Having an up-to-date photo is a must
Having an up-to-date photograph: A regulatory requirement
The photograph on the licence is not a minor detail; it confirms the identity of the real estate broker and helps protect consumers by reassuring them that the professional they are dealing with holds a valid licence.
It also reflects the professional image of real estate brokers in the Register of licence holders. It is therefore essential that it remain up to date and meet various criteria.
Validity and fees
- The photograph is valid for five years from the date it was taken
- Only one photo change is permitted free of charge if it is done within 12 months prior to the expiry date indicated in the Brokers’ Area
- Outside this period, fees will apply.
Criteria to be met for a compliant photograph:
- Be on a white background, a full-face view, including head and shoulders, face uncovered
- Taken within less than 6 months
- Maximum size: 7 MB
- Be in colour
- Measure at least 345 px X 450 px (although this is passport size, you are allowed to smile, wear glasses, etc.)
- With a resolution between 72 and 300 dpi
- Be in JPEG format
IMPORTANT
Note that a photo taken with a smartphone may be accepted if it meets the above specifications. Here is an example of a compliant (left) and non-compliant (right) photo.
How to update the photo?
Change in the Brokers' Area (the quickest way)
- Click on “Update”
- Follow the instructions on the screen
- Upload the digital photograph. Exceptionally, a paper photo can be digitized, provided that no loss of quality is visible. Otherwise, the photo change cannot be processed.
Change by email
- Pay the applicable fees, if any, by attaching this duly completed payment form.
An email confirming receipt of the photograph will be sent to the applicant. Then the Certification Department will verify whether the photograph is compliant. The date the photograph was taken must be clearly specified, otherwise an agent will contact the real estate broker for a follow up.
Changing your photo by mail
The photo must meet the following criteria if sent by mail:
- Be on a white background, a full-face view, including head and shoulders, face uncovered
- Be in colour
- Taken within less than 6 months
- Be dated on the back to enable the date on which it was taken to be ascertained
- Bear the licence number on the back
- Be printed on paper
- Measure 2” X 2¾” (although this is passport size, you are allowed to smile, wear glasses, etc.)
- Complete the payment form and send it with the photograph to the following address:
OACIQ – Service de la certification
4905, boul. Lapinière, bureau 2200
Brossard (Québec) J4Z 0G2
Application processing and deadlines
The photo is not updated automatically. A minimum period of 5 business days is required for the photograph to be approved and replaced in the Brokers' Area and in the Register of licence holders. In the meantime, the old photo remains visible.
As the licence photo will appear on the Check a broker's record tool, which is accessible to the general public, the Certification Department exercises judgement regarding compliance with professional image standards.
Once the application has been processed, the real estate broker will be able to download their licence with the new photograph via the Brokers' Area.
Good to know
An expired photograph will lead to licence suspension, and the real estate broker will be required to cease all real estate brokerage activities. For more information read this article.
Following a licence revocation, an up-to-date photograph will be required only when applying for a new licence.
For more information, please contact Info OACIQ or the Certification Department at 450-462-9800 or 1-800-440-7170.
Section 1 of the Regulation respecting brokerage requirements, professional conduct of brokers and advertising
Section 12 of the Regulation respecting broker’s and agency licences
ALSO CHECK:
- Reference number
- 123867
- Last update
- November 11, 2025