Where to Get Cheap Passport Photo in Canada

There are multiple options to get passport photos in Canada, including photo stores, pharmacies & retail stores, shipping centers, and online passport photo makers. Every store features different passport photo prices and services. In this passage, we will discuss places to take affordable passport photos and make a detailed comparison.

Canada Passport Photo Requirements

2 identical and unaltered biometric photos are required for each passport application. The passport photos should be 50mm (2 inches) in width and 70mm in height (2¾ inches). The face must be centered and measure about 31mm (1¼ inches) to 36 mm (1⁷⁄₁₆ inches) from the chin to the top of the head. The applicant’s true appearance must be shown with a neutral expression and clear facial features. Blurry photos or photos with shadows, glare, or reflections are not acceptable. There should be the photographer’s signature, the date of photo taking, the guarantor’s signature, and a statement on the back of 1 photo. As for adult’s and babies’ passport photos, there are some extra requirements.

• For Adults

Adults should not wear uniforms and white clothes. A simple shirt or blouse in contrasting color with the background and skin tone is recommended. Eyes must be visible and open. If you wear glasses, they must not cover your eyes or reflect lights. Whether you have long or short hair, keep it off your face. Do not wear head coverings unless for religious or medical purposes. Applicants sitting in a wheelchair should have a white blanket behind their head.

• For Newborn Babies

Infants are allowed to sit in a car seat or lie in the bed to take photos. Showing a neutral expression is difficult for babies, so it is acceptable if their eyes are not fully open or their mouths are slightly open. The baby should be only visible in the picture. If you hold him/her to take photos, you or any of your body part should not appear.

Cheapest Passport Photos in Canada

In Canada, applicants can take passport photos online or in a physical store. Here are some cost-effective passport photo service providers.

Digital Photo Studio

It is the most convenient option as you can make photos at home with a smartphone, tablet, or laptop device. AiPassportPhotos is an online professional identity photo maker that combines a compliance checker, resizer, and background remover into one tool. Just take a clear head-and-shoulder photo according to the official photo requirements and upload it on the AiPassportPhotos website. It will automatically do the rest of the work and generate a qualified Canadian passport photo within seconds. Most importantly, it is free of charge and accessible 24/7.

On-site Stores

As for offline photo stores, you can find any of the following stores in the neighborhood.

• Shoppers Drug Mart

Shoppers Drug Mart is a retail chain and pharmacy in Canada. There are more than 1200 stores across the country. You can walk into a nearby store during its opening hours and let the staff there help you take a qualified passport photo. Passport photos cost at Shoppers Drug Mart is CAD 19.99 for a set of 2 printed passport photos.

• London Drugs

London Drugs is a is a Canadian retail store chain. With over 80 stores across Canada, mainly in British Columbia, Alberta, and Saskatchewan, it provides professional ID photo services for locals. You can get 2 photos at CAD 9.95 without a prior appointment. It also provides a $50 guarantee which means if the photo is rejected, you will get a refund and have the photo retaken.

• UPS Store

UPS, also known as the United Parcel Service, is a top-ranking logistics and supply chain. There are approximately 450 UPS stores in Canada and most of them can take passport photos. You can walk into a participating branch store and spend about 15-20 minutes to get a qualified Canadian passport photo. Two printed photos or one digital photo is provided at the UPS passport photo price of CAD 12.00.

• Staples

Staples, as a famous office supply retailer chain, takes passport photos at more than 300 stores in Canada. You don’t need to make an appointment and spend about CAD 21.99 to get printed passport photos.

• Walmart

Walmart is a global retailer that provides both in-store and online passport photo services. There are about 400 Walmart stores across Canada. Customers can place an order online ($16.97 for 2 printed Walmart passport photos) and go to a nearby store with an order confirmation email to take photos.

• Jean Coutu

Jean Coutu is a chain drugstores in Canada. There are photo kiosks and photographers in over 400 pharmacies. The passport photo will be ready in a few minutes at a cost of CAD 13.80. However, to ensure better services and availability, you are supposed to make an appointment before visiting there.

• CAA

CAA operates seven stores in Ottawa, Thunder Bay, North Bay, Sudbury for Membership, travel, and insurance services. Non-CAA members can pay $19.99 for printed photos, $24.99 for digital versions, and $40 for both. Additionally, Everyday & Classic® Members, Plus® Members, and Premier® Members can enjoy different discounts. However, walk-in services are not available in CAA stores and you should make an appointment on its official website or by calling 1-800-705-1803.

Affordable Passport Photos for Babies and Infants

Babies and children must also obtain a passport to travel abroad, so passport photos are needed. However, it is more difficult to take photos of young children than adults. Not all stores take passport photos for babies and infants.

This service is available in the following options. Please note that the passport photo price for children remains the same as for adults.

• AiPassportPhotos
• Shoppers Drug Mart
• London Drugs
• Staples
• Jean Coutu

Among the stores that provide cheap passport photos, baby passport photos are not available in:

• Walmart
• UPS Store
• CAA

Passport Photo Price in Canada

Here is a summary of the inexpensive passport photos. Please note that the passport photo cost varies from store to store, so it is necessary to check the specific price with the store you are going to.

How to Find Passport Photo Service Near Me in Canada

As we stated before, there are a large number of photo stores across Canada. Besides the passport photo price, it is necessary to consider the location of the store to choose a suitable one. Most of them launch store locators to help customers find nearby stores, such as Shoppers Drug Mart, London Drugs, UPS, Staples, Jean Coutu, and CAA. The most straightforward way is to Google it and access the official website. It usually allows users to search by province or by postal code. Finally, just visit the nearest store during opening hours. It is necessary to contact the storekeeper in advance to confirm whether they provide passport photo services. Moreover, if you choose AiPassportPhotos, you can take pictures from anywhere.

How to Print Canada Passport Photo

To apply for a Canadian passport, all applicants must submit 2 paper photos. If you choose in-store service, they will take photos and print them out for you. If you take pictures with AiPassportPhotos, it will provide a 4×6” printable template with 2 photos. You can either print it out with a colored printer at home, pharmacies, or retail stores. Some stores allow customers to order printing services online and collect the photos in-store or by mail. No matter which service provider you choose, make sure to print images on high-quality glossy or matte photo paper.

FAQ

Where is it cheapest to print photos?

Some stores charge much lower prices for printing services while others charge the same price as photo taking. It is suggested to turn to stores that provide solely printing services. For example, ordering printouts on Shutterfly costs only $0.2-1 for each print.

Did Costco do Canadian passport photos?

No. The on-site photo center is closed now, but Costco members can still print digital photos at a physical store.

What to wear for a Canada passport photo?

Daily clothes with dark colors and medium necklines are recommended, such as a T-shirt, shirt, or blouse. Hats and tinted glasses are not allowed.

Conclusion

There are many options to get passport pictures in Canada, either online or in-store. You can choose affordable passport photos according to where you live, the number of photos needed, and the type of services. If you are too busy to visit those stores or you need multiple photos, AiPassportPhotos will be the cheapest and most convenient way to take passport photos near me.