Rejected Users: What Went Wrong

Introduction

A rejected passport photo can delay your US passport application. This guide explains the photo requirements you must meet, the common reasons photos are rejected, and practical, actionable steps to avoid mistakes.

Core technical requirements

Each US passport photo must be in color and printed on matte or glossy photo paper if submitting a physical photo. The physical photo size is 2 x 2 inches (51 x 51 mm). The head (chin to crown) must measure between 1 and 1 3/8 inches (25–35 mm) in the photo.

Digital size and format

For digital submissions the image must be a JPEG. The pixel dimensions must be between 600 x 600 px (minimum) and 1200 x 1200 px (maximum). The source text lists a minimum file size of 54 kB in one place, and elsewhere specifies that MyTravelGov requires a JPEG file sized 240 kB or less — follow the submission tool’s instructions closely because the file size requirements are enforced by the online upload tool.

Resolution and quality

Your photo must be high-resolution, sharp, and clear — no blurring or pixelation. Avoid damaged, punctured, creased, or smudged prints; such quality defects will cause rejection.

Background and lighting

Use a plain white or off-white background. Shadows are not allowed: no visible shadows on the face or background. Lighting should be even to avoid overexposure or dark spots.

Pose and facial expression

Your head must be centered, facing the camera, with both eyes open. Expression should be neutral and mouth closed. A slight smile is permitted only if no teeth are visible.

Cropping and visible area

The photo must include the head, neck, and top of the chest, with sufficient space between the top of the head and the photo’s top border. The oval of your face must not be obscured.

Attire and accessories

Wear everyday clothes (shirt, t-shirt, or v-neck). Avoid uniforms or camouflage. No hats or head coverings unless worn daily for religious or medical reasons. Jewelry and piercings are allowed provided they do not obscure the face, cause glare, or cast shadows. Avoid chunky necklaces that create shadows or glare.

Hoodies, turtlenecks, and similar clothing

Hoodies and turtlenecks are allowed in principle, but they are not recommended because they often obscure the neck or cast shadows. Remove hoods and avoid clothing that hides the neck or chin.

Hair rules

Hair must not obscure the face. Bangs must not cover the eyes or eyebrows; pin them back if needed. Beards are acceptable if they are a natural part of your look. Ears do not need to be visible as long as the oval of the face is not obscured.

Makeup rules

Makeup should be natural-looking. Avoid reflective or excessive makeup that alters natural facial features. Do not use contouring, heavy lipliners, fake eyelashes, glossy or shimmery products, or dark and bold colors that could obscure features.

Glasses policy

Glasses of any type are not permitted in US passport photos and must be removed prior to taking the photo. The only exception is for applicants who require glasses for medical reasons and can provide a signed doctor’s statement to support that need.

Baby and child photos

Newborns and infants can have eyes partially open or closed and may open their mouths. The infant’s tongue can be visible but must not be explicitly sticking out. Pacifiers or outside objects that obscure the face are not allowed. Hands or arms may be present if below the shoulders and not covering the face. Only the child may appear in the photo; no other people should be visible holding them. Children old enough to understand directions should follow adult rules (neutral expression/slight smile and both eyes open).

Submission rules for printed photos

For mail renewals and first-time applications where printed photos are required, submit one 2 x 2-inch color photo printed on high-quality matte or glossy photo paper. Do not use glue or sticky tape to attach the photo; for Form DS-82 you should staple the photo at the four designated points. Ensure the print is free of creases, ink marks, bends, smudges, or cuts.

Submission rules for online uploads

When uploading a digital photo through MyTravelGov or other official portals, ensure your JPEG meets the pixel dimension limits (600–1200 px square) and the file-size rules given by the portal. Do not scan printed pictures. The portal will crop and perform an initial quality check; if rejected, it will generate an error code. Note: the online checker is not always accurate — a passport agent will manually verify images during processing.

Most common rejection reasons

Typical causes for rejection include: wrong size or head size, non-JPEG or incorrect file size, low resolution or blurring, non-plain or shadowed background, presence of glasses/hats, facial features obscured by hair/accessories, scanned images instead of original digital photos, and damaged printed photos.

Practical checklist before submission

1. Take the photo within the last 6 months.

2. Ensure the photo is in color and high resolution.

3. For prints: 2 x 2 inches; for digital: 600–1200 px square and JPEG format.

4. Measure head size in the image — 1 to 1 3/8 inches (25–35 mm) from chin to crown.

5. Use a plain white or off-white background and even lighting to avoid shadows.

6. Center your head, face forward, both eyes open, neutral expression or slight smile without teeth.

7. Remove glasses, hats, and hoods (unless religious/medical).

8. Keep hair and accessories from obscuring the face; ears need not be visible.

9. Avoid excessive or reflective makeup and flashy jewelry.

10. For online submission: do not upload scanned photos and follow the portal’s file-size guidance.

If your photo is rejected

If a portal rejects your photo, check the error code and compare it to the checklist above. Common fixes are: retake the photo with better lighting, remove glasses or hats, crop to the correct head size, convert to JPEG and adjust dimensions, or reprint on high-quality photo paper without damages. If you are sure your photo is compliant but the online tool rejects it, the application will still be manually reviewed by a passport agent.

Tools and verification options

Services like PhotoAiD (described in the source) offer AI checks and expert verification to align photos with official requirements. Their process: upload or take a photo, AI checks and corrects sizing, lighting, and background, an expert verifies, then you download or order prints. Using verified services can reduce the risk of rejection.

Final advice

Carefully follow the technical specs and the visual rules. Use a step-by-step checklist, verify digital file parameters before uploading, and avoid common pitfalls like shadows, glasses, or damaged prints. When in doubt, retake the photo or use a verification service so your photo meets the official US passport requirements and avoids rejection.