A rejected photo is one of the most common — and most avoidable — reasons an application gets delayed. Here's what trips people up.
Common mistakes
- Background isn't plain white or off-white
- Shadows across the face or behind the head
- Glasses worn in the photo
- Smiling or a non-neutral expression
- Photo is too old or doesn't reflect current appearance
- Incorrect sizing or cropping
Key takeawayPhoto booths and pharmacy photo counters that specialize in passport photos are usually your safest bet — they know the current specs.
What to check before you submit
Confirm your photo meets the current official size, background, and expression requirements listed at travel.state.gov before mailing your application or arriving for your appointment.
This article provides general, educational information for U.S. travelers. It is not official government guidance, and Passports.id is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or operated by the U.S. Department of State. Requirements, fees, and processing times change — always confirm the current details at travel.state.gov.