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Why Passport Photos Get Rejected (Top 10 Reasons + How to Fix Them)

Jasmine F

Jasmine F

— 2 min read
Why Passport Photos Get Rejected (Top 10 Reasons + How to Fix Them)
Why passport photos get rejected

February 1, 2025

Getting a passport photo rejected is frustrating, expensive, and often delays your application. The U.S. Department of State rejects thousands of photos every year for issues that are completely avoidable.

This guide breaks down the most common reasons photos fail — and how to fix each one before submitting.

1. Shadows on the Face or Background

Shadows are the #1 cause of rejection.

Why it fails:
Shadows distort facial features and interfere with biometric scanning.

How to fix it:

  • Use soft, even lighting
  • Face a window
  • Avoid overhead lighting
  • Stand a few feet away from the wall

2. Incorrect Background (Not Pure White)

The background must be plain white or off-white — no patterns or texture.

Fails because:

  • Colored or patterned walls
  • Wrinkles or shadows
  • Fabric or textured backdrops

Fix:
Use a smooth white wall or an AI tool that removes/replaces the background automatically.

3. Head Size Incorrect

Your head must measure:

  • 1–1 ⅜ inches (25–35 mm) from chin to crown
  • Eyes positioned 1 ⅛–1 ⅜ inches from the bottom of the photo

Fails because:
Selfies distort proportions, or manual cropping is inaccurate.

Fix:
Use a tool that automatically adjusts size and framing to official passport specs.

4. Glasses in the Photo

Glasses are not allowed unless medically required.

Fails because:
Glare, reflections, or obscured eyes.

Fix:
Remove glasses. If medically necessary, include doctor documentation.

5. Smiling or Non-Neutral Expression

Teeth showing = automatic rejection.

Fix:

  • Neutral expression
  • Look directly at the camera
  • Eyes open, relaxed
  • Mouth closed

6. Poor Lighting or Overexposure

Too bright → features washed out
Too dark → face underexposed

Fix:

  • Use natural light
  • Avoid harsh directional lighting
  • Aim for soft, even illumination

7. Blurry or Low-Resolution Images

Fails because:

  • Using the front camera
  • Zooming
  • Low lighting
  • Motion blur

Fix:
Use the rear camera, keep the phone steady, and ensure proper focus and lighting.

8. Hair Covering Eyes or Eyebrows

Eyes must be fully visible.

Fails because:

  • Bangs across the eyebrows
  • Hair shadowing the face
  • Obscured eye region

Fix:
Pull hair back or secure it so eyebrows and eyes are unobstructed.

9. Filters, Portrait Mode, or Beauty Mode

Filtered or AI-altered photos are not accepted.

Turn off:

  • Portrait mode
  • Beauty/smoothing filters
  • Color enhancements

Use standard camera mode only.

10. Wrong File Size or Format

U.S. passport requirements:

  • 2×2 inches
  • JPEG format
  • Correct DPI & resolution
  • Proper crop & head position

Fix:
Use a generator that outputs a compliant 2×2 file automatically.

How to Avoid Every Rejection at Once

Don't want to worry about lighting, sizing, background, or measurement rules?

Generate a compliant passport photo in seconds:

→ Make a compliant passport photo instantly

Step-by-step guides:

  • Passport Photo Requirements (2025)
  • Passport Photo Background Rules
  • Passport Photo Lighting Guide
  • Passport Photo Framing Instructions

Special case guides:

  • Can You Take a Passport Photo on iPhone?
  • Baby Passport Photo Guide
  • Passport Photos for People with Disabilities
  • Do You Need a New Passport After Weight-Loss Surgery?

Want to eliminate risk of rejection?
Use our AI-powered passport photo generator — it automatically checks background, lighting, sizing, and head position for compliance.

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