Canadian passport photo size is 50 mm wide by 70 mm high (2 inches by 2¾ inches) for a paper application. The face must measure between 31 mm and 36 mm from the bottom of the chin to the crown of the head. Digital photos used for online passport renewal follow different pixel, aspect-ratio and file-size rules.
This 2026 guide explains the exact printed and digital dimensions, how the face is measured, what must appear on the back of a printed photo, and the most common size-related reasons a photo may be refused. These specifications are based on the current Government of Canada passport photo requirements.
Canadian Passport Photo Size at a Glance
| Requirement | Printed passport photo |
|---|---|
| Photo dimensions | 50 mm wide × 70 mm high |
| Imperial dimensions | 2 inches wide × 2¾ inches high |
| Face height | 31–36 mm from chin to crown |
| Number required | 2 identical, unaltered photos |
| Photo age | No more than 6 months old |
| Background | Plain white or light-coloured |
| Professional, high-quality photographic paper |
The required Canadian size is not the same as the common 2 × 2 inch format used for a United States passport. A 2 × 2 inch photo is only about 51 × 51 mm, so it is too short for a Canadian paper passport application.
How Is Face Height Measured?
The face-height measurement runs from the bottom of the chin to the crown, meaning the top of the head and not the top of the hair. It must be at least 31 mm and no more than 36 mm in the final 50 × 70 mm print.
- The face and shoulders must be centred in the photo.
- The head must be squared to the camera and not tilted.
- There must be enough clear space around the head for the official composition.
- Hair may be up or down, but it should not cover the edges of the face.
A photo can be exactly 50 × 70 mm and still fail if the head is too large, too small or positioned incorrectly. This is why checking only the outer dimensions is not enough.
Printed vs Digital Canadian Passport Photo Size
The specifications depend on how you apply. Paper applications submitted in person or by mail use printed photos. Eligible adults renewing online need a professional digital photo instead.
Printed photos for paper applications
- Exactly 50 mm × 70 mm
- Face height between 31 mm and 36 mm
- Two identical and unaltered copies
- Professionally printed on plain, high-quality photographic paper
- Not printed at home and not on heavyweight paper
Digital photo for online renewal
A digital passport photo is not simply a scan of a 50 × 70 mm print. The Government of Canada requires the original digital file from a commercial photographer with these specifications:
- JPEG or JPG format
- Portrait orientation with a 3:2 aspect ratio
- At least 1,200 pixels wide × 1,800 pixels high
- No larger than 3,000 pixels wide × 4,500 pixels high
- File size between 200 KB and 5 MB
- Chin-to-crown measurement between 45% and 50% of the image height
The file must be saved directly from the photographer’s original camera file. A scan or phone photo of a printed passport picture is not accepted for online renewal. If you are unsure whether you will apply online or on paper, ask for both a professional digital file and two printed copies.
Other Requirements That Affect Acceptance
Correct dimensions are essential, but the photo must also meet the current quality and appearance rules. For a broader checklist, see our Canadian passport photo requirements guide.
- Expression: eyes open, looking directly at the camera, mouth closed, and no smiling or frowning.
- Lighting: uniform and natural-looking, without shadows, glare or flash reflections.
- Background: plain white or light-coloured with clear contrast from the face and clothing.
- Image quality: clear, sharp, in focus and representative of natural skin tone.
- Editing: no filters, AI alterations, facial retouching, background replacement or technical enhancement.
- Glasses: permitted if the eyes are clearly visible and there is no glare; sunglasses and tinted prescription lenses are not accepted.
Avoid white clothing because it may blend into the light background and lead to refusal. Religious or medical head coverings are allowed when the full face remains visible and the covering creates no facial shadow.
What Goes on the Back of a Canadian Passport Photo?
For a paper passport application, the photographer must clearly write or stamp the date the photo was taken and the name and complete address of the studio on the back of one photo. A guarantor also signs one photo for a new adult or child application. An adult renewal does not require a guarantor.
Common Canadian Passport Photo Size Mistakes
- Using a 2 × 2 inch photo: this is a common U.S. format, not the Canadian 50 × 70 mm format.
- Measuring to the top of the hair: face height is measured to the crown of the head.
- Wrong head scale: the outer print can be correct while the face falls outside the 31–36 mm range.
- Scanning a printed photo for online renewal: the online system requires the original professional digital file.
- Cropping or replacing the background: current rules do not accept altered images, including AI or editing software changes.
- Home printing: printed applications require professional photographic paper.
Canadian Passport Photo Size for Babies and Children
Children use the same printed dimensions: 50 × 70 mm with a 31–36 mm chin-to-crown measurement. Hands must not appear in the frame. Newborns may have a wider range of facial expressions, but the photo still needs even lighting, a clear face and a plain light background. For practical guidance, read our baby passport photo guide for crying, sleeping or moving children.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a Canadian passport photo 2 × 2 inches?
No. A printed Canadian passport photo is 2 inches wide by 2¾ inches high, or 50 × 70 mm. The square 2 × 2 inch format is commonly associated with U.S. passport photos.
What is the required face size?
The distance from the bottom of the chin to the crown of the head must be between 31 mm and 36 mm in a printed Canadian passport photo.
Can I resize or crop the photo myself?
Do not alter a passport photo yourself. Current Canadian requirements state that paper and digital photos must be taken in person by a commercial photographer and must not be altered with editing software, filters or AI tools.
Can the same file be used for online renewal?
Only if the photographer provides an original digital file that meets the online specifications. A scan or phone photo of the printed 50 × 70 mm picture is not accepted.
Get a Correctly Sized Passport Photo in Toronto
Green Day Photography offers professional studio and at-home passport photo service in Toronto and the GTA. Our mobile package is $100 for the first person and $25 for each additional person at the same appointment. It includes two printed photos, one digital copy, a professional lighting and backdrop setup, and guidance based on the current specifications. Travel fees may apply outside our regular service area.
Before booking, you can also review our passport photo pricing or compare where to get passport photos in Toronto.
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