Maybe it is your first time applying for a passport. Or maybe you’re familiar with the process, but it has been a while since your last renewal. Either way, you might be wondering if you can wear your glasses in a passport photo.
There are tons of do’s and don’ts when it comes to your passport photo. The government is very particular about its rules. From the size of the photo to the size of your head within the frame—everything has to be picture-perfect. If not, your passport application might not be approved. This leads to delays and headaches you would be better off without.
That is why we will give you a refresher on the specific requirements for passport photos, including whether or not you can wear your glasses. We also include other tips for getting the perfect passport photo – such as where to find the best photo studio to take your passport picture for you. Let’s start with a quick look at the general requirements for passport photographs.
What Are The General Requirements For Canadian Passport Photographs?
Every country has different passport photo requirements. The requirements for the United States are not the same as Canada’s requirements. But if you are applying for a Canadian passport, here are the general requirements for your passport photo to get accepted:
- Your passport photo must be taken no more than 6 months before your passport application.
- Canadian passport pictures must be taken by a professional photographer. You cannot print out online passport pictures that you took on your own. And no – you cannot take your own passport photos, as we discussed in a recent blog post.
- Poor quality photos that are blurry, overexposed, or underexposed are not allowed. Your passport picture must be clear, sharp, and in focus.
- Your passport picture must have good lighting, with no shadows, glare, or flash reflections.
- The photo must be taken in front of a plain white or light-colored background. There must be a clear contrast between your face and the background. If you are in a wheelchair with a headrest, a plain-white covering should be placed on top of it.
- The photos must represent your natural skin tone. Do not add any filters to your photo.
- Do not edit or alter any part of your face to get rid of any flaws or change your hair color. Do not crop your head and paste it onto a white background. Do not edit to remove glare or red-eye. You need to retake the photo in that case.
- You must have a neutral facial expression in your passport photo. Eyes open and directly looking into the camera. No smiling with your teeth.
- The photos must be professionally printed on high-quality photographic paper. Not on heavy-weight paper, printed at home.
- On the back of the photo, the photographer must put a stamp or written information showing the date the photo was taken, the name, and the complete address of the photo studio. If you have a minor with you, the guarantor must clearly write “I certify this to be a true likeness of (applicant’s or child’s name)” for an application and then sign the back of the photo.
Is Wearing Glasses Allowed In Canadian Passport Photos?
It is a common misconception that wearing glasses in passport photos isn’t allowed. But if you look closely at the rules on the Canadian government’s website, it says there that you can wear your prescription glasses in a passport photo.
However, this rule does not apply to just any pair of glasses. First and foremost, you must have prescription glasses. Don’t think you can get away with hiding the bags under your eyes with sunglasses! But as long as your eyes are visible and there is no glare on the lenses, yes – you can wear glasses in your passport photo.
With that said, most people who wear glasses still prefer to take them off for their passport picture. That is because it is less of a hassle than delaying their passport applications. If you have glasses with tints or heavy frames, it is best to take them off because they will obstruct your eyes. Thin framed glasses that are all transparent are fine, as long as the light is not reflecting on the lenses.
The last thing you want is to have to go back and take a second passport photo because you were wearing glasses with too much tint the first go around. Just take them off if you’re in doubt!
Can You Wear Contact Lenses In Your Passport Photo?
If you would rather wear contact lenses than glasses in your photos, you may. As long as your contact lenses don’t change the color of your eyes, then this is perfectly fine. Remember your passport photo must be an accurate representation of your true current likeness.
What Else Am I NOT Allowed To Wear In My Passport Picture?
Now you know the general requirements for a passport photo and that you can wear your glasses for your passport picture. So, let’s talk about the other things you shouldn’t wear when getting your passport photo taken. Here are some of the attire that will get your application denied:
Uniforms
Uniforms are not allowed to be worn in a passport photo. That includes military uniforms, medical uniforms, flight crew uniforms, and any other professional uniforms. Regular daily attire is required for the perfect passport photo.
Earphones
Earphones, headphones, and other wireless hands-free devices are not allowed in your passport photo. Passport photographs take less than 10 minutes to be processed and printed – don’t be difficult about it.
Hats & Headgear
Hats and headgear that are not used for religious or medical reasons are not allowed in your passport photo. The key here is the religious or medical aspect.
Every day religious headgear, such as a headscarf or yarmulke, is allowed provided it does not obstruct your face. For example, a hijab scarf is perfectly fine. But a niqab that covers most of your face is not allowed. You will also need to prepare a letter explaining that you wear the item for religious or medical reasons—whichever one applies to you.
Headbands & Large Hair Accessories
Just as hats and headgear are not allowed, headbands and large hair accessories are also not allowed in your passport photo. These rules apply to babies as well. If you need something to hold back your hair, use a thin neutral-colored hair tie and bobby pins that match the color of your hair. Do not use hair bows, scrunchies, or fussy hair clips.
What Should I Wear?
Any everyday attire is fine. But we highly recommend wearing a collared shirt, preferably in any color but white. This is to avoid looking like a floating head in your photo.
Wear something classic and timeless. You will have this passport photo for 5 to 10 years, and trends go in and out of style almost every month. If you want a passport photo that will not look outdated next year, stick to simple attire.
Final Word On Whether You Can Wear Glasses In Your Passport Photo Or Not
A passport is one of the most important documents you will ever own. It’s what allows you to travel around the world, whether for professional purposes or leisure. But the application process really can be a hassle. There are so many standards and requirements you have to meet if you want to have your passport approved. For fewer passport application delays, make sure to follow all the advice we have listed above.
As long as you follow these tips for your passport photograph, your new passport will be approved in no time. If you need more ideas on what a passport photo should look like, visit our blog. And if you want high-quality passport pictures of your own make sure to choose the right place to get your photograph taken. Not sure where to get your passport photo taken? Keep reading.
Where Can I Get My Passport Photos Taken?
In Canada, the government requires everyone applying for a passport to get their passport photos taken by a professional photographer.
You can get your passport photo professionally taken in pharmacies, such as London Drugs and Shoppers Drug Mart. Or you can get them at a Walmart, Henry’s, or Jean Cotou near you. But these passport photos can be pricey. It can cost you anywhere between $10 to $20. If you are wondering why passport photos are so expensive, you can read all about it in our blog.
Fortunately, not all photo studios take expensive passport photos. If you want high-quality passport photos for less than $10, visit Photo Studio Calgary.
Get High-Quality Passport Photos For Only $6.97 At Photo Studio Calgary
Photo Studio Calgary can get you the perfect passport photo for your passport application. We have one of the highest acceptance rates in the city. For only $6.97, you can get 2 printed or 1 soft copy of high-quality passport photos. This bundle applies to anyone ages 2 years old and above.
Plus, we make our booking process simple. All you have to do is visit our website, click on “Book Appointment”, select a date, and come to our photo studio on your selected date. The actual photo taking only takes 10 minutes! Just make sure to come in the right attire, and we will do the rest of the hard work.
If you are also looking for photo printing or photo restoration in Calgary, we have great deals for those too! For $39.97 we can restore pictures with minor stains and marks, remove wrinkles and pouches, and do some color correcting. If you want to know more about our photo printing rates, visit our site today.