One of the most frequent reasons for passport photo rejection is the presence of eyeglasses or unauthorized headwear. While some rules are absolute, others allow for specific religious or medical exemptions that require extra documentation.
Our passport photo examples include photos with glasses, headscarves, hats, and hair covering the face — both acceptable and rejected versions.
The 2016 No-Glasses Rule
Starting November 1, 2016, the US Department of State prohibited the use of eyeglasses in passport photos. This includes prescription glasses, reading glasses, and sunglasses.
- Glance and Reflection: Glasses often cause glare or hide the eyes, which prevents biometric systems from identifying you correctly.
- The Only Exception: If you cannot remove your glasses for medical reasons (e.g., following recent eye surgery), you must include a signed statement from a medical professional with your application.
Hats and Casual Headwear
Hats, caps, beanies, and headbands are strictly forbidden. You must remove any item that covers the top of your head or obstructs your hairline.
Religious Exemptions
If you wear a hat or head covering for religious purposes, it is permitted, but you must adhere to these standards:
- Full Face Visible: The head covering must not cast shadows on your face or obscure any part of your face from hairline to chin.
- Signed Statement: You must submit a signed statement verifying that the head covering is part of recognized, traditional religious attire that is worn continuously in public.
Medical Head Coverings
If you wear a head covering daily for medical reasons (e.g., due to hair loss from treatment), it is allowed if you provide a signed doctor's statement. Similar to religious coverings, your full face must still be visible without shadows.
Still unsure if your religious or medical head covering is correctly positioned? Use our tool to verify face visibility and shadow-free lighting.
Verify Face Visibility