Need a passport or ID photo in Toronto and not sure whether to visit a studio or book a photographer to come to you? This 2026 guide explains the safest options, current Canadian passport photo rules, printed versus digital delivery, typical pricing, and the services available across Toronto and the GTA.
Important: A Canadian passport photo is not a DIY phone photo. The Government of Canada requires it to be taken in person by a commercial photographer or photo studio. The image must be created correctly at the time of capture and must not be retouched, filtered, digitally cropped, or placed on a replacement background.
Passport and ID Photo Options in Toronto
Green Day Photography offers two professional options: a studio appointment in Richmond Hill or a mobile passport photo session at your home, office, hospital, retirement residence, or care facility. Both options use a professional camera, controlled lighting, and a suitable background. The main difference is convenience and location.
Studio passport photo appointment
A studio appointment is a practical choice for adults and older children who can travel comfortably. The controlled environment allows the photographer to confirm camera height, lighting, background, expression, and head position before the photo is taken.
Mobile passport photo service
With a professional at-home passport photo service in Toronto, the photographer brings a portable backdrop, lighting, camera, and the equipment needed for compliant delivery. Mobile sessions are especially helpful for newborns, seniors, people with disabilities or limited mobility, busy families, and groups who want to be photographed at one address.
Canadian Passport Photo Requirements in 2026
The correct specifications depend on whether you are submitting a printed application or completing an eligible online adult renewal. Always confirm the latest instructions on the official Government of Canada passport photo page before applying.
Printed Canadian passport photos
- Two identical, unaltered photos are required for an in-person or mail application.
- Each photo must be 50 mm wide by 70 mm high.
- Face height from chin to crown must measure between 31 mm and 36 mm.
- The face and shoulders must be centred and squared to the camera.
- The expression must be neutral, with eyes open and mouth closed.
- Lighting must be uniform with no shadows, glare, flash reflections, or red-eye.
- The background must be plain white or light coloured with clear contrast from the face.
- The photos must be professionally printed on plain, high-quality photographic paper.
One printed photo must also carry the photographer or studio information and the date the photo was taken. Guarantor requirements depend on the type of application. For a more detailed checklist, see our Canadian passport photo requirements for 2026.
Digital passport photos for online renewal
Eligible adults renewing online need a digital photo rather than a scan of a printed photo. The file must be a JPEG or JPG, use a 3:2 portrait aspect ratio, measure between 1,200 × 1,800 and 3,000 × 4,500 pixels, and be between 200 KB and 5 MB. It must come directly from the original camera file and cannot be altered.
A professional photographer should create the correct background, framing, lighting, and head position in camera. Digital facial retouching, background replacement, beauty filters, or technical edits can make the photo unacceptable.
Can You Take a Canadian Passport Photo at Home?
Yes—but “at home” must mean a commercial photographer comes to your location and takes the photo in person. A phone selfie or a picture taken by a family member is not a compliant Canadian passport photo. Sending a DIY image to someone later for cropping or background editing does not solve the problem because the original capture must meet the rules.
Our mobile service creates a temporary professional setup at your location so the camera angle, backdrop, lighting, posture, and expression are correct before the shutter is pressed. Learn how the process works on our Toronto mobile passport photo service page.
Passport Photo Pricing in Toronto and the GTA
Current starting prices are:
- Studio appointment: $50 per person, by appointment.
- Local mobile appointment: from $79 for the first person in eligible nearby areas.
- Standard GTA mobile appointment: generally $100 for the first person.
- Additional person: $25 at the same address and appointment.
- Baby, newborn, senior, or specialized session: from $100.
Travel charges may apply outside our regular service area. The final amount is confirmed before booking. Visit our passport photo pricing page for current inclusions, service zones, and group options.
Passport Photos for Babies, Seniors, and Limited Mobility
Baby and infant passport photos
Babies may need extra time for feeding, calming, and safe positioning. A home appointment avoids a crowded retail environment and allows the photographer to work around the baby’s routine. The setup must remain clean, stable, and safe, with the photographer shooting from the correct angle rather than holding the baby in an unsafe position.
Parents can review our guides to infant passport photos at home and what to expect when a baby cries during a passport photo session.
Seniors, wheelchair users, and care facilities
For a person who cannot comfortably visit a studio, the photographer can adapt the setup to a wheelchair, bedside position, home, hospital room, retirement residence, or long-term care facility. The goal is a respectful session that meets the person’s mobility and communication needs without compromising photo requirements.
See our dedicated information about senior passport photos in Toronto, passport photography for people with disabilities, and passport photos for a bedridden or mobility-limited person.
What to Wear and How to Prepare
- Wear a solid medium or dark colour that contrasts with the light background.
- Avoid white clothing because it can blend into the required background.
- Keep the edges of your face visible and remove anything that creates shadows.
- Glasses are permitted only when the eyes are fully visible and there is no glare; tinted lenses are not accepted.
- Religious or medical head coverings are permitted when the full face remains visible and no shadows are created.
For visual examples and outfit advice, read what to wear for a Canadian passport photo and our guide to wearing glasses in a passport photo.
Other Passport, Visa, PR Card, and ID Photos
Photo requirements are not universal. A Canadian passport, PR card, citizenship application, US passport, UK passport, visa, work permit, and other government ID may use different dimensions, file formats, background rules, or photographer details. Tell us the exact document and country when booking so the correct specification can be confirmed.
For country-specific information, visit our guides to US passport photos in Toronto and UK passport photos in Toronto.
Areas We Serve
Mobile appointments are available in Toronto, North York, Scarborough, Etobicoke, Richmond Hill, Markham, Vaughan, Aurora, Newmarket, Mississauga, Brampton, and surrounding GTA communities. Extended travel is possible depending on availability and may include an additional fee.
Why Book With Green Day Photography?
- Professional camera, lighting, and background setup.
- Experience with adults, babies, seniors, families, and mobility-related needs.
- Printed and digital delivery options based on the application.
- Photographer or studio details supplied when the application requires them.
- A free retake or refund when a photo is rejected because of a technical photography issue covered by our guarantee.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I take my Canadian passport photo with a phone?
No. Canadian passport photos must be taken in person by a commercial photographer or photo studio. This applies to printed applications and digital photos for eligible online renewals.
Do I need printed or digital passport photos?
You generally need two printed photos for an application submitted in person or by mail. Eligible online adult renewals require a compliant original digital file. Confirm your application method before booking.
Can passport photos be retouched?
No. Beauty retouching, facial changes, background replacement, filters, and technical alterations can cause rejection. Professional lighting and accurate camera setup must create the compliant result at capture.
How long does a passport photo appointment take?
A straightforward adult studio appointment is usually brief. Mobile appointments normally take longer because equipment must be set up and checked. Baby and specialized sessions may require additional time for comfort and safe positioning.
Where can I get passport photos in Toronto?
You can compare studios, pharmacies, retail locations, and professional home visits in our guide to where to get passport photos in Toronto.
Book Your Passport or ID Photo
Tell us which document you need, whether you require printed or digital delivery, how many people are being photographed, and your preferred location. We will confirm the correct service, price, and available appointment times before you book.
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