Can you smile in a passport photo?

United States: yes, with your mouth closed. The State Department allows a neutral expression or a natural smile, as long as your mouth is closed and both eyes are open (source). A wide, teeth-showing smile is the most common reason a smile gets a photo rejected.

Other countries

Most countries that follow the ICAO biometric standard — the UK, Schengen countries, Canada, Australia and others — ask for a neutral expression with the mouth closed. Face-recognition systems compare your passport photo with your face at the border, and a big smile changes the shape of the face. Check the requirements table on each document page.

How to get a good neutral expression

• Relax your jaw and close your lips without pressing them together.
• Look straight into the lens, chin level.
• Take several photos and pick the one where you look most like yourself.

Our tool flags an open mouth before you download, so you can retake the photo for free.