Whether you’re renewing your Canadian Passport or are planning your next big holiday, make sure you know how to get approved with your Canadian Passport photos in the US.
We’ve put together everything you might have questions about, so if you’re wondering what to do next when applying, start here.
Last update:7/10/2024
The Requirements for Canadian Passport Photos in the US
Regardless of the sort of trip you’re planning, you’ll need to have an up-to-date Passport before you travel. So it’s good to take into account all the information you might need for a Canadian Passport photo in the US.
Here are the requirements for Canadian Passport photos in the US:
- Clear and in focus.
- You should have a neutral facial expression, eyes open with the face in a resting position.
- Lighting in the photo must be consistent across the face, without shadow or glare.
- In the photo, your face and body should be straight on with the camera.
- Your skin tones in the photo should represent colours that are true to reality.
- The photo should be an original photo taken for this purpose.
- Your photo can be no more than 12 months old at the time of submitting.
- You can wear glasses if necessary, your eyes must be visible.
- Head coverings can be worn for religious or medical reasons, the face must be clearly visible.
Not only are there general guidelines when it comes to taking a Candian Passport photo in the US, but read about these specifications below.
Canadian Passport Photos size
Make sure to keep your photo to the Canadian government’s specifications. If you don’t, your Passport application or renewal could get rejected. This could lose you time and money. Nobody wants that!
- Your photo should be 50 mm wide x 70 mm high (2 inches x 2 3/4 inches)
- In the photo, the length of your face should be between 31mm and 36mm
Canadian baby passport photos
Taking a passport photo of a baby can be challenging, but it’s important to follow the guidelines to ensure the photo is accepted. Here are some tips for taking a Canadian baby passport photo:
- Lay the baby on a white or light-colored sheet: Place the baby on their back on a plain, light-colored surface, such as a white sheet or blanket. This will create a uniform background and make it easier to meet the passport photo requirements.
- Keep the baby’s face visible: Ensure that the baby’s face is fully visible and not covered by any clothing, blankets, or toys. If the baby’s head is not supported, you can use a plain white pillow or rolled-up towel to prop them up.
- Get the baby’s attention: To keep the baby’s eyes open and looking at the camera, try gently calling their name, making soft noises, or using a favorite toy to capture their attention.
- Take multiple photos: Babies can be unpredictable, so it’s a good idea to take several photos to ensure you have at least one that meets all the requirements.
- Avoid using flash: Flash photography can startle the baby and create harsh shadows. Instead, use natural light or soft, diffused lighting to evenly illuminate the baby’s face.
- Edit the photo if necessary: If the photo doesn’t meet the size or background requirements, you can use a photo editing tool like Smartphone iD to crop, resize, and adjust the background to ensure compliance with Canadian passport photo guidelines.
By following these tips and the official guidelines, you can successfully take a Canadian baby passport photo that will be accepted by the passport authorities.
Canadian passport photos Cost
A Canadian Passport photo in the US can cost between $7 USD to around $20 USD. There are numerous places where you can get photos taken, whether at a photo booth or taken by a photographer.
If you’re not sure how to comply with every one of these requirements, we have a solution for you.
Use our app ‘Smartphone iD’. You can easily take Passport photos whilst being guided through the app. Our biometrics experts will pre-approve your photos. We guarantee a quick service with government approval or your money back.
Where to Take Canadian Passport Photos in the US?
It’s always a good idea to do the research if you need to get a Canadian Passport photo in the US. You’re likely to have a higher chance of approval for your application, as well as shorter processing times if you do it right the first time.
Most pharmacies and large convenience stores tend to offer a Passport photo service. This usually includes an in-person appointment and printed photos.
Here are some options for getting your Candian Passport photo in the US:
- Walmart Photo Center: upload your compliant photo and pick up two copies in-store
- UPS: in participating locations, book and get a photo taken in-store, including two photos
- Bartell’s: in participating stores, find a store online and book an appointment for your photo to be taken in-store
- Staples: only in participating stores, your picture will be taken in-store, and you’ll receive two copies
- Walgreens Photo: find a participating store, and get your photo taken in the store with a one-hour appointment, service includes two photos
- CVS Photo: in select locations, you can get your photo taken in-store, includes two photos
If you have a lot going on or just can’t get to the store before closing time, don’t panic!
