Can You Smile in a Passport Photo in US, 2026? How to and if You’re Allowed

It’s natural for our culture to have big smiles, friendly small talk, and positive vibes, regardless of all. But can you smile in a passport photo? Let’s clear that out.

Can You Smile in a Passport Photo?

It’s kind of a tricky question to answer yes or no. What is for sure, the US lists among a little number of countries that are lenient on whether to have a smile on your passport or just keep it neutral. In this article, you’ll learn if you can smile in a US passport photo according to the Department of State guidelines and get actionable tips for a 100% valid photo.

Can I smile in my passport photo in the USA?

As experts in passport photos, we deal with lots of document images daily. We follow the latest information from the U.S. Department of State, and it advises that you actually can have a natural smile in passport photos. To try on different smiles and choose the best photo, check out our easy-to-use passport photo maker now. And read on for more details.

Passport photos smile and technology

You might think, there are as many natural smiles as there are people. So what is the rule of thumb? Let’s look at it at a high level. Why can’t we have an ear-to-ear grin in passport photos? It’s all about state-of-the-art AI Facial Recognition Technology. It helps customs officers to identify people from their passport photos on their official documents. And you don’t want any problems with that.

To put it simply, the technology does work more effectively if your face preserves the same natural look and neutral expression as in real life. Just like you are, when arriving in the country of your destination. Well, maybe not that tired after a 10-hour flight.

That said, unlike most countries in the world, the US government is the only country that is lenient on that part and does allow its citizens to have a natural smile in a passport photo (with your mouth closed, though). Which is great!

Can you smile in you passport photo with teeth?

travel.state.gov allows a natural smile, but your mouth must stay closed. Photos with an open mouth or visible teeth are shown as unacceptable examples.

Submit a photo with eyes open, facing the camera, mouth closed, and no exaggerated expressions. A natural closed-mouth smile is fine; open-mouth grins are not.

What passport photos smile is not acceptable?

Can you smile in a passport photo or not is up to you. However. unnatural or exaggerated grins are forbidden. The government officials that review passport applications and biometric photos per International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) are to decide whether your facial expression and smile prevent you from being easily identified in passport photos. And this is common sense. It becomes explicit why your smile for a passport photo requires not to be over the top.

Other countries are generally not that tolerant of smiles in passport photos. If you plan to travel a lot around the world, maintain a neutral, universally excepted facial expression on your face in your passport photo.

Should you smile in a passport photo and at airport?

The answer comes to us quickly, when we think about why this rule even exists. You should remember if the Facial Recognition Software in the airport fails to recognize you for your smile, you will need to see a real-life officer in order to pass the border. Which is at least an add-on to your time in between the flights. Your safest bet is to keep a neutral facial expression.

Can you smile in a passport picture: summing up

TLDR: You can have a natural, unexaggerated smile in a US passport photo. You still need to be recognized by the Facial Recognition Software and government officials of any country. If any concerns, just maintain a neutral, relaxed and friendly expression in your passport photo.

FAQ

What happens if you smile in a passport photo?

No drama if you smile in biometric passport photos. Nothing bad can happen. But make sure, it’s your natural smile. In case of doubt, keep a relaxed but neutral facial expression. If the passport office thinks your smile in a passport picture is exaggerated, you’ll be asked to redo your picture for your new passport.

Can I smile in my US passport photo?

Sure. You can. But remember to maintain a neutral expression without showing teeth for the US passport photos. And you’ll go through your passport application process smoothly.

Can a baby smile in a passport photo?

For toddlers and older children, the expression should be neutral and not exaggerated. Avoid big laughs, crying, or pacifiers blocking the face. And of course, remember to follow all other authority rules for younger and older children for their passports.

Why can you not smile in a passport photo?

Passport applicants can smile in the US passport pictures. There are two main reasons why you should not go over the top:

• The airport system might need more time to match your document photo with your identity when at customs. Or it will fail to do so.
• The exaggerated smile in biometric passport photos can cause your face to frown, wrinkle additionally, or alter. Again, you might not be recognized by the system.