One of the most important pieces of your passport is your passport photo.
Getting a photo for your passport may seem like a straightforward task. But if your photo doesn’t meet the specific guidelines, it can lead to processing delays or outright rejection of your passport application.
Most passport photo mistakes tend to occur when applicants take and print their own passport photos, but even professional passport photos sometimes get rejected. Fortunately, the most common mistakes are easily avoidable once you understand the requirements and pay careful attention to detail.
This post reviews the most common reasons for passport photo rejections and provides helpful tips to ensure your photo meets U.S. Department of State requirements.
Table of Contents
9 Most Common Reasons for Passport Photo Rejections
When applying for your passport, even minor photo mistakes can lead to delays or rejections. This will interrupt or flat out ruin your travel plans.
So, to help you snap the best possible passport photo and get your passport application approved, we’ve compiled a list of the most common reasons passport photos get rejected. Compare your images to the mistakes in this post to be sure you’re good to go.
If you are in a rush or aren’t confident your passport photo will be accepted, support is out there. Many top passport expediting services offer photo services and guidance. There are also many retail locations where you can get a passport photo taken by an expert.
With some professional help and a personal understanding of the requirements, you can be sure the photo you’re including with your application will work.
Mistake #1: Incorrect Face Positioning
The correct positioning of your head and face is important for a compliant passport photo. Your face should:
- Be centered and positioned correctly in the photo,
- Measure between 1 and 1 3/8 inches in height, and
- Your nose should be centered horizontally.
To help you achieve the correct face positioning for your passport photo, use a free online tool such as our Passport Photo Wizard.
Example:
Mistake #2: Improper Facial Expression
You must keep a neutral expression on your face for your passport photo. Here are a few tips for maintaining a neutral facial expression for your photo:
- Your lips should be gently pressed together
- Your eyes should be open and facing the camera
- Avoid exaggerated or emotive expressions such as smiles or frowns
Basically, you want to try to look as natural as possible. If you smirk, blink, frown, or wink, take another picture!
Example:
Mistake #3: Shadows in the Photo
Lighting plays a crucial role in capturing a clear image. Shadows that fall across your face or background can cause your photo to be rejected.
If you’re taking the photo yourself, make sure to use multiple light sources to create even lighting and eliminate shadows on your face and background. Ideally, position one light source in front of you and another behind, using equal wattage for both to achieve the best results.
The best way to test your lighting setup is to take a trial photo. If the resulting image is too dark or too bright, adjust the position or intensity of the light sources accordingly until you are able to produce a uniformly lit image without any shadows.
Mistake #4: Wearing Eyeglasses or Sunglasses
If you applied for a passport several years ago, you may very well be wearing eyeglasses in the photo on your current passport. However, the U.S. Department of State no longer allows glasses in passport photos due to issues like glare and shadow. Before taking your passport photo, you must remove your glasses.
Additionally, you may not wear contact lenses that change the color or appearance of your eyes.
That said, there are very specific circumstances that allow applicants to submit a letter from their doctor declaring they have a medical reason to wear glasses in their passport photo. This is reserved for exceptional circumstances. If you can take your glasses off without causing physical harm, we highly recommend that you do so–it’s not worth the risk of a rejection!
Example:
Mistake #5: Wearing Inappropriate Clothing or Accessories
In addition to glasses, other types of clothing and accessories are also prohibited in a passport photo. To be compliant, your entire face must be visible from your hairline to your chin.
- Hats, scarves, or other types of headwear
- Large jewelry
- Headphones, earbuds, or any type of hands-free device
- Anything that obscures your face or hairline
- Any kind of uniform, including military and law enforcement uniforms
- Avoid high collars or reflective embellishments that could create lighting and/or shadow issues in the photo
Please note: There are exceptions such as religious or medical head coverings, which must be documented with a signed statement for approval.
When selecting your passport photo outfit, the best tip is to stick to something simple.
Need ideas? Read: What to Wear for a Passport Photo: How to Balance Style and Compliance.
Mistake #6: Poor Photo Color Quality
Your passport photo must be a full-color photograph. Black and white, dull, washed out, or overexposed images are unacceptable.
As such, it is crucial to verify that the image of you in your passport photo looks like you do in natural light. If you notice coloration issues, the passport agency will as well.
Even after capturing a great image, how you print your photo can still lead to issues. Although many modern household printers can produce high-quality photographs, factors such as ink levels, ink type, printing resolution, and paper quality can affect the final result, potentially rendering your photo unusable.
If you take your own passport photo, we highly recommend that you consider paying for professional printing to avoid photo quality issues.
Example:
Mistake #7: Having an Unacceptable Background
Even if everything about you is perfect in your passport photo, you can still have your application rejected based upon what’s behind you.
The background of your passport photo must:
- Be a solid white or off-white color
- No shadows, patterns, textures, or distractions
- No objects, people, or animals
Just like the clothes you choose for your photo, keep your background as neutral and simple as possible to avoid rejection.
As for photos of children and babies, we understand that this can be a challenge! Children must be photographed on their own and cannot be held by a parent in the photo. If these rules are not adhered to, your photo will not be accepted.
For babies and younger children, consider having them lay on a plain white sheet and taking the picture from above.
Remember: all of the same rules that apply to an adult’s passport photo apply to a child’s passport photo.
Once again, be sure to check for open eyes, proper positioning, balanced coloration, the absence of shadows, and unobscured faces (no pacifiers or toys!).
Example:
Mistake #8: Editing or Retouching Your Photo
While digital photography makes it easy to touch up a picture, any post-processing or retouching—such as red-eye removal or blemish correction—is not allowed. The US Department of State is very clear that there can be no digital alterations made to a passport photo.
If you’re not satisfied with your photo, take a new one instead of editing it, or have your photo professionally taken.
Mistake #9: Wrong Photo Size
The size of your passport photo is important. The photo requirements are:
- 2 inches by 2 inches (51mm by 51mm) in size
- Printed on photo-quality paper (either matte or glossy)
- Free from damage (creases, smudges, tears, holes, etc.)
- Stapled in the exact locations indicated on the passport application
Note: While editing a passport photo is not allowed, you are permitted to crop your photo so that it meets the passport photo dimension requirements.
Follow the Photo Guidelines and Avoid Passport Application Delays
Taking the time to ensure your passport photo adheres to these guidelines can save you from unnecessary headaches during the passport application process.
Whether you opt for a DIY approach or choose a professional photographer, double-check your photo against the common mistakes and our advice to be sure that your photo is ready to be submitted with your passport application.
With careful attention to detail, you’ll have a passport photo that meets the U.S. Department of State’s requirements, and your passport application can proceed smoothly.
Related USPSG Articles and Blog Posts:
- Passport Photos: What You Need to Know to Avoid Delays with Your Passport Application
- Where to Get a Passport Photo Taken
- 4 Things You Can’t Wear When Taking Passport Photos
- What to Wear for a Passport Photo: How to Balance Style and Compliance
- Passport Photos with a Digital Camera
- Make Your Own Passport Photo with Free Online Tool
- Top 10 Things That Can Delay The Passport Application Process
Want to stay informed about the latest U.S. passport news and international travel tips? Subscribe to our USPSG Blog today! For specific questions about your passport, be sure to explore our comprehensive guides on passports and international travel at U.S. Passport Service Guide.