We’ve designed ‘Smartphone iD’ to be the best app for taking Passport photos from home. It’s easy to do and you’ll receive a pre-approved Passport photo, in no time at all!
Canadian Passport Photos NYC
For Canadian Passport photos in NYC, Manhattan:
- Photo Mission: Location at East 39th Street. They can offer Canadian Passport photos.
- Pro Image Photo: Located in Upper West Side, can provide Canadian Passport photos etc.
- AIE Center: Located near Grand Central, they can take photos for Canadian Passports.
- This Pix: The location is between 2nd-3rd Avenues on 50th Street in Midtown East, they are fully equipped for Canadian Passport photos.
For Canadian Passport photos in NYC, Brooklyn:
- Photoreal: Located in Brooklyn Heights, their studio can offer Canadian Passport photos.
- Accurate Photo: The location is in South Slope, they offer printing and digital copies of Canadian Passport photos.
- Adorable Passport Photo: Located in the Kensington area, providing Canadian Passport photos.
Canadian Passport Photos Los Angeles
For Canadian Passport photos in Los Angeles:
- Photo Experts: Located at 11701 Wilshire Blvd, they can provide Canadian Passport photos.
- Authorized Passport Photos: The location is 3978 W 6th St, they are a studio able to provide Canadian Passport photos.
- Photo Center: at 7961 Beverly Blvd, able to provide Canadian Passport photos.
- Sameday Passport & Visas: 11022 Santa Monica Blvd, they can offer Canadian Passport photos.
Canadian Passport Photos Houston
For Canadian Passport photo in Houston:
- World Passport Photo: Located at 3330 Richmond Ave, able to provide Canadian Passport photo.
- K-Photo: The location is 9115 Bellaire Blvd, they can offer Canadian Passport photo.
- Bill’s Photo & Fingerprints LLC: 6420 Hillcroft Ave, providing Canadian Passport photo.
Canadian Passport Photos Chicago
For Canadian Passport photo in Chicago:
- Chicago Passport and Visa Photo Services Center: Located at 7149 W Belmont Ave, able to provide you with Canadian Passport photo.
- A A Passport & Visa Photo: The location is 210 S Clark St, providing Canadian Passport photo.
Canadian Passport Photo Seattle
For Canadian Passport photo in Seattle:
- Adonis Photography: Located at 1202 2nd Ave, can provide Canadian Passport photo.
- Rainier Copy and Print: Their location is 4536 University Way NE, able to take Canadian Passport photo.
- Staples: The location is 2501 SW Trenton St, can take Canadian Passport photo.
Canadian Passport Photo Near Me?
If you’re at a loss when trying to get a proper Canadian Passport photo, there are a few things you can try.
- Try an online search for “Passport photos near me”
- If you choose to use a photo studio in the US, make sure you specify you need a Canadian Passport photo as they’ll be set up for American ones!
- Look out for pharmacies or large convenience stores near you as they will usually have an online store locator so you can find one near you.
- Phone up pharmacies or large convenience stores to find out the locations of their photography services.
Still looking for a Canadian Passport photo in the US near you? Well, the nearest place might just be at home! As you can now take Passport photos with your phone using ‘Smartphone iD’!
All you need to do is download ‘Smartphone iD’ and follow the guidance in the app!
Where to Print Canadian passport photos in the US?
Now you know all the requirements and your best options for taking a Canadian Passport photo, you might be wondering where to print out your Passport snaps.
For printing Canadian Passport photo in the US, you can use a few methods to successfully get your prints.
- Walmart Photo Center Route: Walmart offers a photo printing service for $0.09 USD per printed photo. You can get two Passport photos per ‘4 x 6-inch’ printing template.
- Passport Photo Appointment Route: Most convenience stores and pharmacies only offer to take your photo for you and then print it, usually at a high cost!
