Canada Passport Renewal Photo Requirements Guide

Canada Passport Renewal Photo Requirements are very important because the Government of Canada follows strict rules for passport photos. Even a small mistake in size, lighting, or facial expression can cause your application to be delayed or refused.

This easy guide explains all the photo requirements in simple English, so you can submit a perfect photo for your Canadian passport renewal without any confusion.

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How Many Photos Do You Need?

For a passport renewal, you must include:

2 identical passport photos
Photos must be unaltered (no editing or filters)
Photos must be taken by a commercial photographer or studio
Home-printed photos are not accepted

Canada Passport Renewal Photo Requirements

Canada Passport Renewal Photo Requirements are very strict, and your passport photo must follow all size, quality, and expression rules. Even small mistakes—like shadows, glare, or smiling—can cause your application to be refused. This simple guide explains the exact photo rules you need to follow so your passport renewal is accepted without any problems.

Photo Specifications

You must get your passport photo taken by a professional photographer or a commercial photo studio. Make sure the photo they take:

matches the correct size
has clear, high-quality lighting
shows a neutral facial expression
looks like your current appearance (taken within the last 6 months

Passport Photo Size Requirements

Your passport photo must match the official size:

50 mm wide × 70 mm high
From your chin to the top of your head (crown) must be
31 mm to 36 mm

The photo should be vertical and without borders

Image Quality Requirements

Your photo must be very clear and professional. It can be colour or black & white, but it must follow these rules:

Clear, sharp and in focus
No shadows on face or background
No glare, reflection or flash
Background must be plain white or light-coloured
Skin tone must look natural
Professionally printed on photo paper
Must be taken in person, not through an app
Must not be edited in any way

Facial Expression Rules

Canada follows ICAO (international) rules for passport photos. Your expression must be neutral:

Eyes open
Look straight at the camera
Mouth closed
No smiling
No frowning
No showing teeth

A neutral expression helps the system scan your face correctly.

Rules for Your Appearance and Body Position

Your photo must show your real and current appearance. This means your photo must be taken within the last 6 months.

You must also follow these rules:

Face and shoulders must be square to the camera
Head should not be tilted
Background must be plain white or very light
Hair must not cover your eyes or the edges of your face
No red-eye effect
Shoulders and full face must be clearly visible

How Many Photos Do You Need?

Before taking your passport photo, it’s important to know what is allowed and what is not. Canada has clear rules about glasses, head coverings, lighting, and facial expression. Following these rules will help you avoid delays and make sure your passport photo is accepted the first time.

Allowed Photos

Glasses (only if there is no glare & eyes are clearly visible)
Head coverings for religious or medical reasons
Hair up or down (but not covering face)
Wheelchair users can place a white cover behind their head.

Not Allowed Photos

Sunglasses
Tinted glasses (even prescription ones)
Fashion hats
Shadows behind your head, ears, or face
Filters or beautification apps
Smiling with teeth
Hands or objects in the photo
Head coverings for fashion or style only

Guarantor Requirements

If you are renewing an adult passport:

What the back of 1 photo should look like

You do NOT need a guarantor.

If someone is applying for the first time or a child passport:

Photographer must write or stamp on the back:
Studio name
Complete address
Date photo was taken
Guarantor must write:
“I certify this to be a true likeness of (applicant’s name)”
And sign it

Tips for a Perfect Passport Photo

These simple tips help you avoid rejection:

Wear normal clothes (avoid white)
Keep your hair away from your face
Remove glasses if they cause glare
Take the photo in good natural light
Don’t move or tilt your head
Keep your face relaxed and expression neutral

Why You Cannot Smile in a Passport Photo

Passport photos in Canada are checked using facial recognition technology. This system compares your unique facial features to confirm your identity.

If you smile or make other expressions, it changes the shape of your face, making it harder for the system to recognize you. That’s why Canada requires a neutral expression with your mouth closed and eyes open. Following this rule helps prevent fraud and ensures your passport photo will be accepted without problems.

Acceptable vs Unacceptable Photo Examples (Simple Explanation)

Not all passport photos are accepted. Some meet the rules, while others do not. This section shows simple examples of what is allowed and what is not allowed for your Canadian passport photo, so you can avoid mistakes and get your application approved.

Conclusion

Canada uses very strict passport photo rules, but they are easy to follow when you know the basics. The key points are: correct size, clear lighting, neutral expression, and no editing. Always use a professional photographer to avoid rejection. Following this guide will help you submit a perfect photo for your passport renewal.

FAQ’s

You need 2 identical photos. Both must be unedited and taken by a professional photographer. Home-printed photos are not accepted.

No. You must use a commercial photographer or studio. Home photos or app-edited images are not accepted.

No. You must have a neutral expression with your mouth closed. Smiling or frowning can cause your application to be refused.

Yes, but only if your eyes are clearly visible and there is no glare on the lenses. Sunglasses or tinted glasses are not allowed.

away from your eyes and face edges so your full face is visible.

Your photo must be taken within the last 6 months so it reflects your current appearance.

If you are renewing an adult passport, you do not need a guarantor. First-time applicants or child passports require a guarantor.

Simple makeup is fine, but avoid heavy makeup that changes your appearance. Accessories like earrings are okay if they do not cover your face.

Your application can be delayed or refused. Following all rules for size, quality, expression, and appearance ensures your passport is approved quickly.

The photo must be 50 mm wide × 70 mm high. Face height (chin to top) should be 31 mm – 36 mm.