What happens if a passport photo is rejected?

If your passport photo is rejected, the U.S. Department of State sends you a letter or email explaining why and giving you 90 days to submit a new, compliant photo without extra fees, otherwise your application is canceled, and you'll have to reapply and pay again. The application goes on hold, and you must follow the instructions to send a corrected photo, ensuring it meets strict guidelines (like no glasses, white background, neutral expression) to avoid further delays.

Do you have to pay again if your passport photo is rejected?

What happens if a passport photo is rejected? You must submit a new one that complies with the US State Department's requirements within 90 days. Failure to do so will result in the cancellation of your application, requiring you to start over and repay all applicable fees.

What to do when a passport photo is rejected?

If your photo gets rejected, there is a 90-day threshold to change your photo and replace it with a perfect one that meets all the guidelines and passport photo regulation. If you don't take any step in 90 days, then you again have to apply for passport renewal and pay the fee.

Do I have to pay again if my passport is rejected?

Your application will be rejected and you won't get a refund if: we withdraw your application because we haven't received all the information we've asked for. you're not entitled to a passport. you miss your appointment - you'll need to withdraw your application, apply and pay again.

Will my passport picture get rejected?

It is essential that the photos provided comply with the Passport Program's photo requirements. Failure to do so may result in delayed or rejected applications. On May 9, 2015, two new requirements were introduced: Passport photos are no longer acceptable if the applicant is wearing tinted eyeglasses.

What Happens If My Passport Photo Is Rejected? - CountyOffice.org

What are common reasons for photo rejection?

Below is a quick cheat sheet outlining common rejection reasons and what you can do to get your submissions back on track.

• 1) Image quality. ...
• 2) Poor Framing/ cropping. ...
• 3) Copyright / Trademark issues. ...
• 4) Image requires a model/ property release. ...
• 5) Lack of commercial viability.

What happens if the passport office rejects your photo?

If your passport photo has been rejected, you will be notified and you will need to re-submit a compliant photo within a specified time frame. If you want to make sure that your passport photo is accepted the first time, it's a good idea to use an experienced professional passport company.

Can you retake a passport photo?

To reiterate, changing one's passport photo is possible at any time. However, the individual must submit a new passport application (due to facial trauma, extensive plastic surgery, etc.) or a U.S. passport renewal (when the individual resembles their existing passport photo) to effectively change their photo.

Will my passport photo be rejected if I smile?

Can I smile in my passport photo? Yes. Make sure your eyes are open and your mouth is closed in your photo.

How do I know if my passport photo will be accepted?

To check if your passport photo is valid, ensure it's a recent (last 6 months), color 2x2 inch photo with a plain white/off-white background, full face, neutral expression (or natural smile), eyes open, no glasses (unless medically needed with a doctor's note), no hats/shadows, and no digital filters; use the official U.S. Department of State online photo tool for a quick check.
 

How strict are they on passport photos?

Your photos or digital images must be:

Do not wear a hat or head covering that obscures the hair or hairline, unless worn daily for a religious purpose. Your full face must be visible, and the head covering must not cast any shadows on your face.

Why would they reject a passport photo?

Your passport photo is likely rejected due to common issues like incorrect sizing, poor lighting (shadows), the wrong background (not plain white/off-white), unacceptable attire (uniforms, glasses), a non-neutral facial expression (smiling too much), low image quality (blurry/pixelated), or digital alterations, which prevent biometric recognition for identity verification.
 

What disqualifies you from getting a passport?

You can be stopped from getting a passport due to unresolved legal/financial issues like owing significant child support, unpaid federal taxes, or having an active felony arrest warrant, along with application errors, fraud, or certain serious criminal convictions (especially drug or sex trafficking-related), as well as failing to prove U.S. citizenship. Issues with your application itself, like missing info or a bad photo, or being under a court-ordered travel restriction also prevent issuance. 

Do I get my money back if my passport application is rejected?

We cannot refund the passport application fee and the execution fee. By law, we collect both fees and keep them even if a passport is not issued.

What are the do's and don'ts of taking a passport photo?

Your photo must be a clear shot of your entire face horizontally centered in the photo. Profile shots or photos not in focus will not be accepted. Your photo must be taken against a plain white or off-white background. Your expression should be neutral with both eyes open and directly facing the camera.

Can I apply again if my passport application is rejected?

If your application is rejected, you can reapply with the correct information, file an appeal or rectify the issue. By following these steps, you can obtain your passport as quickly as possible and avoid any further delays or complications.

What are common passport photo mistakes?

Common passport photo mistakes include poor lighting (shadows, overexposure), incorrect facial expressions (smiling, squinting, closed eyes), wrong background (patterns, shadows), and issues with head position or size, plus disallowed items like glasses (unless medically necessary), hats, or headphones, all leading to delays or rejections. Getting the sizing wrong (e.g., head too large/small) and using outdated or digitally altered photos are also frequent errors.
 

What are the official rules for passport photos?

Your passport photographs must be:

• In color.
• 2 x 2 inches in size.
• Printed on thin, photo-quality paper.
• Taken within the past 6 months, showing current appearance.
• Full face, front view with a plain white or off-white background.
• Between 1 inch and 1 3/8 inches from the bottom of the chin to the top of the head.

Can teeth show in a passport photo?

You can: Slightly lift the corners of your lips to smile gently. Keep your mouth closed and eyes fully open. You can't: Show teeth in a passport photo or grin. When smiling, you shouldn't squint your eyes or lift your cheeks too much.

How do I fix a rejected passport photo?

First, check the rejection notice from the Department of State or the passport agency. This notice often tells you what was wrong with your photo. Once you know the problems, make the changes using tools like digital cameras or expert help. Make sure to fix issues like glare or unflattering expressions.

What if I hate my passport photo?

What if I don't like my passport picture? Many people struggle with their passport photos. However, if you undergo any significant changes in your appearance, then it is necessary to take a new photo for your U.S. passport.

What passport photos get rejected?

Why Was My Passport Photo Rejected?

• Wrong dimensions. A 2×2-inch photo (or 51×51 mm) is the only acceptable dimension for a US passport photo. ...
• Inappropriate facial expression. ...
• Bad picture quality. ...
• Lighting and shadows. ...
• Non-white background. ...
• Excessive accessories. ...
• Unacceptable attire.

Do you have to pay twice if your passport photo is rejected?

If you send a new shot in time, you won't have to pay any additional fee, so make no delays!

Why is my passport photo not being accepted?

Your passport photo is likely rejected due to common issues like incorrect sizing, poor lighting (shadows), the wrong background (not plain white/off-white), unacceptable attire (uniforms, glasses), a non-neutral facial expression (smiling too much), low image quality (blurry/pixelated), or digital alterations, which prevent biometric recognition for identity verification.