- ‘Smartphone iD’ Route: When you choose our printing service, you can get Canadian Passport photos on professional-grade photographic paper.
Using ‘Smartphone iD’, get digital copies of pre-approved Canadian Passport photos for a cheap price, and print them out wherever you like.
Comparison Between Smartphone iD and Other Pharmacies/ Large Convenience Stores
| Smartphone iD | Walmart | UPS | Bartell’s | Staples | Walgreens | |
| Leave home? | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Appointment required? | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Who takes your photo? | You, or a friend using your smartphone | Walmart Associate | UPS Associate | Bartell’s Associate | Staples Associate | Wallgreens Associate |
| Do you get a digital copy? | Yes | No | No | No | No | No |
| Do you get a printed copy? | Yes, if you choose our printing service | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Can you get international Passport photos? | Yes, make sure to choose in our app | Yes | No | No | No | No |
| Money-back guaranteed? | Yes | No | No | No | No | No |
| 24/7 support? | Yes | No | No | No | No | No |
| Cost | Cheap on the market | $7.44 | $11.99 | $14.99 | $14.99 | $16.99 |
Mistakes to avoid on Canadian passport photos
When taking a Canadian passport photo, it’s essential to follow the guidelines set by the Canadian government to ensure your photo is accepted. Here are some common mistakes to avoid:
- Poor lighting: Make sure your photo is evenly lit, with no shadows or glare on your face. Avoid using flash, as it can create harsh shadows and reflections.
- Incorrect background: The background should be plain white or light-colored, with no patterns or shadows. Avoid using a busy or colored background, as it may lead to your photo being rejected.
- Wrong facial expression: Maintain a neutral facial expression with your mouth closed and eyes open. Don’t smile, frown, or make any other expressions that may distort your features.
- Incorrect head position: Face the camera directly, with your head straight and centered. Your face should be fully visible, and your head should take up about 70-80% of the photo.
- Inappropriate clothing or accessories: Avoid wearing uniforms, hats, sunglasses, or any other accessories that may obscure your face. Religious head coverings are allowed if they do not cover your face.
- Low-quality photos: Make sure your photo is clear, in focus, and of high resolution. Blurry, pixelated, or low-quality photos will be rejected.
By avoiding these common mistakes and following the official guidelines, you can ensure that your Canadian passport photo is accepted without any issues.
Take Your Canadian Passport Photo With Your Phone
Not only can you take high-quality Canadian Passport photo from the comfort of your home, but you can get them printed and delivered to you by mail!
Just follow the steps below:
- Download ‘Smartphone iD’ on compatible phones, available on iOS and Android
- Take a photo using the app, ‘Smartphone iD’ will guide you through the process
- Select which country you want to produce a photo for
- Select which document type you want the photo for (Passport, driving license, visa etc.)
- Receive photos digitally via email, as soon as our experts approve them
- Use these digital copies to print them yourself. Or, you can use our printing service, to make your Canadian Passport photo even easier
When you choose to use ‘Smartphone iD’ we promise quick and secure services. All photos you receive will be checked through the app and certified by biometrics experts.
Summary
If you need to apply for a Canadian Passport, make sure you’ve got the best quality photo that conforms to the Canadian government’s requirements.
The easiest way to do that is to download ‘Smartphone iD’, what are you waiting for?
FAQ
Are US and Canadian Passport photos the same?
In general requirements, they are. However the sizes are different:
- US Passport Photo Size: 2 inches x 2 inches
- Canada Passport Photo Size: 50 mm x 70 mm
How strict is a Canadian Passport photo?
They are strict. But as long as you comply with the Canadian government’s requirements, your application should be accepted.
Does FexEx take Canadian Passport photo?
FedEx only provides photos for United States Passports.
What is the best place to get a Passport photo?
The best place is the one that is most convenient for you!
How about pre-approved Passport photos from the comfort of your own home?
Try out our super handy app, ‘Smartphone iD’
Can I take a Passport photo with my phone?
You can! Using our app, ‘Smartphone iD’ you can easily take photos that will be certified by experts for your Passport. Refer to the 6 steps above to find out how to use our app.
