Home > Passport Photo Requirements > Canada Canadian Firearms License (PAL) Photo 45x57 mm (4.5x5.7 cm)

Canada Canadian Firearms License (PAL) Photo 45x57 mm (4.5x5.7 cm) Size and Requirements

How idPhotoDIY works

Country Canada
Document type Canadian Firearms License (PAL)
Passport picture size Width: 45 mm, Height: 57 mm
Resolution (DPI) 600
Required file size 200 KB - 6 MB
Image definition parameters Your photo must meet the following criteria: Must be 45 mm wide by 57 mm high (1 3/4 inches wide by 2 1/4 inches high) Your head in the photograph must be at least 30 mm (1 3/16 inches) high
Background color White
Printable photo Yes
Digital photo for online submission Yes
Digital photo size Width: 1050 pixels , Height: 1350 pixels
Photo Paper type matte
Detailed requrements

To apply for a firearms licence in Canada, you must submit a photograph that meets specific standards.

Basic Requirements

  • The photo must be taken within the last 12 months.

  • It must show a clear, front-facing view of your head and shoulders.

  • Your face must be centered and fully visible.

  • The expression should be neutral (no smiling, frowning, or exaggerated expressions).

  • Both eyes must be open and clearly visible.

Photo Quality

  • The image must be sharp, in focus, and well-lit.

  • Use a plain, light-colored background (no patterns or shadows).

  • There should be no glare, shadows, or reflections on the face or background.

  • The photo must not be altered or digitally edited.

Appearance Guidelines

  • No hats or head coverings, unless worn for religious or medical reasons.

  • If you wear a head covering, your full face must still be visible.

  • Glasses are allowed, but:

    • No tinted lenses

    • No glare obscuring the eyes

    • Frames must not cover the eyes

  • Avoid anything that hides facial features (e.g., hair covering eyes).

Technical Details

  • The photo must be printed on high-quality photo paper or submitted digitally if allowed.

  • It must be passport-style, with proper proportions (head size and positioning similar to official ID photos).

Additional Notes

  • The photo must accurately represent your current appearance.

  • Poor-quality or non-compliant photos may result in delays or rejection of your application.
Source https://rcmp.ca/en/firearms/licensi...

Do not worry about the photo size requirements. IDPhotoDIY online tool will help you make correct Canada Canadian Firearms License (PAL) size photos.

How to make Canada Canadian Firearms License (PAL) photo online


Step 1: Use a digital camera or a smartphone

Find someone to take the photo for you and selfie photo is not acceptable for passport photo application. If you have a tripod, use it. A tripod will make it easier to keep the camera steady and level. The distance of the person to the camera should be around 1 meter.

Step 2: Find a venue with good lighting

When taking photo, you should face the light, such as a nice bright window or the door. This can provide even lighting to avoid shadows on the face and background. The face must be evenly lit. There should be no shadows and glares on the face.

Note: No need to worry about the background as our online passport photo generator will automatically remove or change the background for you.

unacceptable passport photo

Step 3: Wear properly for your passport photo

Do not wear uniforms. Wear regular street clothes in your photo.

Do not wear eyeglasses. If you wear glasses, sunglasses, or tinted glasses, take them off for your passport photo.

Your face must still be fully visible.  Don’t let your hair drape over your face and obscure your eyes. If you have very long bangs that cover your eyebrows, you should pin them back with bobby pins. It’s best if your ears show, as well, but that won’t cause your photo to be rejected.

No hats are allowed in passport photos unless it is religious headgear such as a headscarf or yarmulke that you wear every day.

acceptable passport photo

Step 4: Pose for a passport

Look straight towards the camera with face straight on. Head should not be tilted or rotated.

Both ears showing or both edges of the face visible if hair covers the ears.

Shoulders should be visible, and there should be enough space around the head for cropping the photo.

Position the camera in the same height as the head.

unacceptable passport photo

unacceptable passport photo

Step 5: Have a neutral facial expression

You can smile in your passport photos, but the government prefers that you have a neutral facial expression.

Smiling or having your mouth open is usually not acceptable, especially under the new international passport rules.

acceptable passport photo

Unacceptable passport photo

 

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Example of passport photos

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