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.
And if the trip you’re clearing these hurdles for is China: a U.S. passport alone isn’t enough — you’ll also need a visa. See how to choose a China visa service once your passport is squared away.
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.
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.
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
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
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
We assist with complex situations, such as legal restrictions, missing documents, or urgent timelines
We coordinate submission to the appropriate government agency
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.
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.
Processing Time | Government Fee | Get My Passports Expedited Fee | Total |
3-5 Business Days (Expedited) | $212.05 | $399 | $611.05 |
10-14 Business Days | $212.05 | $299 | $511.05 |
21 Business Days | $212.05 | $249 | $461.05 |
4-6 Weeks | $212.05 | $199 | $411.05 |
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.
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.
Dig into the specifics: felony records, misdemeanors, DUIs, probation, child-support arrears, and divorce papers.
Travel date already at risk? See what can genuinely be sped up with urgent passport help — including lost and stolen passports — or get a damaged passport replaced before it becomes a denial.
What are the most common reasons for passport denial?
Can owing child support stop me from getting a passport?
What happens if my passport photo doesn’t meet government standards?
Can a felony conviction prevent me from getting a passport?
Do I need to pay the full amount of my federal loans before applying for a passport?
