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Canada driver's licence photo requirements

The photo rules set by Provincial licensing offices (ServiceOntario, ICBC, Alberta registry agents, SAAQ) for the Canada driver's licence, with the official wording and sources.

Based on 5 official sources · last checked Official sources Page history

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Quick answer

What are the Canada driver's licence photo requirements?

For a Canadian driver's licence you usually do not bring a photo. In Ontario, British Columbia and Alberta the photo is taken at the counter by ServiceOntario, ICBC or a registry agent. In Quebec the SAAQ takes the photo at a service outlet or reuses the one on your health card.

Driver's licences are provincial and territorial, so rules differ across Canada. The photo taken at the counter is reused for online renewals until a new one is due.

This summary covers Ontario, British Columbia, Alberta and Quebec. For other provinces and territories, check your own licensing office; as a rule, if a card shows your photo, the office that issues it takes the photo when you apply.

Canada driver's licence photo size and specifications

The requirements as published by Provincial licensing offices (ServiceOntario, ICBC, Alberta registry agents, SAAQ):[1]

Photo ageOntario: a new photo may be needed every 10 years. Alberta: a new photo is taken if yours is 4 or more years old.

Key requirements

  • Ontario

    The photo is taken at a ServiceOntario centre. You may need a new driver's licence photo every 10 years and can have it retaken at any time for $35.75. Bring your current licence and a personal identification document. Licences are valid for 5 years; renewal costs $90.

  • British Columbia

    The photo is taken at an ICBC driver licensing office. Bring 2 acceptable pieces of ID; staff confirm you are a B.C. resident and take your photo. Online renewal is planned but not live: legislation introduced in February 2026 anticipates a start in 2027.

  • Alberta

    Licences are renewed at a registry agent. If the photo on your licence is 4 or more years old, a new one is taken at the registry agent.

  • Quebec

    The SAAQ takes the photo at a service outlet, or it can be reused from your health insurance card.

  • Ontario photo standards

    The face must be completely visible and free of obstructions, with a neutral and relaxed expression (do not smile), facing straight at the camera and not tilted. Hair must not cover your eyes.

Do's and don'ts

Do

  • Face the camera straight on with a neutral, relaxed expression.
  • Keep your face completely visible and your hair away from your eyes.
  • Bring your current licence and the ID or proof of residency your province asks for.

Don't

  • Do not smile (Ontario).
  • Do not tilt your head.
  • Do not cover any part of your face.

Glasses

Ontario says you may be asked to remove hats, eyeglasses or headphones when the photo is taken.

Headwear and religious dress

Ontario allows religious or medical headwear if it does not cover any part of your face; you may be asked to remove hats or headphones.

You cannot supply your own photo: when a new photo is needed it is taken at the counter.

Where to submit the photo

Visit a ServiceOntario centre, an ICBC driver licensing office, an Alberta registry agent or an SAAQ service outlet. Ontario says new cards arrive in about 4 to 6 weeks.

How to get your Canada driver's licence photo

  1. Check the official requirements. Read the official specification for the Canada driver's licence. Check the rules on pose, expression, glasses and headwear below.
  2. Take the photo. Follow the key requirements: ontario; british Columbia; alberta; quebec.
  3. Prepare a print or digital file. You cannot supply your own photo: when a new photo is needed it is taken at the counter.
  4. Submit the photo with your application. Visit a ServiceOntario centre, an ICBC driver licensing office, an Alberta registry agent or an SAAQ service outlet. Ontario says new cards arrive in about 4 to 6 weeks.

Canada driver's licence photo FAQ

No. When a new photo is needed, you visit a ServiceOntario centre and the photo is taken there. Ontario says you may need a new driver's licence photo every 10 years, and you can have it retaken at any time for $35.75.

Ontario says you may be asked to remove hats, eyeglasses or headphones when the photo is taken. Religious or medical headwear is allowed if it does not cover any part of your face.

Related photo specifications

Other Canada documents

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Official sources

  1. Government of Ontario. Renew a driver's licence ontario.ca. Checked 29 October 2026.
  2. Government of British Columbia. Get a BC Services Card www2.gov.bc.ca. Checked 29 October 2026.
  3. Government of British Columbia. New legislation will allow people to renew, replace driver's licence online (19 February 2026) news.gov.bc.ca. Checked 29 October 2026.
  4. Government of Alberta. Renew or replace a driver's licence alberta.ca. Checked 29 October 2026.
  5. Régie de l'assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ). Photo and signature ramq.gouv.qc.ca. Checked 29 October 2026.

Requirements can change, so always confirm with Provincial licensing offices (ServiceOntario, ICBC, Alberta registry agents, SAAQ) before you apply. WorldPhotoSpecs is independent and not affiliated with any government.

Cite this page

"Canada driver's licence photo". WorldPhotoSpecs. Last updated 4 November 2026. https://worldphotospecs.org/canada/drivers-licence-photo

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