Babies need Canadian passports too. The technical requirements are the same as adults: 50×70mm, white or light grey background, and eyes visible. But getting a newborn to cooperate requires strategy.
Here's what you need to know about Canada's baby passport photos.
Canadian Baby Passport Photo Technical Requirements
- Size: 50mm × 70mm (591×827 pixels at 300 DPI)
- Background: White or light grey
- Eyes: Open and visible
- Expression: Neutral (see below)
Canada accepts either white or light grey background — more flexible than the UK (grey only) or US (white only).
Get a compliant passport photo online
Expression Flexibility for Canadian Baby Passport Photos
Canada allows more leniency with baby expressions than some countries.
Newborns (0-6 months): Eyes closed is often accepted. The system is calibrated to recognize that infants may not have eyes open.
Infants (6-12 months): Eyes open is preferred, but partial success often passes.
Toddlers (1-3 years): More strict. Eyes should be open.
The rule of thumb: do your best. Canada's system is generally understanding about the challenges of photographing infants.
How to Take a Canadian Baby Passport Photo
The White Blanket Method for Baby Photos
- Lay a white or light grey blanket on a flat surface
- Place baby on their back
- Pull the blanket taut beneath baby's chin to extend the background behind the head
- Shoot from directly above
- Ensure no shadows
This creates a clean, consistent background. Works great for newborns.
The Car Seat Method for Baby Photos
- Place car seat on a white/grey surface
- Remove bright toys or clothing in frame
- Have someone sit in front and attract baby's attention
- Shoot from front angle
- Ensure the white/grey extends behind baby
The car seat provides support. The surface beneath provides the required background.
The Parent Hold Method for Baby Photos
- Parent wears neutral colors
- Holds baby at arm's length against a white/grey background
- Parent's hands completely outside the frame
- Second person attracts baby's gaze
- Capture when baby looks at camera
Requires practice. Do a few test shots before committing.
Canada-Specific Tips for Baby Passport Photos
Background Flexibility for Canadian Photos
Canada accepts white OR light grey. This is unusual and helpful.
White is simpler to achieve. Light grey is acceptable too. Either works.
Prescription Glasses Rules for Canadian Babies
If your older baby/toddler wears prescription glasses, the Canada rules apply: prescription glasses are allowed (no glare). This is more permissive than most countries.
Canada's Unique 50×70mm Dimensions
Canada's 50×70mm is larger than most countries. Make sure any service you use knows the Canadian size specifically.
Neutral Expression Still Applies for Babies
No smiling required (or allowed). A neutral or slightly pleasant expression is ideal. A full smile might get flagged.
Common Canadian Baby Passport Photo Rejection Reasons
Parent's Hand Visible in the Frame
When holding baby, ensure hands are completely outside the frame. This is the #1 rejection reason for baby photos.
Baby's Eyes Closed in the Photo
Less strict than the UK, but eyes open is still preferred. Newborns with closed eyes often pass, but it's not guaranteed.
Wrong Background Color for Canadian Photos
White or light grey only. Make sure it's clearly one of those two colors.
Shadows on the Baby's Face or Background
Uneven lighting creates shadows on baby's face or the background. Use soft, even lighting.
Baby's Face Not Centered in the Frame
Face should be centered with appropriate head size (62-69% of frame).
Timing Your Canadian Baby's Passport Photo Session
For best results:
- Newborns: Best during quiet alert periods after feeding
- 3-6 months: Can hold head better, easier to position
- 6-12 months: More active, may need more attempts
- 12+ months: Can follow objects, easier to get eye contact
Younger babies are easier to position but harder to get eyes open. Older babies are the opposite.
Practical Tips for Canadian Baby Passport Photos
Multiple attempts are normal. Take 15-20 photos. Most will have issues. That's fine.
Natural light is best. Window light in the morning or late afternoon produces soft, even illumination.
Turn off flash. Flash Startles babies and causes red-eye. Use ambient light.
Dress in plain colors. Avoid busy patterns or bright colors that might distract.
Remove hats and headbands. These cover the head.
Grey or white clothing. If your background is white, don't wear white clothing — you'll blend in.
What If Your Canadian Baby Photo Keeps Getting Rejected?
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Try again. Babies change quickly. A retake a week later often works.
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Use a professional. Shoppers, Canada Post, and other services have experience with baby photos.
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Wait until baby is older. If nothing else works, waiting a few months can help.
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Consider the lighting. Shadows are often the culprit. Adjust and retry.
Final Checklist Before Submitting Your Baby's Photo
Before submitting:
- Background is white or light grey
- Baby's eyes are open (if possible)
- Face is centered
- No shadows on face or background
- No parent hands visible
- No hats or headbands
- Neutral or pleasant expression (no big smile)
- Head size appropriate
Where to Get Baby Photos in Canada
Shoppers Drug Mart / Pharmaprix. Most locations offer passport photo services. Staff are trained on Canadian requirements. Cost: CAD $15–20. They understand the 50×70mm size.
London Drugs. Photo services at locations across Western Canada. Cost: CAD $15–20.
Costco. Photo centres at Costco locations. Cost: CAD $7–10.
Walmart Photo Centre. Available at many locations. Cost: CAD $10–15.
Canada Post. Some locations offer passport photo services.
Professional photography studios. Studios in Toronto, Vancouver, Montreal, Calgary, Edmonton, Ottawa, and other cities. Cost: CAD $15–30.
DIY at home. Most practical for babies — use the blanket or car seat methods described above.
Canadian Photo Certification and Guarantor Requirement
Canadian passport applications require a guarantor who certifies the photo. For babies:
- The guarantor must sign the back of one printed photo
- They must have known the child (or parent) for at least 2 years
- The guarantor must hold a valid Canadian passport
This catches many parents off guard. Arrange the guarantor before your appointment.
Canadian Passport Application for Babies
Applications are submitted at a Service Canada office or by mail. You'll need the baby's birth certificate and both parents' identification. The same 50×70mm white-background photo is required.
Canadian passports for children under 16 are valid for 5 years. Each renewal requires a new photo.
Canadian Baby Passport Photos for Citizens Abroad
If applying from abroad, the same photo rules apply. Canadian embassies and high commissions in London, Washington DC, Paris, Tokyo, New Delhi, and Canberra follow the same requirements. Specify "Canadian baby passport photo, 50×70mm" — studios abroad often default to 35×45mm.
Camera Settings for DIY Canadian Baby Passport Photos
Use burst mode. Shutter speed 1/200 or faster. ISO 400–800 in indoor lighting. Focus on the baby's nearest eye. Natural window light provides the softest illumination.
Quick Checklist for Canadian Baby Passport Photos
- Photo is 50×70mm (not 35×45mm)
- Background is white or light grey
- Prescription glasses allowed if no glare
- No smile — neutral expression
- Eyes preferably open
- Baby's face centred
- No parent's hands visible
- No shadows
- 300 DPI minimum
- Guarantor has signed the back of one photo
Verify your baby's photo with the passportsize-photo.online checker. For size details, see Canadian passport photo size guide. View all Canadian passport photo rules on the Canada hub.
