A walk-through guide on getting an ID card photo in 2025

Quick read - for people in a hurry

Canadian ID card photos must be 50×70 mm, taken within 6 months, neutral expression and a plain white background.
No smiling, no hats (unless religious/medical), no tinted glasses; eyes must be visible.
Photos can be taken at Walmart, London Drugs, Shoppers Drug Mart, Pro Passport Photo, or a local studio.
Average cost: $9–$20; Smartphone iD is the cheapest and fastest option.
Smartphone iD app provides AI-verified, compliant photos in minutes from your phone.

You might need an ID card photo for many reasons, and this article will cover the best practices for getting it done. Keep reading to learn about all the available options and what to watch out for before having your ID photo taken.

Last update: 09/30/2025

1. What are the size and other requirements for an ID card photo

2. Where to get an ID card photo in Canada

3. How to get an ID card photo online

4. What are some cheap places to get an ID card photo

5. What is the estimated cost of an ID card photo

6. What is an ID card photo’s processing time

7. How to renew my photo ID card online

8. How to take your ID card photo with your phone

9. Summary

What are the size and other requirements for an ID card photo

50 mm wide × 70 mm high (2 inches × 2¾ inches)
Taken within the last 6 months
Background: plain white or light-colored (not patterned).
Face must be centered and take up 70-80% of the frame
Head positioned straight, facing camera directly
Neutral facial expression with mouth closed
Both eyes open and clearly visible
No glasses: prescription eyeglasses are generally not permitted unless required for medical reasons and with no glare.
No headwear unless for religious or medical reasons
Hair must not cover face or eyes
No shadows on face or background
Good lighting with even exposure
Sharp focus and high resolution
Matte or semi-matte finish (not glossy)
Printed on high-quality photo paper
No alterations or digital enhancements

Where to get an ID card photo in Canada

It is easy to get an ID card photo in Canada, as many different stores and online alternatives offer this service. For example, you could opt to have your ID photo card taken at a local pharmacy like Shoppers, a superstore like Walmart, a photo studio near your hometown, or using an app like Smartphone iD.

Nonetheless, here are some places to visit if you live in Ontario or Alberta:

ID card photo in Ontario

Pro Passport Photo: 1826 Robertson Road, Nepean
Pro Passport Photo: 17 County Road 33, Trenton
London Drugs: 100 City Centre Drive Unit 1 – 745, Mississauga, Ontario

ID card photo in Alberta

London Drugs: 2004 50 Avenue Suite 109, Red Deer, Alberta
Walmart: 18521 Stony Plain Road, Edmonton, Alberta
Pro Passport Photo: 700 8 Avenue, South West, Calgary
Pro Passport Photo: 11124 36 Street North East, Calgary, Alberta

Online Alternative

Smartphone iD: It can be used from anywhere, so long as you have an internet connection and mobile device. The low-cost app offers AI verification to ensure the photo meets government guidelines.

Where can I find an ID card photo location near me

The easiest way to locate a place that offers an ID card photo near you is by searching on Google. A quick search will provide a list of options for places in your area that offer the service.Some examples might be Shopper’s Drug Mart, London Drugs, local photo studios, or Pro Passport Photo.

However, you can download the Smartphone iD app,take the photo from home, and be finished in minutes. Additionally, it is low-cost and easy to use.

How to get an ID card photo online

An ID card photo can be taken online using an app like Smartphone iD. Here are a few reasons why you should consider using this app.

Compatible with both iOS and Android.
Ensures all photos are AI verified by a team of experts.
Offers photos to be printed on high-quality paper and shipped to your home address.
It is low-cost and convenient.
Provides an in-app guide to help users take the perfect photo.
Support 24/7
Money back

What are some cheap places to get an ID card photo

If you want the cheapest ID card photo, consider visiting one of the places on this list. We have ranked them and ordered them from the most to least expensive option.

Staples: $20+
Shoppers Drug Mart: $15+
Walmart: $10+
London Drugs: $9+
Smartphone iD: Low-cost

What is the estimated cost of an ID card photo

The estimated cost of an ID photo card will depend on the service provider you choose.For example, an ID card photo at Staples is significantly more expensive than at London Drugs. However, the least costly option is to have your photo taken using Smartphone iD.

What is an ID card photo’s processing time?

The time it takes to process an ID card photo depends on the service providers. Sometimes, it can be completed in a matter of minutes and, for others, hours.For example, the processing time at your local London Drugs is estimated to be 30 minutes or less. Whereas the processing time for an ID photo card from Smartphone iD is a matter of minutes.

How to renew my photo ID card online

Renewing your photo ID card is relatively straightforward and can be done from your laptop or mobile phone. For example, if you reside in British Columbia, you must log in to your BC services card app and opt to input a new photo.

How to take your ID card photo with your phone

An ID card photo can be taken quickly from your phone using the Smartphone iD app.

Here is the four-step process:

Download the app on an IOS or Android device.
Within the app, select ‘Canada” as the desired country.
Select ‘ID Card’ as the desired service.
Follow the in-app guide and take your perfect photo.

The process is that easy, use our Smartphone iD Passport photo app, available on Apple or Google Play Store. You will get 100% guaranteed photos in a matter of minutes. ! You only need to get started.

Summary

An ID photo card can be lengthy and costly, but it can be done quickly and cheaply with the right service provider. London Drugs, Pro Passport Photo, Walmart, or a local photo studio are great options for taking an ID photo.

However, the best option is the Smartphone iD app. It guarantees a perfect ID photo by verifying it with a team of Ai experts. Additionally, the app will resize and make any necessary adjustments to ensure the photo meets government guidelines.

FAQ

Does Costco still offer photo services?

Costco stopped photo services in 2021 in Canada.

What is the best place to get an ID photo card?

The best way to take an ID photo card is at home using the Smartphone iD app. The app can be downloaded from the Google Play or Apple store.

Can I smile in an ID photo?

No, the Canadian government requires that you have a neutral face. You can follow the in-app guide when using Smartphone iD to take the perfect photo.

What to wear for an ID photo?

You should wear darker clothes for your passport photo to contrast with the white or light-coloured background.

How do I convert normal photos to ID photo size?

The Smartphone iD app will convert the photos taken to meet the passport size requirements. All you need to do is download the app and follow its guide.

Is there a free ID photo app?

Yes, there exist some free passport photo apps. However, they will not offer a compliance check, and you risk having the photo denied by the inspection office. Instead, consider a low-cost app like Smartphone iD to take photo.