Canadian passport photo for online renewal
For an online Canadian passport renewal you need a portrait JPEG with a 3:2 shape, at least 1200 pixels wide and 1800 pixels tall, between 200 KB and 5 MB. Your head, chin to crown, must be 45% to 50% of the photo's height, on a plain white or light background.
Your photo never leaves your phone
- Stand about 1.5 m in front of a plain, light wall.
- Face a window or a bright light so both sides of your face are lit.
- Ask someone to take it with the phone at your eye level. Selfies are often rejected.
- Glasses off, hair away from your eyes, mouth closed, no smile.
Ready offline. Turn on airplane mode and it still works, which shows your photo isn't uploaded.
Line up your head and shoulders with the outline. Keep the phone at eye level, about 1.5 m away.
Finding your face…
Rules last checked against the official page on 12 November 2026.
Canadian passport (online) photo rules
- Portrait JPEG with a 3:2 shape, 1200 × 1800 to 3000 × 4500 pixels
- File size between 200 KB and 5 MB
- Head 45% to 50% of the photo's height, chin to crown
- Plain white or light-coloured background
- Neutral expression, mouth closed, eyes open and visible
- Glasses allowed if your eyes are clearly visible, with no glare. No tinted lenses
- Taken within the last 6 months, not altered
Source: Government of Canada: Passport photos. SkipTheBooth helps you meet these rules but can't guarantee your photo will be accepted.
Questions
Can I print my Canadian passport photos with SkipTheBooth?
Not for a paper application. Printed Canadian passport photos are 50 × 70 mm and must be professionally printed, with the photographer's details on the back. SkipTheBooth makes the digital file for online renewals only.
Why does my photo need to be so large?
The online renewal asks for at least 1200 × 1800 pixels. Use your phone's main camera and stand close enough that your head and shoulders fill most of the picture.