The United States Department of State has warned passport applicants against using artificial intelligence tools or digitally edited images when submitting passport photos, saying altered pictures will not be accepted and could delay applications.
In a public notice shared through its official communication channels, the department reminded applicants that passport photos must accurately reflect their current appearance and should not contain filters, enhancements, or any form of digital manipulation.
“Reminder! Do NOT use AI or digital editing tools on your passport photo. We will not accept photos that are edited or filtered. Your photo should be recent (taken in the past six months) and look like you (the TSA or CBP agent must be able to tell it’s you!),” the statement read.
Warning Over Digitally Enhanced Passport Photos
According to the notice, applicants must submit recent photos taken within the last 6 months.
The department emphasized that security officials, including officers from the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP), must be able to clearly identify the applicant from the image provided.
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Further, the notice cautioned that the use of AI-generated enhancements, beauty filters, or editing software could interfere with identity verification processes used during travel documentation and border inspections.
The Department of State warned that edited or filtered passport photos will be rejected during the application review process.
“Using a digitally enhanced photo will significantly delay your application,” the notice stated.
US Guidelines on Passport Photos
The United States Department of State’s guidelines for passport photo submissions set strict requirements for applicants submitting paper forms and those renewing online.
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Applicants are required to submit one recent color photograph taken within the last six months, clearly showing the face without alterations.
The guidelines prohibit the use of computer software, mobile apps, filters, or artificial intelligence tools to modify or enhance passport photos, stating that edited images will not be accepted.
Photos must show the applicant facing the camera directly, with no head tilt, and must be taken without eyeglasses.
A plain white or off-white background is mandatory; no shadows, textures, or visible lines are allowed in the image.
