7 Passport Application Mistakes to Avoid

Given the current backlog, getting your U.S. passport could now take as many as 17 weeks, compared to the 6 to 8 weeks that was the norm prior to the pandemic. With expedited service, the process still could take 7 to 9 weeks, according to the U.S. Department of State.

The delay could be longer if you make mistakes in the passport application. A simple error on your photo, documentation, or a typo could mean the difference between savoring the cuisine and culture of a new country or stewing at home over a missed vacation.

We spoke to experts at RushMyPassport, a leading online U.S. passport and visa service, to learn about the 7 common mistakes people make when applying for a U.S. passport, along with tips on how to avoid them.

1. Your passport photo doesn’t meet the requirements

Side-by-side photos of a man: one with neutral expression, the other an exaggerated one.

Use a neutral expression when posing for your passport photo. Photo by Victor Koldunov/stock.adobe.com.

Did you take the photo against a patterned background? That’s a no-no. A selfie? Forget about it. A passport photo mistake is the No. 1 reason for processing delays. Make sure your color passport photo (taken within the last 6 months) meets these requirements:

The photo should be 2 x 2 inches square.
The background should be plain white or off-white–no patterns or designs.
The lighting should be even and should not create shadows on the face.
Don’t grin for the camera. A smile with your mouth closed and eyes open is acceptable. You should have a neutral expression, with both eyes open and looking straight at the camera.
The photos should be in focus, with high resolution and good contrast.
Don’t use filters or retouching tools.

To make sure you get a picture-perfect photo, have your picture taken at a AAA branch.

2. You wear the wrong clothes and accessories in your photo

A woman seated in front of a digital camera on a tripod.

Wear appropriate attire for your passport photo. Photo by 健二中村/stock.adobe.com.

Forget those glamour shots. Don’t wear a white shirt, glasses or sunglasses, or other attire or accessories that might violate the photo requirements. Hats and head coverings aren’t allowed (unless worn for religious or medical reasons).

Passport photos are plain and basic. RushMyPassport’s advice? Your face must be visible with no obstructions. Wear normal street clothes.

3. You submit incorrect or incomplete information

Close-up of someone filing in the "first name" field of an application.

Check for typos or missing information on your passport application. Photo by Brian Jackson/stock.adobe.com.

When you’re in a rush and filling in an online application, it’s easy to transpose numbers in your birth date or make a typo. Double check your application for typos or mistakes before submitting.

The paperwork required for a passport application can be confusing and overwhelming. You’ll need to submit “primary” proof of your U.S. citizenship. If you were born in the U.S., that could be a birth certificate that meets these requirements:

Issued by the city, county, or state of birth.
Lists applicant’s full name, date of birth, and place of birth.
Lists parents’ full names.
Has the signature of the city, county, or state registrar.
Has the date filed with registrar's office (must be within one year of birth).
Has the seal of issuing authority, and digital documentation is not acceptable.

Consular Report of Birth Abroad document.

Submit appropriate documents with your passport application. Photo by markdeibertphoto/stock.adobe.com.

The State Department requires other citizenship documentation if you are a naturalized American citizen:

Full validity, undamaged U.S. passport (expired passports are accepted). Full validity means the document is/was valid for 10 years for adults and 5 years for children under 16.
Consular Report of Birth Abroad or Certification of Birth.
Certificate of Naturalization.
Certificate of Citizenship.

4. You didn’t calculate the correct government fees

Someone punching numbers into a calculator.

Account for all necessary fees when applying for a passport. Photo by sitthiphong/stock.adobe.com.

Government passport fees vary based on the passport type you want, the speed with which it must be processed, and add-ons like a passport card, faster shipping, and more. The fees can add up, sometimes into the hundreds of dollars.

There’s an application fee and an execution fee, an expedite fee, and a fee for 1- to 2-day delivery. Miscalculate the amount, and the result is a delayed passport.

5. You don’t provide proof of travel plans

Proof of travel plans may be required for expedited passport applications. Photo by Marzky Ragsac Jr./stock.adobe.com.

Many expedited passport options need proof of your travel plans. Accepted documentation includes:

An electronic ticket with an airline or e-mail confirmation of your airline ticket.
A reservation with an airline.
A reservation with a travel agency.

For business travel, you’ll need a letter on company letterhead that must include:

Anticipated dates of business travel.
Destination of your business travel.
Brief statement describing the nature of your business.
Original signature of someone in your organization other than yourself.

6. Your passport expires within 6 months

A to-do list that has "renew passport" as the first item.

Apply early to save time and money if your passport is expired or expiring. Photo by OntheRun Photo/stock.adobe.com.

Many countries require that a passport to be valid for at least 6 months beyond the intended date of departure.

Time your passport renewal or application in advance to ensure you meet the requirements. By staying informed and proactive, you can ensure that your passport meets the necessary validity criteria and avoid any travel disruptions.

Even without set vacation plans, make sure your passport is valid. If it’s expired or expiring, apply early to save time and money.

7. You don’t use an expedited passport service

Someone handing over a pair of passports.

Using an expedited passport service is an effortless way to avoid mistakes and speed up a passport application. Photo by photobyphotoboy/stock.adobe.com.

For an effortless way to avoid mistakes and speed up a new or renewal passport application, use a passport service, like RushMyPassport. RushMyPassport is part of the Expedited Travel Family of brands that streamlines the U.S. passport process to ensure you get your renewal passport a lot faster than applying on your own. RushMyPassport offers different levels of services but recommends the expedited option for full value.

To start the process, go to AAA.RushMyPassport.com and follow the instructions to get travel documents and exclusive AAA discounts on RushMyPassport services.

With its proprietary, comprehensive smart-form wizard, RushMyPassport guides you through the passport application process and generates a detailed checklist of all the supporting documents you’ll need to include with your passport application. The smart form also helps you figure out the correct fees (based on your passport type and desired service speed).

“This checklist is tailored to your specific situation, ensuring that you have all the necessary paperwork,” says Charlie Cobb, chief operating officer for Expedited Travel. “We also provide clear instructions on how to obtain any missing documents.”

RushMyPassport guides you through the passport application process online. Photo by sodawhiskey/stock.adobe.com.

If you are applying for a rushed or emergency passport, RushMyPassport has a team of experts who will guide you in submitting a printed document that proves your travel plans. Its website and customer support team provides clear information on passport validity requirements for various destinations.

The team also reviews photos, application forms, and supporting documents for visible errors or discrepancies. If they find issues, you’ll be notified and get help on how to correct them before submitting the application.

In most cases, you’ll be required to physically visit a passport acceptance facility. At the facility, a government agent will review your documents, watch you sign them, and secure them with a special seal. You’ll then send the sealed package to RushMyPassport for expedited processing.

“By relying on RushMyPassport, you can trust that your application will be accurate and error-free. Our team of trusted passport advisors are available by phone, chat, and email,” says Cobb.