Passport photo rejected?
“Unacceptable photos are the number one reason” the State Department puts applications on hold. Here's what it rejects, and how to check a new photo first.
The rules at a glance
U.S. passport- Photo size
- 2 × 2 in (51 × 51 mm)
- Digital file
- 1200 × 1200 px JPEG at 600 DPI
- Head size
- 1 to 1 3/8 in (25-35 mm), chin to top of head
- Background
- Plain white or off-white, no shadows
- Expression
- Neutral or natural smile, eyes open, mouth closed
- Glasses
- Not allowed
- Photo age
- Color photo taken in the last 6 months
- Paper
- Matte or glossy photo paper
If your photo was rejected, the State Department will ask for a new one. Answer quickly: an application left without a reply to a photo request can be denied after 90 days, and the fee isn’t refunded. Take a new photo that avoids the problems below, and check it before you send it.
Why photos get rejected
- Acceptable
Like this
Plain white, centered
RejectedToo far away
Head too small
- Rejected
Head tilted
Keep it level
RejectedSide shadow
Face a window
- Rejected
Too dark
Find more light
RejectedGlasses on
Take them off
RejectedBig smile
Close your mouth
RejectedHair over eyes
Keep your eyes clear
How it works
Take or upload your photo
Stand in front of a plain white wall facing a window. The live coach checks distance, tilt and light before it takes the shot, or you can upload a photo you already have.
We crop it and check it
We crop it to size and set a plain white background. No retouching. Then we check head size, eye line, photo size and face count, and show you every result.
Pay once and download
The preview is free. If it passes, pay once ($6.90 or $9.90) to download the photo and, with Digital + Print, a 4×6 sheet to print.
The official rejection reasons, and how we check them
| Reason (travel.state.gov) | What we do |
|---|---|
| Too close, too far, or head not centered | Measured: head height and eye line |
| Wrong size, stretched image | Measured: we crop to exactly 2 × 2 in without stretching |
| Head tilted, eyes closed, mouth open | Measured on your device while you take the photo |
| Shadows, too dark, blurry or grainy | The coach checks light before the shot; you confirm the result |
| Glasses, hats, hair over the face | You confirm (glasses aren’t allowed since Nov 1, 2016) |
| Filters, retouching or AI edits | We never retouch. Turn off beauty and portrait modes |
| Older than 6 months | You confirm: take a new photo |
Full list: travel.state.gov passport photos (opens in a new tab). Our processor sets a plain white background, so stand in front of a white wall to keep that change as small as possible.
Questions
What if my photo is rejected?
If a photo you paid for is rejected after you followed our report, ask for a refund review within 30 days. Email [email protected] from the address you paid with. See the Refund policy.
Will my photo be accepted?
No one can promise that. A State Department employee (or the embassy, or USCIS) decides. We check your photo against the published rules (size, head height, eye line and face count) and show you every result before you pay.
Do you change my photo?
Yes, in two ways, and we tell you up front. We crop and resize it to the 2×2 inch layout, and our processor sets the background to plain white. We never retouch your face, skin, hair or expression. The State Department asks for an original, unedited photo on a plain white or off-white background, so take it against a plain white wall: that keeps the background change as small as possible. For online renewal we don't sell an edited file at all.
Can I wear glasses?
No. Glasses haven't been allowed in U.S. passport or visa photos since November 1, 2016. If you can't remove them for medical reasons, include a signed doctor's statement with your application. Take them off and keep your hair away from your eyes.
Check your photo before you send it
Free preview, no account. You see every result before you pay.
Independent service — not affiliated with the U.S. Department of State or any government agency.