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Photos & IDs

Why passport photos get rejected

Last updated

A rejected photo usually breaks one of a few rules that every passport office shares. The US State Department says unacceptable photos are the number one reason it puts applications on hold. Here are the eight reasons we see in the official rules, and how to fix each.

  1. Head too big or too small. Every passport sets a head height: 25–35 mm on a US photo, 29–34 mm on a UK photo, chin to crown. Fix: Make the photo again with a maker that measures the head, or check your file with the photo checker.
  2. Background not plain, or wrong colour. Shadows, patterns, a door frame or an off-colour wall all count. The US wants white or off-white; the UK cream or light grey. Fix: Stand a little away from a plain, light wall with even light in front of you.
  3. Photo edited or filtered. The US, UK and India all reject photos altered by software, including beauty filters and painted backgrounds. Fix: Use the original camera photo. Crop and resize only.
  4. Glasses, or glare on the lenses. The US doesn't allow glasses without a signed doctor's note; the UK and India say to avoid them. Fix: Take your glasses off for the photo.
  5. Not a neutral expression. Rules ask for eyes open, mouth closed and a plain expression, looking straight at the camera. Fix: Retake with a relaxed, closed-mouth face and your head straight.
  6. Shadows on the face, or too dark. Light from one side leaves half the face in shadow, which face-matching checks reject. Fix: Face a window or lamp so both cheeks get the same light.
  7. Too old. The US asks for a photo taken in the last 6 months; the UK in the last month. Fix: Take a new photo; it costs nothing to retake at home.
  8. Wrong file for the online form. Online forms check pixels, format and KB before anyone looks at the photo. Fix: Make the file with the country's maker, which sets pixels and file size together.

Check your photo before you send it

The photo checker measures a finished photo against your country's rules on your own device: head size, eyes, lighting, head turn, background and resolution. A retake costs nothing, and nothing is uploaded.

The official rules