8 Main Reasons for Passport Denial or Ineligibility

Your flight is booked, your itinerary is locked, and everything seems ready, until your passport application gets rejected. It's a scenario many don’t expect, but it happens more often than you’d think. One overlooked signature, a forgotten document, or an unpaid debt can throw your entire travel plan off course. What overlooked details or legal issues could quietly be holding your passport back?

This guide breaks down exactly what can stop you from getting a passport, from incomplete forms and incorrect fees to photo errors and unresolved government debts. Whether you're applying for the first time or renewing, knowing the risks ahead of time can save you stress, money, and missed flights. 

Let’s take a closer look at the most common reasons for denial.

8 Reasons Your Passport Application Might Be Delayed 

When it comes to getting your passport, the details matter. Even small oversights can lead to major delays or outright denial. Here's a breakdown of the most common reasons passport applications get rejected, and what you can do to make sure yours isn’t one of them.

1. Incomplete or Incorrect Information on Your Application

When it comes to government forms, there’s no margin for error. The U.S. Department of State requires that passport forms, whether it’s DS-11 for first-time applicants or DS-82 for renewals, be filled out exactly as instructed. Even a small oversight can lead to processing delays or an outright denial.

Things you must get right:

• Use black ink only and ensure all fields are filled in

• Do not sign Form DS-11 before your acceptance appointment

• Ensure your name matches exactly across your documents

• Only submit original documents, not copies

• For children under 16, both parents or legal guardians must be present and sign (or provide notarized consent)

If you miss a signature, use the wrong version of the form, or provide inconsistent information, the State Department won’t just call you, they’ll send your entire application back.

2. Improper or Missing Proof of Citizenship

Proof of U.S. citizenship isn’t just required; it must be provided in the correct format and certified by the appropriate agency.

Acceptable proof includes:

• A certified U.S. birth certificate (issued by a city, county, or state, not a hospital)

• A valid, undamaged U.S. passport (for renewals)

• A Certificate of Naturalization or Certificate of Citizenship

If you’re applying for a minor, proof of parental relationship, such as a birth certificate, is also required, along with the presence of notarized consent from both parents.

Common mistakes include:

• Submitting hospital-issued or photocopied birth certificates

• Failing to include documents for minors

• Using expired or damaged passports as proof

3. Payment Errors That Invalidate Your Application

Paying the wrong amount or using the wrong payment method is a surprisingly common (and frustrating) reason for rejections. The State Department has strict guidelines about how and what you pay.

Here’s what most adult applicants owe:

• $130 for a passport book

• $60 expedited fee (if applicable)

• $21.36 for 1–2 day return shipping

Total for expedited service: $212.05

Accepted payment methods:

• Check or money order only, payable to “U.S. Department of State”

• No credit cards, no debit cards, and no electronic payments for government fees

• If submitting in person at a passport acceptance facility (DS-11), cash and cards are not accepted

• If renewing by mail (DS-82), the same check/money order rules apply

Mistakes that lead to rejections:

• Writing the wrong amount

• Forgetting the expedited or delivery fee

• Using cash or a card

• Making your check payable to the wrong entity

4. Photo Doesn’t Meet Federal Standards

It may be just a photo, but it’s one of the most scrutinized parts of your passport application. The government rejects thousands of applications each year due to non-compliant photos.

Photo requirements:

• Taken within the last 6 months

• 2x2 inches, color, white or off-white background

• Full-face view, looking directly at the camera with a neutral expression

• No glasses, hats, or uniforms

• High-resolution, printed on matte or glossy photo-quality paper

• No shadows, filters, or digital alterations

Top reasons for rejection:

• Wearing glasses (even clear ones)

• Smiling, tilting your head, or looking away

• Taking a selfie or using a filtered image

• Poor lighting or background

• Incorrect photo size or low-quality prints

Getting your passport photo right shouldn’t be stressful. With Get My Passports, you get professional, compliant photos that meet all federal requirements, without the back and forth. We make sure your photo is accepted the first time, so you can focus on your travel plans.

