Getting a passport photo doesn’t have to drain your wallet.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through where to find the cheapest place to get passport photos in Canada.
If you’re short on time and just want a quick, affordable option, try PhotoAiD®.
Related reading:
- Canadian passport renewal
- Do I need a passport to fly within Canada?
- Should both parents be present for a child’s passport in Canada?
Passport photo requirements in Canada
Before diving into where to find the cheapest place to get passport photos, let’s look at the key requirements for printed and digital images.
| Requirement | Printed passport photo | Digital passport photo (online renewal only) |
|---|---|---|
| Quantity | 2 identical prints | 1 uploaded JPEG |
| Size | 50×70 mm (2×2¾ in) | 3:2 aspect ratio, portrait orientation |
| Background | Plain white or light-coloured, no patterns or shadows | ″ |
| Head height | 31–36 mm (1¼–1⅜ in) from chin to crown | 45–50% of image height from chin to crown |
| Full-front view | Full front view, head centred and not tilted; upper shoulders visible | ″ |
| Colour | Full colour or black and white | ″ |
| Paper type | High-quality photo paper. One photo must have the studio name, address, and date taken on the back | – |
| Recency | Taken within the last 6 months | ″ |
| No alterations | Must not be digitally altered; no retouching or red-eye edits | ″ |
| Glasses | No tinted lenses; eyes must be clearly visible with no glare | ″ |
| Head coverings | Only for religious/medical reasons; must not cast shadows; full face visible | ″ |
| Children & infants | Same specs as adults. No hands, toys, or other people visible. Newborns can be photographed lying down on a white blanket. Slightly open mouth or not fully open eyes are acceptable. | ″ |
| File format | – | JPEG |
| File size | – | 200 KB–5 MB |
| Image dimensions | – | Minimum 1800×1200 px, maximum 4500×3000 px |
*If you’re applying for a Canadian passport for the first time, one of your printed photos has to be signed by a guarantor. They’ll need to write: “I certify this to be a true likeness of [applicant’s name]” and add their signature.
Cheapest places to get passport photos in Canada
Prices vary depending on whether you go to a national chain, a regional retailer, or use an online service.
Here’s a breakdown of the main options from coast to coast.
- Walmart Photo Centre – Around $16.97 for two printed photos. Service is in-store only, and no digital copy is provided. Photos are stamped on the back to meet Passport Canada rules.
- Shoppers Drug Mart – $19.99 for two photos. Available in most pharmacies across the country; no appointment needed. Some locations will also give you a digital copy on a USB for the same price.
- London Drugs – $14.99 for two photos. Quick turnaround (about 15 minutes). You can pay extra for a digital copy. They even offer a $50 compliance guarantee—if your photo gets rejected, you’ll get a $50 gift card.
- Staples – $21.99 for two printed photos. Digital copies may be sold separately, or you can get a combo for around $24.99. Free retakes if your picture is rejected.
- Costco (members only) – As low as $0.17 per print if you DIY. Costco no longer takes passport photos, but members can upload their compliant images and print them on a single 4×6 sheet. Cheapest if you’re comfortable formatting and cutting the photos yourself.
- Jean Coutu (Quebec) – About $13.80 for two printed photos, making it cheaper than most national chains in that province.
- CAA stores (members only) – $8.50 for two printed photos if you’re a Classic member, or free with Plus membership (one set per year). Non-members pay about $19.99. Some locations will also provide a digital copy.
- PhotoAiD® (online option) – If you’d rather skip the store, you can take your photo at home with PhotoAiD®. A digital photo costs $11.95, or you can get printed copies delivered to your door for $15.95. Every photo is checked for compliance, so you won’t risk rejection.
Here’s how PhotoAiD® works:
- Take your photo: Snap a picture with your phone against any background.
- Upload it: The tool automatically crops the image to the correct size and adjusts the lighting and the background.
- Expert verification: One of our experts (available 24/7) double-checks your photo to ensure it meets Canadian government standards.
- Get your photo: Choose between a digital file or printed copies delivered to your door.
You can grab the PhotoAiD® app on iOS (Passport photo app iOS), Android (Passport photo app Android), or just hit the button below to upload your photo and get started.
Tips for choosing passport photo services
Not all photo providers are equal, and a poor choice can delay your passport application.
Here’s what to look for when deciding where to get your pictures taken.
Go with providers who advertise Canadian passport photos
Pharmacies, retail chains, or photo studios that specifically mention “Canadian passport photos” are usually reliable. Requirements differ by country, so make sure they’re familiar with Canada’s 50×70 mm format and the need for a photographer’s stamp on the back.
Watch their setup
Reliable services use a plain white background, proper lighting, and will remind you to keep a neutral expression. They should also ask you to remove unnecessary items like sunglasses or hats.
Check the output before leaving
You should get two identical 50×70 mm prints, sharp and correctly exposed. One photo must have the studio name, address, and date on the back, with space for a guarantor’s signature if needed. Don’t leave without checking these details.
Look at reviews or ask around
Online reviews on sites like Trustpilot or Google Maps, along with recommendations from friends, can point you to local branches or studios that consistently deliver reliable passport photos.
FAQ
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As a Digital PR specialist and a member of the Society of Professional Journalists (SPJ), I have 5+ years of writing experience.
Over the course of my career, my work has garnered significant attention, with features in numerous prominent publications such as The New York Times, Forbes, Inc., Business Insider, Fast Company, Entrepreneur, BBC, TechRepublic, Glassdoor, and G2.
