Common Passport Photo Mistakes That Get Your Application Rejected

Why Photos Get Rejected

The US State Department rejects passport applications with non-compliant photos every day. A rejected photo means delays, resubmission, and potentially missing your travel dates. Here are the most common mistakes — and how to avoid them.

1. Wearing Glasses

Since November 2016, glasses are not allowed in US passport photos. This is the single most common mistake. Remove all eyeglasses before taking the photo. The only exception is a documented medical condition with a signed statement from your doctor.

2. Wrong Background

The background must be plain white or off-white. Common issues:

• Colored walls (even light blue or cream)
• Textured wallpaper or curtains
• Visible objects (frames, outlets, furniture)

Fix: Use a white wall, white sheet, or let the US Passport Photo app remove the background automatically.

3. Shadows

Shadows on your face or on the background will cause rejection. Shadows typically come from:

• Standing too close to the wall
• Overhead or side lighting
• Flash photography

Fix: Stand 2-3 feet from the wall. Use natural front-facing light from a window.

4. Wrong Head Size

The head must be between 1 and 1-3/8 inches (25-35 mm) in the photo. Too big or too small and the photo fails.

Fix: Don't guess — use the US Passport Photo app to auto-crop to the exact specification.

5. Smiling With Teeth

A neutral expression is required. You can have a natural, relaxed look, but no teeth should be visible. Even a slight smile showing teeth can trigger a rejection.

Fix: Relax your face. Close your mouth naturally. Think "resting face" not "mugshot."

6. Eyes Not Fully Open

Both eyes must be clearly open and visible. Common issues:

• Blinking (captured mid-blink)
• Squinting from bright light
• Hair covering one or both eyes

Fix: Take multiple photos. Use burst mode. Make sure your hair is pulled back from your face.

7. Head Tilt or Turn

Your face must be straight on — looking directly at the camera, not tilted or turned. Even a slight tilt can cause rejection.

Fix: Use a mirror or your phone's front camera to check your position before switching to the rear camera.

8. Poor Lighting

The photo must be evenly lit. Issues include:

• Too dark (underexposed)
• Too bright (overexposed/washed out)
• Red-eye from flash
• Uneven lighting creating hot spots

Fix: Use natural daylight from a large window. Face the window. Don't use flash.

9. Wrong Size or Crop

The photo must be exactly 2 x 2 inches. Photos that are cropped too tight or too loose will be rejected.

Fix: Don't crop manually — let the app handle the precise dimensions.

10. Old Photo

Photos must be taken within the last 6 months. If your appearance has changed significantly (different hair color, weight change, facial hair), you need a new photo even if it's recent.

Fix: Take a new photo for every application. It takes 2 minutes with the US Passport Photo app.

How to Check Your Photo Before Submitting

Before submitting your application, verify:

• White or off-white background, no shadows
• Head between 1 and 1-3/8 inches
• Both eyes open, looking at camera
• Neutral expression, mouth closed
• No glasses
• No head coverings (except religious)
• Photo is in color, in focus
• Taken within the last 6 months

The US Passport Photo app runs all these checks automatically and flags any issues before you export.

For the complete list of requirements, see our passport photo requirements guide.