5. Legal Issues, Like Child Support or Outstanding Warrants

Your legal and financial standing can directly impact your ability to receive a passport, especially if you have unresolved legal obligations.

Common disqualifiers:

• Owing more than $2,500 in child support

• Active federal arrest warrants

• Convictions related to international drug trafficking

• Currently on probation or parole, or under a court order not to travel

These restrictions are enforced through coordination between state and federal agencies. You will remain ineligible until the matter is resolved and cleared in the system.

If you're not sure where you stand legally, Get My Passports will help you understand the restrictions, advise you on next steps, and guide you on when and how to reapply safely. Book an appointment today.

6. Owing the IRS More Than $59,000

A little-known passport blocker: tax debt. Under the FAST Act, the IRS can flag your passport application if you owe more than $59,000 in unpaid federal taxes (including penalties and interest).

The IRS won’t lift the restriction until you:

• Fully pay the debt, or

• Enter into a valid payment agreement (installment plan, Offer in Compromise, or hardship status)

Once you’re in compliance, the IRS notifies the State Department to remove the restriction, a process that can take several weeks.

7. Defaulted Government Loans

If you accepted help from the U.S. government in the past and haven’t paid it back, that could now affect your passport.

Most commonly affected:

• Repatriation loans: Used by citizens returning home in emergencies abroad (e.g., natural disasters, unrest, or medical issues)

• Other federal travel-related loans or debts

These debts are tracked and enforced by the U.S. Department of the Treasury and can result in passport denial until they’re resolved.

To restore eligibility:

• Pay the loan balance in full, or

• Enter into a repayment agreement with the appropriate agency

8. National Security or Public Safety Concerns

While rare, national security concerns can override your right to a passport. If federal agencies deem you a threat or determine that your travel interferes with law enforcement, your application may be denied.

Situations that trigger this:

• You’re under active federal investigation

• You have suspected or known ties to terrorist organizations

• There is an outstanding federal warrant for your arrest

• Your travel would interfere with court or intelligence proceedings

These decisions are made on a case-by-case basis and are not typically reversible without major legal proceedings.

Get Your Passport in 3-5 Business Days

Getting a passport through the government can feel confusing and impersonal. You’re often left guessing whether your documents are right, whether your payment went through, or whether your photo meets all the guidelines. 

Source: Get My Passports

Here’s how  Get My Passports  simplifies the process:

• We review every document with you, checking for missing info, errors, or mismatched details

• We take your passport photo onsite, using government-approved standards, so there’s no chance of rejection

• We assist with complex situations, such as legal restrictions, missing documents, or urgent timelines

• We hand-deliver your application to the passport agency for faster service, no longer mailing delays

• We track your application step-by-step, so you always know where things stand

Most importantly, we explain everything clearly. There are no confusing instructions, no chasing down forms, no standing in line at the post office—just fast, expert support from start to finish.

Cost Breakdown: Passport Services You Can Count On

At Get My Passports, we offer a range of expedited service options. Below, you’ll find the full breakdown of government fees and our expedited service tiers based on how quickly you need your passport.

Note: The total includes the government-mandated $130 passport book fee, $60 expedite fee, and $21.36 for priority return shipping. The service fee you pay to us depends on how quickly you need your passport.

Still unsure which option fits your travel plans? Give us a call at (708) 360 7277, we’ll help you choose the right one based on your timeline and paperwork status.

Conclusion 

Missed documents, unpaid debts, legal issues, there’s more than one answer to the question of what can stop you from getting a passport. The good news? Most of these hurdles can be handled with the right guidance. So, is one small oversight worth putting your travel plans on hold?

What can stop you from getting a passport often comes down to details. But getting a passport doesn’t have to be stressful when you have a team that knows exactly how to help. At Get My Passports, we offer support, speed, and peace of mind every step of the way.

Ready to skip the stress and fast-track your passport? Call us at (708) 360-7277 or book an appointment today, and we’ll take care of everything from forms to final delivery.