The 7 Most Common Reasons Passport Applications Get Rejected

Getting a passport should be simple. Fill out a form, attach a photo, submit your documents, and wait for approval, right? In reality, the U.S. State Department rejects or delays thousands of applications every year. Most of these issues aren’t about complicated rules. They come down to small mistakes, overlooked details, or unresolved personal obligations.

This is why many travelers choose Get My Passports. Their team helps applicants avoid common errors and offers expedited services, so you can save time and reduce the risk of rejection.

The good news is that once you know what usually causes problems, you can take simple steps to avoid them. Let’s look at the seven most common reasons passport applications get rejected and how you can make sure yours isn’t one of them.

1. Form Errors and Incomplete Information

This is the number one reason applications stall. Think of your passport application form as your foundation: if anything is missing, inconsistent, or incorrectly filled out, the entire process slows down.

Some of the most common errors include:

• Using the wrong form type (e.g., renewal form instead of first-time application).
• Mismatched information — names, dates, or Social Security numbers that don’t align with your proof of citizenship or ID.
• Skipping required fields or leaving “N/A” boxes blank.
• Forgetting to sign and date the form (yes, people miss this all the time).

Even something as small as writing in the wrong ink color or making corrections with white-out can cause a problem. Always read the form instructions carefully, then review everything at least twice before sending it in. Better yet, have a second set of eyes look it over.

2. Subpar or Non-Compliant Photos

Passport photos are more than just headshots. They must follow strict rules. Roughly 30% of application rejections involve photo issues, which makes this one of the most preventable mistakes.

Common problems include:

• Using a busy or colored background instead of plain white.
• Photos that are blurry, shadowed, or poorly lit.
• Wearing glasses, hats, or accessories that block your face.
• Smiling too much or making an unnatural expression (a neutral expression is required).
• Submit old or cropped photos from your phone.

If you’re tempted to DIY, think twice. It’s worth going to a passport photo service or using an official booth. That way, you can be confident your photo meets the exact size, framing, and background standards.

3. Missing Documents or Supporting Paperwork

The State Department doesn’t guess. If you don’t include the right documents, your application will get rejected or sent back.

For first-time applicants, you need:

• Proof of U.S. citizenship (birth certificate, naturalization certificate, or similar).
• Valid government-issued photo ID.
• Photocopies of both documents.

For renewals, you must include your most recent passport in good condition. If it’s damaged, lost, or expired beyond a certain timeframe, you’ll need to apply as if it’s your first time.

Parents applying for children’s passports must also provide consent forms, both parents’ IDs, and sometimes notarized documents. Forgetting just one of these pieces can hold everything up.

Tip: Create a document checklist before you even start filling out your form. Cross items off only when they’re packed into your application envelope.

See also: Unlocking the Best Business Class Flight Deals: A Complete Traveler’s Guide

4. Incorrect or Missing Fees

Another surprisingly common reason for rejections: the money side of things.

If you send the wrong amount, use the wrong payment method, or forget to sign your check, your application won’t move forward. For mailed applications, personal checks and money orders are typically accepted. Cash is not. If you’re applying in person, you may be able to use debit or credit cards, but not always.

On top of that, fees can change without much warning. Always double-check the official State Department website for the latest amounts. If you’re requesting expedited service or overnight shipping, make sure those add-on fees are included.

Think of it this way: the government won’t process anything until the payment clears. Get the payment wrong, and your paperwork just sits.

5. Unresolved Legal or Financial Issues

This one goes beyond paperwork. If you owe money or have certain legal restrictions, the State Department can legally deny your application.

The two biggest red flags:

• Unpaid Child Support: Owe $2,500 or more in back child support? Your passport will be denied until that balance is cleared.
• Delinquent Tax Debt: If the IRS certifies that you have “seriously delinquent” tax debt (currently set at $62,000 or more), you won’t be issued a passport until it’s resolved.

In both cases, you’re put on a denial list that is shared directly with the State Department. Even if you submit the perfect application, you’ll be blocked until you make arrangements with the IRS or child support agency.

Before applying, check your financial and legal standing. If you’re unsure, reach out to the relevant agency. It’s much easier to resolve these issues up front than to discover them after your application is rejected.

6. Criminal Records, Warrants, or Probation Restrictions

Not all criminal records prevent you from getting a passport, but certain situations do. For instance, if you’re currently on probation, parole, or have an active warrant, your application will be denied. Serious drug convictions can also affect eligibility, especially if international travel is part of your sentence restrictions.

Even less severe legal matters can delay the process. For example, unpaid fines or pending charges might trigger extra scrutiny. If you’re uncertain whether your situation affects your application, it’s best to consult a lawyer or probation officer before applying.

The State Department doesn’t want to issue passports to people who are actively restricted from leaving the country.

7. Fraud or Discrepancies in Identity

Passport fraud is taken extremely seriously. Any attempt to forge documents, alter birth certificates, or misrepresent your identity will not only get your application denied but could also land you in federal court.

Sometimes fraud isn’t intentional. For example, adopted individuals or people with name changes due to marriage or divorce may have documents that don’t perfectly align. In these cases, the State Department may suspect fraud if additional proof isn’t provided.

The best approach is honesty and transparency. If your documents don’t match exactly, include official name change certificates, adoption papers, or court orders that explain the discrepancy. Don’t leave it to guesswork.

What Happens If Your Application Gets Rejected?

A rejection doesn’t always mean you’re out of luck. In many cases, the State Department will send a letter explaining what’s missing or wrong, along with instructions to fix it. You usually have 90 days to respond without having to repay fees.

Here’s what to do next:

1. Read the notice carefully. It will tell you exactly what needs fixing.
2. Gather the missing or corrected documents.
3. Resubmit within the given window.

If you missed a deadline, you may need to start over with a new application and pay fees again. That’s why catching issues early is so important.

So, How to Avoid Rejection Altogether? 

While these seven mistakes are common, they’re also easy to avoid if you prepare properly. A few smart steps can save you weeks of delays:

• Use a document checklist tailored to your situation (first-time, renewal, minor, lost passport, etc.).
• Get your photo taken by a professional service.
• Confirm current fees and acceptable payment methods on the State Department site.
• Resolve any financial or legal obligations before applying.
• Double-check all information for consistency across every document.

If you want extra peace of mind, you can also turn to experts. Services like Get My Passports specialize in reviewing applications, catching errors, and expediting processing. Instead of stressing about whether you checked the right box or included the right consent form, you hand it over to professionals who do this every day.

Final Thoughts

Most passport rejections don’t happen because people are unqualified to travel. They happen because of preventable mistakes, a missing document, an unpaid fee, or a photo that doesn’t meet requirements.

Think of your passport application as an important document. Double-check everything before sending it in, and you’ll avoid most problems.

If you’d rather not worry, Get My Passports can handle the process for you and get your passport ready in as little as 3–5 business days. Travel should be exciting, not stressful. Avoid the common mistakes, and you’ll be ready to go.