Do NOT go to SDM for Passport Photos

[RMurp007]

After paying to park downtown and waiting over an hour, the passport photos I had done at SDM were rejected! The official at the passport office said SDM is a hit or miss for photos. When I called SDM they offered to retake them or refund them. I guess they figure that covers the inconvenience cause by their incompetence! What a joke. Do NOT risk the same thing happening to you.

[mulock]

I get my passport photos done at Costco.

[d.ot]

Yep, Costco is by far the best place to get passport photos taken...you just need to know someone with a membership

[amira84]

We had our passport photos takes at sdm and we got our passports without a problem. Maybe it was just that particular person taking photos who didnt even know how to follow instructions.

But I agree that if someone gets denied a passport because of these photos, that particular store should cover all costs because of their own incompetence.

[greeny]

I've had mine done at SDM before, as well as Great Canadian Superstore without issue. It think the problem with your pic was due to the person who took them and a lack of experience and/or just being lazy/not caring. You should of course get your money back and mention to them the money you spent on parking (though I doubt they would reimburse you for that).

[torontogal12]

I've had mine done at SDM twice. Never had a problem. Depends on the person taking the photo I guess. I've had my photos from Sears rejected. They refunded no problem

[Tweets77]

Always have had ours done at CAA and have never had a problem with them. If you are a member try there perhaps.

[padyofurniture]

+1 for Costco as well. Also, they're the best price around.

[MrsMer]

Years ago, my SDM passport photos were also rejected. What a pain in the butt that was. There was, at the time, only a certain staff member who was trained on doing them (apparently not trained very well either). I'd never get them done there again. Avoid the hassle and go somewhere that does a good business doing them. I didn't realize Costco had such a good deal for them. I would definitely get them done there in the future.

[GoJays]

I don't think it's fair to lump all SDMs together into the same category. Perhaps your thread title should have been "Do not go to SDM [insert location here] for passport photos"

[CrazyQT]

It's not always the person taking the photo's fault. It also depends on the person processing your application. They could fail your photo but the next teller approves it. Passport photos are very hard to perfect. Sometimes it's the makeup a person is wearing or a shine to their skin they refuse to dab with a tissue etc. Something so small as a shadow that you many not see but the person approving the photo sees. Also the clothing you wear makes a big difference as well. NEVER wear white to have your passport photo taken.

It's really unfair to assume the technician is incompetent.

[tjthemanto]

The PP office should take their own photos just like Driver License, Health Card etc. They can charge for it too.

Not sure why they don't do it. If other gov. offices like DL, Health Card, Citizenship card, Permanent Resident card can do it, so can the PP office.

This will eliminate this nonsense of photos being rejected etc.

[goldenkagi]

My husband and so had their photos taken at SDM for their passports. No issues. My son was 10 months old then and his mouth was slightly gaping, but then they are more relaxed with babies.

The PP office should take their own photos just like Driver License, Health Card etc. They can charge for it too.

Not sure why they don't do it. If other gov. offices like DL, Health Card, Citizenship card, Permanent Resident card can do it, so can the PP office.

This will eliminate this nonsense of photos being rejected etc.

This is true, then they could have the photos in the exact specs they want. When I had my Philippine passport renewed, they took the photo and it was included in the passport fee. If the consulate of a third world country could do it, I'm sure the Canadian government could too, if they decide to do it.

[buckaroo]

The PP office should take their own photos just like Driver License, Health Card etc. They can charge for it too.

Not sure why they don't do it. If other gov. offices like DL, Health Card, Citizenship card, Permanent Resident card can do it, so can the PP office.

This will eliminate this nonsense of photos being rejected etc.

I agree that the PP office should take the pictures for renewals. First time passport applicants need the back of the pictures signed by their guarantor so it's probably more convenient to get the photo taken at a spot closer to home than have to go to the PP office twice.

[seylz_gurl]

that must have been frustrating. I got our passport photos at Costco and we needed a fairly quick turnaround so luckily no problems were encountered.