US passport renewal photo error: “Looks like your eyes are covered”

What the message says

The eyes in the photo do not appear to be open and/or facing the camera. Please retake the photo with your eyes open and facing the camera. Make sure your eyes fully visible and uncovered so nothing is covering your face or have any shadows on your face.

Why it happens

• A blink or half-closed eyes, often from bright light or the flash.
• Hair falling over the eyes or eyebrows.
• Shadows in the eye sockets from a ceiling light.
• Looking away from the lens, for example at the screen instead of the camera.
• Glasses or glare over the eyes (glasses aren’t allowed in US passport photos).

How to fix it

1. Move your hair away from your eyes and take off your glasses.
2. Face a window so the light comes from the front; switch off the ceiling light above you.
3. Look straight into the camera lens, not the screen, with your eyes fully open and a neutral expression.
4. Take several shots and pick one without a blink.

Before you try again

IDPlain’s free checker measures whether your eyes are open and you’re facing the camera, and checks the light on your face, on your device, before you upload.