterloo, Ontario
  • 420 Erb Street West, Waterloo, Ontario

Smartphone iD: The best option for taking a passport photo from home. The app is low-cost and ensures that all photo meet government requirements through Ai verification by a team of experts.

Where to get a digital passport photo in Waterloo

Digital passport photos can be trickier to get and will take some research if you choose to visit a physical location. Nonetheless, here are some options for places that will provide a digital passport photo when asked:

  • Shoppers Drug Mart:
    • 50 Weber Street North, Waterloo, Ontario
    • 75 King Street South Unit 42/43, Waterloo, Ontario
    • 190 Northfield Drive West, Waterloo, Ontario
  • Walmart:
    • 100 The Boardwalk, Kitchener, Ontario
    • 70 Bridgeport Road East, Waterloo
    • 1400 Ottawa Street South, Kitchener, Ontario
    • 2960 Kingsway Drive, Kitchener, Ontario
  • Smartphone iD: The most affordable and convenient option for printing and getting a digital copy of your passport. Smartphone iD ensures that every photo taken will be immediately delivered to your email. If you also wish to have a physical copy of the picture, they offer to have the image printed on high-quality paper and shipped to your home address.

What are the cheap places to consider for a passport photo

A passport photo cost will be dependent on the service provider used. Here is a list of the most to least expensive options for getting the photo taken:

  • Staples: $22.5
  • Shopper’s Drug Mart: $22
  • Walmart: $13
  • Smartphone iD: Low-cost

Smartphone iD is the lowest cost option and allows the photo to be taken from the comfort of your home. It can be downloaded on IOS or Android devices and will print the image on high-quality paper to be shipped to your home address.

How to get a passport photo in Waterloo online

Firstly, it is important to note that many people opt for the free option when taking a passport photo online, but this can be a costly mistake. A free tool will not provide a compliance check, and you risk having the photo denied by the passport office.

Therefore, it is advised that you have the photo taken using a reputable online site or tool, like Smartphone iD, that guarantees a compliance check.

Helpful tools to consider using for Passport photos online in Waterloo

Free Tool Options

idphoto4you: idphoto4you is a free online passport photo tool that can be used to take your picture. They do not offer a compliance check with the photo taken.

Passport Photo ID (Android/iOS): A free used to edit Canadian photos. It does not provide a compliance check.

Reasonably Priced Tools

Smartphone iD: Get certified photos, verified by our biometrics experts, with digital (email) or printed delivery. We offer a great competitive price and a money-back guarantee.

www.123passportphoto.com: No background removal, but you can create most identification document photos with this website.
persofoto.com: Either use a webcam or upload your photo to resize it via this website. You can reposition your photo using the keyboard and zoom function. Once finished, you can download your photo.

What are the Passport Photo Requirements

It is important to know the photo requirements for a passport photo. The Canadian government has outlined this on their website, provided on the Smartphone iD app. Nonetheless, here are a few tips to be prepared:

  1. A clear and in-focus image.
  2. Neutral facial expression.
  3. Consistent lighting and no shadow or glare over your face.
  4. Your eyes must be visible in the photo.
  5. Head covering for religious reasons can be worn.

With this in mind, the Smartphone iD app comes with a guide that outlines all these steps and more, so you won’t need to worry about missing a step when taking your photo.

Size requirement

  1. The photo must have a width of 50 mm or 2 inches
  2. The photo must be 70 mm or 2 ¾ inches high
  3. The height of your face must be between 31 mm or 1 ¼ inches and 36 mm or 1 7/16
  4. The photo should be 420 x 540 pixels

Where to get a baby passport photo in Waterloo

 baby passport photo in Waterloo

Baby passport photos are not offered by all providers that offer passport photo services. Therefore, it is important to call ahead and make sure that the store in question does allow for baby or infant passport photos.

Here are a few stores that tend to offer passport photos for babies:

  • Shoppers Drug Mart
    • 50 Weber Street North, Waterloo, Ontario
    • 75 King Street South Unit 42/43, Waterloo, Ontario
    • 190 Northfield Drive West, Waterloo, Ontario

Stores that will not offer baby passport services

  • Walmart
    • 100 The Boardwalk, Kitchener, Ontario
    • 70 Bridgeport Road East, Waterloo
    • 1400 Ottawa Street South, Kitchener, Ontario
    • 2960 Kingsway Drive, Kitchener, Ontario

Online services for taking baby passport service

  • Smartphone iD (IOS and Android)

Where to print a passport photo in Waterloo?

Printing a passport photo is an easy task and can be done using physical or online services. For example, Staples will print passport services at all of their store locations for a reasonable price.

London Drugs is another Canadian pharmacy chain that offers printing services. However, the most affordable and quickest option is to use Smartphone iD.

The app not only takes passport photos for a low cost, but it will print them on high-quality paper and quickly have them shipped to your home address. Therefore, you can have all your passport photo requirements fulfilled without leaving your home.

How to take your passport photo in Waterloo with your phone

The app Smartphone iD lets users download an easy-to-use app from Google Play or Apple store. It is low cost and guarantees the perfect passport photo.

Here is an easy guide to follow when using the app to take your passport photo:

#1: Download the Smartphone iD app.

#2:  Choose (CANADA) as the desired country.

#3: Choose (PASSPORT) as the desired document

#4: Follow the in-app guide

#5: Have the photo emailed or printed and emailed to your desired address

Summary

Many different service providers offer passport photo services in Waterloo. We have discussed possibly having your passport photo taken at Walmart, London Drugs, Shoppers Drug Mart, or a local photo studio.

However, Smartphone iD remains the most accessible and low-cost option among the others. It can be downloaded from your mobile device and provides easy-to-follow instructions for taking an acceptable photo.

FAQs

Does Costco do Canadian passport photos?

No, Costco stopped taking passport photos in 2021. The best alternative is to use the Smartphone iD app, which is low-cost and efficient.

What is not allowed in a passport photo?

Don’t wear sunglasses, smile, or wear light-coloured clothes when taking a passport photo. The Smartphone iD app provides a guide that will help you to take the perfect passport photo.

Where is the easiest place to get a passport photo?

The Smartphone iD app is the best way to have a passport photo taken it lets users take a photo from home using their smartphone device. In addition to being the most affordable and efficient option.

Can a baby’s mouth be open in a passport photo?

The passport office will allow a baby’s mouth to be open slightly for the photo. However, it’s recommended to have the baby eat food during the photo to try and capture an image with their mouth closed.

What colour should my baby wear for a passport photo?

It’s best to choose darker colours for a passport photo. This ensures that the baby will stand out against the lighter background of the photo.

Can you show teeth in a passport photo?

No, you must retain a neutral expression for your passport photo. The Smartphone iD’s in-app guide will help ensure you take the perfect photo.

Continue Reading