Are you curious about how you can have your passport photo taken in Canada? If so, make sure to read this guide and discover the cheapest and easiest way to have your passport photo taken today!
In this article, we will discuss where you can have a passport photo taken in Canada or take a passport photo at your own home using the Smartphone iD app.
Last update: 3/16/2024
Where to get passport photos in Canada (4 places you should consider)
Getting your passport photo can be done by visiting a store in your neighborhood that offers photography services. We have compiled a list of 4 places where to get passport photos in Canada.
- Shipping Centers
UPS is a shipping centre that will take passport photos at its participating locations. You will find multiple UPS locations across Canada.
- Pharmacies & Retail Stores
London Drugs and Walmart are examples of retail stores and big-name pharmacies that offer passport photo services.
- Professional Photography Studios
Most Canadian cities will have local photography studios or photographers that offer passport photo services. This will normally require booking an appointment, so plan ahead!
- Canadian Passport Offices
Some passport offices will offer passport photo services. It’s important to check online or call to make sure they offer this service at their location.
How to get a Canadian passport photo online?
Some people don’t have the time to go and get a passport photo taken at a local store or photo studio. Therefore, we have provided a list of some useful apps and softwares you can use to you your passport photo at home.
- SMARTPHONE iD (IOS AND ANDROID)
Photo validation by experts and delivery in digital and printed format for the lowest price on the market
- MAKEPASSPORTPHOTO.COM (WINDOWS AND MAC)
After uploading your photo, you can edit it by changing brightness and contrast, however, there is no compliance check included.
- PASSPORT PHOTO MAKER (WINDOWS)
Capable of detecting biometric features and creating a passport, visa, and ID photos.
How to find passport photo services in Canada and near you?
The best way to find a store that offers passport photos near you is to search on Google. For example, if you’d like to get your passport photo taken at London Drugs, then use their online store locator to find the nearest location.
The same process can be used for stores like Walmart, Staples, Shoppers Drug Mart, and others! The other convenient option is to use the Smartphone iD app which allows its users to take their passport photos from home using a mobile device.
Where NOT to get a passport photo?
A passport photo should not always be taken in a photo booth or a dimly lit room, without considering the requirements a photo needs to pass verification. It’s important to check the requirements before proceeding to take the photo. Follow this link for further advice:
Here are some mistakes people make when trying to get a passport photo.
- Improper Facial Expression (A neutral facial expression is required. No smiling or opening the mouth)
- Shadows in the photo (There should be no shadows behind your ears or on your face)
- Wearing Sunglasses or Glasses (Remove any accessories that cover your face, unless for religious reasons)
- Wear Darker Clothing (Wearing lighter clothing will blend in with the background and not be accepted.)
- Incorrect Photo Size (The photo should be 50mm in width and 70mm high)
- Altered Photos (Your passport photo should not be altered to look different from your physical appearance)
How much does a passport photo cost in Canada?
The cost of a passport photo varies greatly depending on where you choose to have the photo taken.
Here are some examples of the approximate costs:
- London Drugs – $9.95 CAD
- Walmart – $13.00 CAD
- Staples – $21.99 CAD
- Costco – $6.99 CAD
The cheapest place where to get passport photos in Canada?
Costco is the cheapest place where to get passport photos in Canada. However, in 2021, Costco closed its on-site photography centre due to a decline in the need for physical images.
That being said, Costco continues to print photos at their stores for as little as $0.17, but this service is only offered to members of their stores.
You can opt to use Smartphone iD as the cheapest and most efficient way to have your passport photo. The photo can then be emailed to your inbox and printed at Costco or printed and posted via the app.
What are the requirements for Canadian passport photos?
A Canadian passport photo will need to meet the requirements of the passport office. Here are some of the specifications for an acceptable photo:
- Clear and in focus
- Neutral facial expression
- No shadow or glare in the photo
- White or light-colored background
- Represents natural skin tone
- Taken within 12 months
After meeting these requirements, the Canadian passport office will examine the photo and decide if it can be accepted for the passport.
How to take a passport photo at home and using your mobile device?
The Smartphone iD app offers users the option to take their passport photo at home using an IOS or Android device. The app provides easy instructions and affordable prices.
Here are the steps to using Smartphone iD for a passport photo:
- Download the Smartphone iD app from the Apple or Google Play store.
- Take a photo using a light-colored background (the app will provide instructions on taking the perfect photo)
- Select “Canada” as the desired country
- Select the desired document. (Passport, driver’s license, visa, etc…)
- Receive the photos in your email in your inbox. This includes a single photo in digital format and 6 photo templates to be printed at any photo printing store. You can also opt to have the photo printed and posted to your address directly from the app.
In summary
There are many options for getting a passport photo taken in Canada. Large pharmacies and retail chains like London Drugs and Walmart offer photography services in their physical locations. However, the quickest and easiest way to have your passport photo taken is by downloading the Smartphone iD app. Therefore, you can take the photo from the comfort of your home and start traveling right away!
FAQ
Does Costco do Canadian Passport Photos
Costco no longer offers Canadian passport photos, but they do offer in-store printing for as little as $0.17.
What should you wear for Canadian passport photos?
Generally, it’s advised to wear darker colors that present a contrast to the white or light-colored background.
Do you smile in a passport photo?
No, you need to have a neutral expression in the photo.
What is the Canadian passport size?
A Canadian passport must be 55mm in width and 70mm high to meet the passport office’s requirements.
Are Canadian and US passport photos the same size?
There is a slight difference in size as the US passport is 51mm on all sides. However, American pharmacies and photo centers are capable of meeting the requirements for a Canadian passport.
