Can You Smile in Passport Photos? Navigating Facial Expression Rules

The 'Neutral Expression' Rule

One of the most confusing aspects of taking an ID or passport photo is figuring out what to do with your face. We are conditioned to smile for cameras, but doing so heavily in a biometric photo can lead to an instant rejection. Why? Because international border security relies on facial recognition algorithms. These algorithms map the distances between your eyes, nose, mouth, and chin. A wide smile changes these fundamental geometries, causing the software to fail.

The Official Stance: Unforced and Natural

The U.S. State Department’s official guideline states that applicants must have a 'neutral facial expression with both eyes open and mouth closed.' However, they do provide a slight caveat: a 'natural, unexaggerated smile' is acceptable. The problem is that the line between a 'natural smile' and an 'exaggerated smile' is subjective, meaning your photo's fate rests on the mood of the passport agent reviewing it.

The 'Mouth Closed' Mandate

The single most important rule regarding your expression is that your mouth must be completely closed. You cannot show any teeth. An open mouth fundamentally shifts the position of your chin and cheeks, breaking the biometric scan. If your 'natural smile' exposes even a sliver of your teeth, you must tone it down.

How to Nail the Perfect Passport Expression

If you want to guarantee your photo is accepted, we highly recommend aiming for exactly zero smiling. A completely neutral, relaxed face is the safest bet. If you wish to look pleasant rather than angry, try the 'Mona Lisa' approach:

Relax your forehead and eyebrows. Avoid squinting or looking surprised.
Look directly dead-center into the camera lens.
Rest your lips together naturally. Do not purse them tightly or bite them.
Think of a pleasant thought to soften your eyes naturally, without moving your mouth.

Exceptions for Infants and Children

The State Department understands that getting a newborn to maintain a perfectly neutral expression is impossible. For infants, the rules are significantly relaxed. Crying, yawning, or slightly open mouths are generally accepted for very young babies, provided the child's face is fully visible and not obscured by hands, pacifiers, or toys.

A Final Review

Before finalizing your photo, run it through PhotoStudio. Our biometric compliance check analyzes your head tilt, eye level, and overall composition to ensure that while your expression is neutral, your geometry is perfectly aligned with international standards.