Passport Rejected? 7 Common Reasons and How to Fix Them

Passport application rejections are more common than people expect, and most happen due to avoidable mistakes. Understanding the reasons behind rejection helps you correct issues quickly and reapply without unnecessary delays.

What Is the Difference Between a Passport Photo Rejection and a Rejection of a Passport Application?

Not all rejections carry the same weight. Some stop processing temporarily, while others require a full reapplication.

Passport Photo Rejection

This refers to when the photo submitted with the application did not conform to the requirements laid down. It is usually a technicality and has no bearing on the denial of the entire application.

Passport Rejection

This means that the entire application has been disallowed. This usually arises due to legal impediments (s), improper documentation, or misrepresentation of facts.

7 Commonly Cited Reasons for Passport Rejection

Rejected Passport Photo

An invalid photo is the number one reason for putting a delay on passport applications.

Why does it happen?

Passport photos must meet strict technical standards. Even small deviations can result in rejection. Problems could be:

• Incorrect dimensions (e.g., 2x2 inches in the U.S.)

• Bad lighting/shadow

• Improper facial expression (smiling or closed eyes)

• Eyewear, headwear, or other adornments (not for religious or medical reasons)

• Wrong color of background (e.g., textured, colored, busy, etc.)

How to fix it?

A professional passport photo service should be utilized, or an approved passport photo tool from the government can be used. Always read through the guidelines provided by your country before submission!

Application Form Is Incomplete or Incorrect

Application forms with missing fields, errors, or incorrect information are likely to be rejected.

Why does it happen?

• Names spelled incorrectly or inconsistently across documents

• Missing signatures

• Incorrect date of birth or place of birth entered

• Required fields left blank

How to fix it?

Before submission, thoroughly check the application for accuracy. If applying online, utilize auto-check features where available.

In handwritten applications, black ink should be used, and correction fluid should not be used.

Unacceptable or Missing Proof of Citizenship or Identity

Identity and citizenship documents must be valid, readable, and officially recognized by the issuing authority.

Examples for documentation that are either unacceptable or missing

• Birth certificates that are not certified or are photocopies

• Naturalization certificates with discrepancies or alterations

• Expired government issued IDs or IDs that are once valid but illegible

• Foreign documents that have not been translated

How to fix it?

For the documents to be considered valid, you must submit either original or certified copies as the case may be. In addition to this, should your documents be in a foreign language, you are expected to certify the translation.

If you have any doubts, please refer to the passport authorities' documentation checklist.

Any Unresolved Legal Impediment

Certain legal conditions can restrict an individual's eligibility to receive a passport.

Some issues that might prompt rejection

• An outstanding arrest warrant

• Past due child support (over statutory thresholds)

• Being placed on a no-fly or watch list

• Any court order that prohibits travel abroad

How to Fix it?

First resolve the underlying legal issue; for instance, with regard to child support payment must be made and confirmed by the concerned agency. Contact an attorney or relevant agency to find out what work you should do before you can reapply.

Information in Documents Did Not Match

Applications may be flagged for further review or rejected if the information furnished in the application does not match the supporting documents.

Common types of information discrepancies

• Name changes due to marriage, divorce, or legal proceedings without supporting documentation

• Different personal information (sex, place of birth, date of birth)

• Multiple aliases that are not explained

How to fix it?

• Submit corresponding legal supporting documents:

• Marriage certificate

• Divorce decree

• Court issued name change document

If needed, submit a letter with explanation. Passport officials are trained to conduct constant checks for any inconsistency among all the documents.

Damaged and Expired Supporting Documents

Supporting documents must be current and undamaged to be accepted during verification.

Rejected Document Examples

• Birth certificate water-damaged

• Expired government-issued ID (like a driver's license or old passport)

• A passport that has been even slightly altered

How to fix it?

Renew the damaged and expired documents before applying. Ensure you submit an original, clean document that is intact.

Photocopy for your records before submitting, if applicable.

Suspicion of Fraud or Misrepresentation

Providing any false statements or forged documents will be rejected from the application and face punishments under the law.

Triggers for fraud or misrepresentation

• Misleading identity documents

• Falsifying location or dates of birth

• Forgetting to mention material facts (shows previous passport denials or a criminal history)

How to fix it?

If you suspect that your application has been wrongly flagged, you may contact the passport agency for clarification. You may be requested to submit extra documentation or attend an interview.

Correct any inaccurate information, submit truthful documentation, and include a clear explanation when reapplying.

What to do if your passport application gets rejected?

Here are things to do if your passport application gets rejected:

Carefully review the rejection letter

The rejection notice will specify the reason or reasons for rejection. This is the starting point to resolve the matter.

Gather Correct Information or Documents

Based on the identified issue, fix the problem: replace a document, correct a form, or address a legal issue.

If Necessary, Contact Passport Services

Seek clarification from passport authorities if additional verification or documentation is requested.

Submit a Corrected Application

After tackling the bad bit, you will then submit your application again. In most cases, you won't have to pay the full fee again unless the rejection was due to fraud.

Conclusion

Passport rejections are usually the result of correctable issues rather than permanent disqualification. Understanding the major causes will enable one to take proactive steps and avoid any delays.

Carefulness, precision, and preparedness enhance the chances of an applicant getting their passport processed faster and without many hitches.

FAQs

1. Would my minor child's application for a passport be rejected if parental consent weren't obtained?

Indeed. The majority of jurisdictions require that parental consent or that of a legal guardian be given in such cases for any application made by a minor. Therefore, where the application form lacks consent, a forged signature, or is contrary, such application will be denied until resolved through a legal course or as provided through an additional document such as a court order.

2. If I apply too close to my travel date, would my application be turned down?

Not necessarily, but the likelihood of processing time being delayed increases. Accordingly, if incomplete or inaccurate information is presented in the application and there is not enough time for correction, the applicant may miss the travel date. Some passport officers may offer expedited services, but denial may still hamper emergency timestamps.

3. What happens if I make an error regarding travel or previous passport history?

Incorrect information about previous passports or travel records may raise red flags. Minor mistakes may lead to requests for clarification while serious discrepancies may be construed as deliberate omissions that could in turn be leading to rejection or further investigation.

4. Does a previous passport rejection affect future applications?

A previous rejection does not automatically disqualify future applications. Once the identified issues are resolved, applicants may reapply without penalty.