Canada Driving Licence Photo Requirements 2026
Canadian driving licences are issued by individual provinces, but biometric photos follow the federal 50×70 mm equivalent specification. In practice, your photo is captured on-site at the provincial licensing office (ServiceOntario, SAAQ Quebec, ICBC BC, etc.) during your application or renewal.
Key details
- Photo is captured on-site at provincial licensing offices.
- Each province has its own renewal cycle — typically every 5 years.
- Some provinces (e.g., Ontario) issue an Enhanced Driver's Licence that also serves as a border-crossing document.
Shared rules with the country overview
These apply to every document this country issues — see the full breakdown on the country page.
Background
Plain white or light-coloured. No textures, no shadows, no patterns. The photo must show clear contrast between the face and the background.
Expression and eyes
Neutral expression with mouth closed. Both eyes open and clearly visible. No smiling, no exaggerated expressions.
Glasses
Glasses are allowed if there is no glare and the eyes are fully visible. Tinted or heavily framed glasses are typically rejected.
Recency
The photo must have been taken within the last six months and must reflect your current appearance.
Frequently asked questions
Can I bring my own photo to ServiceOntario? +
What format does the driving licence photo use? +
How often is the driving licence photo retaken? +
Can I practice at home before the photo capture? +
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