Passport Photo Rejected? Here's How to Fix It
The State Department rejected over 300,000 passport photos last year. With stricter AI rules in 2026, that number is climbing. Here's why it happened and how to get a compliant replacement fast.
Get a compliant photo for $1CVS charges $16.99. Walgreens charges $14.99. We charge $1.
The short version
Most rejections come down to three things: shadows on your face or background, wrong head size (too big or too small in the frame), or wearing glasses. AI-edited photos are also getting flagged more often now.
The AI rule most people don't know about
The State Department now explicitly prohibits AI-altered photos. Their exact words:
"Do not change your photo using computer software, phone apps or filters, or artificial intelligence."
— U.S. Department of State
This catches a lot of people off guard. Beauty mode on your phone? That counts. Facetune? Rejected. Even some "passport photo apps" apply subtle skin smoothing that triggers rejection.
Our tool is safe because it only removes backgrounds and crops to the right dimensions—we never touch your face.
Why photos get rejected
After seeing thousands of passport photos, these are the issues that come up again and again:
1 Shadows on your face or background
This is the most common reason. Any shadow on your face, neck, or background means rejection. The fix: face a window with natural light, or use two light sources to eliminate shadows. Our tool removes background imperfections automatically, but you still need good lighting on your face.
2 Wrong head size
Your head must be 1 to 1⅜ inches (25-35mm) from chin to top of hair. Too close to the camera? Too far? Off-center? Rejected. This is where drugstore photos often fail—the employee just eyeballs it. Our tool uses face detection to crop to the exact required dimensions.
3 Wearing glasses
Since 2016, glasses are banned in US passport photos. Even prescription glasses. Even if there's no glare. A lot of people don't know this and show up at CVS wearing their glasses. Take them off before your photo. Contact lenses are fine. Learn more about the glasses rule.
4 AI editing or filters
As mentioned above, any digital alteration to your appearance triggers rejection. This includes beauty mode, portrait mode effects, Facetune, or any app that "enhances" your photo. If you used one of these, you need a completely new photo—no amount of cropping will save it.
5 Wrong background
The background must be plain white or off-white. Patterns, colors, furniture, or that poster behind you? All rejected. Our tool removes any background and replaces it with compliant white—you can take your photo anywhere. See background requirements.
6 Wrong expression
Mouth closed. No smiles showing teeth. Eyes open and looking directly at the camera. Keep it neutral—this one's on you since our tool can't fix your expression. Learn what expression is required.
7 Low quality or wrong format
Blurry, grainy, or pixelated photos get rejected. For digital submissions, wrong file format or color profile (like iPhone's P3 instead of sRGB) also causes problems. Our tool outputs the exact format and color profile required by MyTravelGov.
Need a replacement photo?
Get a guaranteed-compliant photo in 2 minutes. We check head size, eye position, and background automatically.
Create passport photo — $1What happens after rejection
If your photo is rejected, you'll receive a letter explaining what went wrong. Here's the timeline:
- 90 days: You have 90 days to submit a new photo at no additional cost. Just follow the instructions in your rejection letter.
- After 90 days: Miss the deadline and you'll need to restart your entire application—and pay all the fees again. That's $165 for adults.
Don't wait. Get your replacement photo now while you're thinking about it.
Quick requirements reference
Your photo must have:
- • Size: 2×2 inches (51×51 mm)
- • Head height: 1-1⅜ inches (25-35mm)
- • Plain white or off-white background
- • Taken within the last 6 months
- • Full face, front view, eyes open
- • Neutral expression, mouth closed
- • In focus, no blur or grain
Your photo must NOT have:
- • Glasses (including prescription)
- • Any AI editing or filters
- • Shadows on face or background
- • Hats or head coverings (except religious)
- • Headphones or wireless earbuds
- • Uniforms or camouflage clothing
- • Hair covering your face
Common questions
What happens if my passport photo is rejected?
You'll receive a letter explaining why and have 90 days to submit a new compliant photo without paying additional fees. After 90 days, you'll need to restart your application and pay again.
How long does it take to get a new passport photo?
At CVS or Walgreens: 30-60 minutes (plus travel). Online with our tool: 2-3 minutes. You can print at any drugstore for $0.35 or use the digital version for online applications.
Will Walgreens retake my rejected photo for free?
Maybe. Some Walgreens locations will retake photos if they caused the rejection, but policies vary. Many charge the full $14.99 again. Our $1 tool is cheaper than hoping for a free retake.
Can I use a photo that was rejected and edit it?
No. If the original photo has issues (shadows, wrong expression), editing won't fix it—and editing itself can cause rejection. Take a fresh photo following the requirements.
Why did my CVS passport photo get rejected?
CVS employees aren't passport photo experts. Common issues: wrong head size, shadows from store lighting, or not catching glasses/expression problems. Their photos are taken quickly with minimal verification.
Are AI passport photo apps safe to use?
Be careful. Apps that alter your appearance (skin smoothing, eye enhancement) will cause rejection. Our tool is safe because it only crops and formats—it never modifies your actual appearance.
Related guides
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