Länderführer9. August 2026

Canadian Passport Photo Cost in 2026: Walmart, Staples, CAA & More

Canadian passport photos typically cost C$10–C$25. Compare retailers, pharmacies, CAA and studios, plus printed-photo and digital-copy fees.

How Much Does a Canadian Passport Photo Cost in 2026?

Quick answer: A Canadian passport photo typically costs about C$10–C$25 for two printed photos. A digital copy for an eligible online renewal may cost extra. Prices and services vary by location, so confirm the total price, digital-file fee, and retake policy before visiting.

Canada has stricter rules than many countries: your passport photo must be taken in person by a commercial photographer or photo studio. A selfie, home-printed photo, scanned print, or image altered with cropping, filters, background replacement, or AI tools is not accepted.

Canadian passport photo price comparison

The ranges below are planning estimates, not guaranteed chain-wide prices. Independently operated locations and regional promotions can change the final amount.

Provider type	Typical price (CAD)	Usually includes	What to confirm
Big-box or office retailer	C$10–C$25	Two printed photos	Whether the location still takes Canadian passport photos and whether a digital file costs extra
Pharmacy photo counter	C$15–C$25	Two printed photos	Availability, turnaround time, and retake policy
CAA location	Varies by club and membership	Printed photos; member pricing may apply	Your regional club's price and eligibility
Independent photo studio	C$15–C$40+	Professional capture and printed photos	Digital-file fee, appointment policy, and infant-photo surcharge
Digital copy for online renewal	Often an add-on	Original JPEG from the photographer	File specifications, delivery method, and whether the printed set is also included

Major providers commonly appearing in Canadian search results include Walmart Photo Centre, Staples, CAA, pharmacies, and independent studios. Check the specific location before travelling; a retailer's ordinary photo-printing price is not the price of a compliant passport-photo session.

What the price should include

For an application submitted in person or by mail, ask whether the quoted price includes:

two identical 50 × 70 mm printed photos
the date the photo was taken
the studio's name and complete address written or stamped on the back of one photo
a retake if the photo does not meet the studio's stated guarantee
taxes and any infant-photo or appointment surcharge

If you are renewing online, ask for the original digital JPEG directly from the commercial photographer. Do not scan a printed photo. The Government of Canada says the digital file must not be cropped, retouched, enhanced, or otherwise altered.

Printed photos versus a digital copy

The application method changes what you need:

Paper application: Submit two identical and unaltered printed photos.
Eligible online renewal: Upload the original digital photo supplied by the commercial photographer and enter the photographer's name, address, and the date taken.
Not sure which method you will use: Ask the photographer for both the printed set and the original digital file before the session. Confirm the combined price first.

The official digital requirements differ from the printed-photo dimensions. The photographer should supply a JPEG in portrait orientation with a 3:2 aspect ratio, between 1,800 × 1,200 and 4,500 × 3,000 pixels, and between 200 KB and 5 MB.

See the Government of Canada passport photo requirements for the current rules.

How to find the cheapest legitimate option

The lowest advertised number is not always a complete passport-photo price. Use this checklist:

Confirm that the location takes Canadian passport photos, not only U.S. or generic ID photos.
Ask for the total price for two stamped prints, including tax.
If renewing online, ask what the original digital JPEG costs.
Ask whether retakes are included if the photo is rejected for a photography issue.
For babies or young children, ask whether there is an additional sitting fee.

CAA member pricing may be attractive, but rates and eligibility differ by regional club. Retailers can also change or discontinue photo-counter services, so calling ahead can save a wasted trip.

Canadian passport photo requirements that affect the price

A compliant studio must produce photos that:

measure 50 mm wide by 70 mm high for printed applications
show a chin-to-crown face height of 31–36 mm
were taken no more than six months before the application
have even lighting, no shadows or glare, and a plain white or light-coloured background
show a neutral expression with the eyes open and mouth closed
are original and unaltered

The commercial-photographer requirement means that inexpensive self-service printing, a photo booth, or an online editing tool cannot replace the professional capture for a Canadian passport application. Read our detailed explanation of why Canadian passport photos require a commercial photographer.

Can PhotoOmni prepare a Canadian passport photo?

PhotoOmni cannot replace the commercial photographer required for a Canadian passport application. Canada does not accept photos altered through cropping, background replacement, filters, retouching, or AI tools.

The PhotoOmni Canada passport photo page can be used as a general specification reference or composition preview, but an edited PhotoOmni output should not be submitted as an official Canadian passport photo. For documents from countries that permit self-taken or digitally formatted photos, check the rules for that specific document before using an online tool.

FAQ

How much do Canadian passport photos cost?

Most applicants should budget approximately C$10–C$25 for two printed photos. Independent studios, digital-copy add-ons, infant sessions, taxes, and regional pricing can raise the total.

Where is the cheapest place to get Canadian passport photos?

The cheapest legitimate option depends on your location and memberships. Compare nearby retailers, CAA offices, pharmacies, and independent studios, but make sure the quoted price covers a commercial photography session rather than print-only service.

Does Walmart take Canadian passport photos?

Some Walmart Photo Centre locations advertise Canadian passport photo services, but availability and pricing can vary. Contact the specific store before visiting.

Does CAA offer discounted passport photos?

Some regional CAA clubs offer member pricing or benefits for passport photos. The amount and eligible membership level vary, so check with your regional club.

Does the price include a digital copy?

Not always. Many providers quote a price for printed photos and charge separately for the original digital JPEG. If you plan to renew online, ask for the digital-file price before the photo is taken.

Can I take a Canadian passport photo at home?

No. The Government of Canada requires the photo to be taken in person by a commercial photographer or photo studio. Home-taken, home-printed, scanned, cropped, or digitally altered photos are not accepted.

Can I use an AI-edited photo for an online Canadian passport renewal?

No. The digital photo must be the original file from the commercial photographer and must not be altered with editing software, filters, or AI tools.

Related Canadian passport photo guides

Last reviewed: September 27, 2026. Prices vary by provider and location. Official photo requirements were checked against the Government of Canada passport photo guidance.

About the Author

Emma Richardson Senior ICAO Photo Compliance Expert, PhotoOmni

Emma Richardson is PhotoOmni's Senior ICAO Photo Compliance Expert. With 12+ years of experience in passport and visa photo verification, she has helped applicants achieve 820,000+ successful photo approvals across 100+ countries and territories. She specializes in global passport photo requirements, ICAO-compliant photo standards, and biometric image verification.