According to one embodiment, an image forming apparatus includes a light emitting element array, a photosensitive member, a transparent member, a gap spacer, and a biasing member. The light emitting element array includes a plurality of light emitting elements. The photosensitive member forms a latent image by being exposed by light emitted from the light emitting element array. The transparent member is positioned between the photosensitive member and the light emitting element array. The transparent member has a relative position fixed with respect to the light emitting element array, and transmits the light emitted from the light emitting element array. The gap spacer keeps a distance between the photosensitive member and the transparent member constant. The biasing member biases the transparent member toward the photosensitive member.