Passport Photo — Canada Requirements
Photo size, background, and compliance rules — plus a free tool to create your photo instantly.
The official photo must be 50 × 70 mm. Required background: Plain light. Face height must be 44–51% of the total photo height. Use the free tool below to create and check your photo instantly.
Create your photo now50 × 70 mm
Photo specifications
Dimensions
50 × 70 mm
Background
Plain light
Face height
44–51%
of total photo height
Resolution
300 DPI
Glasses
Not allowed
Head covering
Allowed (religious)
Max photo age
6 months
Expression
Neutral expression (no smile)
Digital upload
Official photo requirements
canada.ca(opens in new tab)Verified
Other document types in Canada
Next steps and related guides
These related pages cover exact size rules, common rejection reasons, printing, and the editor.
Create this photo now
Open the editor with this country and document type preselected.
Why photos get rejected
Fix background, expression, and framing mistakes before you submit.
Passport photo size guide
Compare this format with 35 × 45 mm, 2 × 2 inches, and other common sizes.
How to print passport photos
Print the correct size without scaling errors or poor paper quality.
How to take your photo
- Set up the required background
Use a plain, evenly lit backdrop with no patterns, textures, or shadows. Required background: Plain light. A plain wall or sheet works well.
- Get even, shadow-free lighting
Stand facing a natural light source or use two soft lights — one on each side — to eliminate shadows on your face and background.
- Position your face correctly
Your face must fill 44–51% of the photo height. Look directly at the camera. Remove any glasses before taking the photo.
- Check and download with idpic.app
Upload your photo to the free tool — it checks all requirements automatically and generates a print-ready file.
Glasses requirements
Glasses are not allowed for this photo. This includes prescription glasses, sunglasses, and tinted lenses. Remove all eyewear before taking your photo. This is the official requirement for Canada.
Baby and child photo rules
Children under 6 may have relaxed requirements for expression and eye position. Babies can be photographed lying on a white sheet or held upright. The child must be the only person in the photo — no hands, toys, or pacifiers should be visible.
Frequently asked questions
- What is the required photo size for passport in Canada?
- Required size: 50 × 70 mm. Minimum resolution: 300 pixels on the shortest side.
- What background is required for passport in Canada?
- Required background: Plain light.
- Can I create a photo for passport in Canada online for free?
- Yes. idpic.app lets you create a compliant photo for free, entirely in your browser with no uploads.
- Are glasses allowed for passport in Canada?
- No. Glasses are not allowed in this photo. This is the official requirement for Canada.
- What is the maximum photo age for passport in Canada?
- Your photo must have been taken within the last 6 months and must reflect your current appearance.
- Can I take a photo for passport in Canada with my phone?
- Yes. Modern smartphones have sufficient resolution. Use the rear camera. Ensure good lighting. Then upload the photo to idpic.app so the tool can crop, resize, and validate it automatically.
- What resolution do I need for a photo for passport in Canada?
- The recommended resolution is 300 DPI. Any modern smartphone camera exceeds this requirement.