Canadian Passport Picture Rules for Children and Babies: 2025 Guide

Two photos. Both must be identical, unretouched, and taken within the last six months. The size? Still 50 mm wide by 70 mm high—no shortcuts for little ones. The face, from chin to crown, should measure between 31 mm and 36 mm. Too much wiggle room? Not at all. The rules are as strict for babies as for adults.

The background? Plain white or light-coloured, free of shadows and patterns. No toys, no blankets with prints, no hands (not even a comforting parent's finger). The photo must be clear, sharp, and in focus—no motion blur, no soft edges. Digital retouching? Not allowed. No smoothing out drool, no erasing a stray hair.

Expression. For children, especially infants, a perfectly neutral expression can be elusive. The government allows some leeway: babies don't need to have a perfectly neutral expression, but their eyes should be open and visible. For older children, the expectation is the same as adults—neutral face, mouth closed, eyes open.

Head position matters. The child's face must be square to the camera, not tilted or turned. Shoulders should be visible, but if a baby can't sit up, it's acceptable to photograph them lying on a plain white blanket or in a car seat draped with a white covering. No visible hands, no parent support, no props.

Glasses? Uncommon for babies, but if worn, the same rules apply—no glare, no tinted lenses, eyes visible. Head coverings are allowed only for religious or medical reasons, with documentation.

A parent arrives, baby in tow, armed with snacks, toys, and optimism. The first attempt: baby's eyes closed. The second: a tiny hand clutching a corner of the blanket. Third time's the charm—eyes open, mouth relaxed, background clear. Success. Another family, older child this time, insists on wearing a sparkly headband. The result? Rejected. Accessories, even adorable ones, are not permitted.

A common misstep: a parent's hand sneaking into the frame to steady a wobbly baby. The result? Application delayed. Or a pacifier in the mouth—a definite no. At Photo Jovial, patience and a few tricks (a squeaky toy behind the camera, gentle encouragement, a quick snap at just the right moment) make all the difference.

Photo Jovial's team has seen it all—wiggly babies, shy toddlers, determined parents. With years of practice, the studio anticipates the challenges and knows the Canadian passport photo regulations for children and babies inside out. Every photo is checked for compliance, measured, and stamped with the studio's name, address, and date. If you're unsure, the staff guides you through every step, making the process as stress-free as possible.