Photograph Specifications

The Canadian Aviation Regulations (CARs) require that for the issuance of a licence or permit, all applicants must submit a passport-style photograph with their application.

All applicants or holders of licences or permits will have to submit ONE passport-style photograph taken by a commercial photographer in accordance with the specifications provided below.

The photograph must be submitted with the Application for Aviation Document Booklet, form number 26-0726.

Specifications

Quantity

ONE photograph is required for each Aviation Document Booklet application.

Date of photograph

The photograph must have been taken within 12 months preceding the submission of the application. This is to ensure an up-to-date likeness, and to minimize fading during the five-year life of the Aviation Document Booklet.

Photographer

• A commercial photographer must take the photograph.
• The name of the photographer or studio, the address and the date the photograph was taken (not the date the photograph was printed) must be provided directly on the back of the photograph (see illustration below).
• Stick-on labels are not accepted. Sufficient space must be allowed for the name of the applicant, the declaration and the signature of the verifier or guarantor.

Dimensions of the photograph for the Aviation Document Booklet

• The photograph must measure 50 mm wide x 70 mm long in size. (2 inches wide x 2 ¾ inches long)

Front:	Back:

Image information

• The length from the chin to the crown of the head (natural top of head) must be 31 mm to 36 mm.
• The photograph must be original; not taken from any existing photograph.
• The photograph must be taken against a plain, uniform, white or light-coloured background.
• A black-and-white or colour photograph is accepted.
• The eyes must be open and clearly visible.
• Glasses, including tinted ones with prescription, may be worn as long as the eyes are clearly visible. Sunglasses are not accepted.
• Facial expression must be neutral (not frowning or smiling) with the mouth closed.
• The photograph must show both edges of the face clearly.
• The photograph must show a full front view of face and shoulders squared to the camera.
• The face and shoulder image must be centered in the photograph.
• The photograph must reflect/represent natural skin tones.
• The image must be clear, sharp and in focus.
• A photograph with shadows on the face or background is not accepted.
• The photograph must be taken with uniform lighting and not show shadows or flash reflection on the face and head.
• Hats or head coverings are not permitted, except when worn for religious reasons, and only if the full facial features are clearly visible.

Photo paper

• Heavy-weight paper is not accepted.
• The photograph must be printed on high-quality photographic paper.
• The photographic paper must have a backing that accepts and retains the photographer's stamp and date, and the guarantor's statement and signature, without smearing.

Unacceptable photos

A photograph that does not meet the above specifications, or that does not allow a clear and positive identification (image too dark, too light or blurry) will not be accepted. A retouched photograph, a photograph that is peeling, a photograph sensitive to heat or a group photograph will also be rejected.

Note:
Use the Passport Canada “Specifications for photos” section to assist in determining acceptable and unacceptable photographs. Passport Canada