Simple steps to getting a driver’s license photo in Canada

Quick read - for people in a hurry

Driver’s license photos in Canada must be 50×70 mm, plain background, taken in the last 6 months.
Neutral expression only: no smiling, no sunglasses, no hats (except for religious reasons).
Cost is typically $10–$20 at providers like Walmart, Shoppers Drug Mart, London Drugs, or Staples.ICBC locations also take official photos in B.C.
Smartphone iD app is the cheapest and fastest option—AI-verified, 100% compliant, and done from home.Guaranteed approval or money back.

Every Canadian driver’s license must include an identification photo. This article will explain everything you need to know about getting a driver’s license photo in Canada at an affordable price.

Last update: 09/30/2025

1. What Are the Driver’s License Photo Requirements & Sizing in Canada?

2. Tips For Taking an Approved Driver’s License Photo

3. Where to Get a Driver’s License Photo in Canada?

4. The Cost of a Driver’s License Photo

5. Are You Eligible to Get Your Driver’s License?

6. How to Get a Driver’s License Photo Online at a Cheap Price

7. Why Choose Smartphone iD to Take Your Driver’s License Photo?

8. Summary

What are the driver’s license photo requirements & sizing in Canada?

The photo must be taken within the last 6 months
The photo must have a light-coloured background
The applicant in the photo should have a neutral expression (No smiling or open mouth)
The photo should be clear and of high quality
Your whole head must be visible
The photo should not have any glare or shadows
Sunglasses and tinted eyeglasses cannot be worn
Hats should not be worn unless for religious reasons
Avoid wearing clothing that has any offensive language or imagery
The photo cannot be altered in any way
Your eyes should be open and visible

The photo sizing of a Canadian driver’s license may vary slightly based on the province you reside in. However, generally, the photo will need to be 50 mm wide by 70 mm high. Your face must be between 31 mm and 36 mm from the top of your head to your chin.

Using Smartphone iD will ensure that the photo meets the requirements and is sized correctly. All you need to do is use the app, and we will take care of the rest.

Tips for taking an approved driver’s license photo

Getting an approved driver’s license photo can be easy if you follow the official guidelines.

Dress appropriately – Wear everyday clothing, avoiding offensive language or distracting patterns.
Groom yourself – Comb your hair, shave, and make sure your face looks clean.
Facial expression – Keep a neutral expression, eyes open, and mouth closed.
Lighting – Ensure even lighting without glare or shadows.
Background – Use a plain, light background with no patterns.

Your driver’s license photo should accurately reflect your appearance and is to be used for identification purposes. Take your time reading through these tips and taking a photo that makes you feel confident and satisfied.

Where to get a driver’s license photo in Canada?

There are a few different options for places where you can go to have your driver’s license photo taken. ICBC is a popular option as it is where all driver’s tests are held, and there are numerous locations across most Canadian cities. Other locations for taking approved ID photos include Walmart, Shoppers Drug Mart, London Drugs, and Staples.

Alternatively, you can opt to have your photo taken using the Smartphone iD app and from the comfort of your own home.

The cost of a driver’s license photo

The cost of a driver’s license photo can be anywhere from $10 to $20, depending on your location and the service provider that you choose to work with.

If you’re looking to save money, we recommend using Smartphone iD as it is cost-efficient and has a quick turnaround time. Don’t spend unnecessary money taking a photo from other expensive service providers, but take your photo from home and with your phone.

Are you eligible to get your driver’s license?

You will need to meet several eligibility requirements to get your driver’s license. Please check to make sure you meet these requirements before submitting your application with your new driver’s license photo.

You have a full license that is not suspended or cancelled
You haven’t updated your address within the last 90 days
You don’t need to take a vision, written, or road test
You are not planning to remove a vision condition
You do not have any new medical conditions that may stop you from being able to drive
You don’t have any outstanding fees or penalties that need to be paid

Once you have double-checked to ensure you have met all these requirements, you will be ready to submit your application with your driver’s license photo.

How to get a driver’s license photo online at a cheap price

It is important to avoid using any free online ID photo tools. They typically do not provide a compliance check, and you have no way to guarantee that the photo will pass inspection. A photo without a compliance check may get denied and prolong the time it takes to get your driver’s license.

Smartphone iD offers the most affordable option for taking a passport photo online and has it ready within minutes. Smartphone iD can be used from your home and does not require that you spend gas and time driving to a service provider to have the picture taken.

Instead, use the app on your smartphone and take the photo from the comfort of your home. Additionally, we provide a compliance check to guarantee that the photo is following all the guidelines outlined by the Canadian government.

Why choose Smartphone iD to take your driver’s license photo?

Smartphone iD offers the cheapest and fastest turnaround time for ID photos. Use Smartphone iD Passport photo online, available on Apple or Google Play Store. You will get 100% guaranteed photos in a matter of minutes. In using the app, each photo will go through a compliance check to ensure that it meets the guidelines set out by the government to pass inspection. Therefore, you can benefit from getting a photo that passes on the first attempt and speed up the renewal process.

Aside from being able to take a passport photo from the comfort of your home. You can benefit from our pricing, secure & speedy services, and efficient customer support. Simply take a photo and we will do the hard part for you.

Summary

If you have got your driver’s license or are looking to renew an old one, we recommend using the Smartphone iD app. Our app is the easiest and most affordable method of taking an ID photo from home and using your mobile phone.

We guarantee all photos are AI-verified and meet government guidelines, or get your money back. Don’t wait, and get started taking your approved photo today!