EN

AnswerUnited States online passport applicationchecked November 10, 2026

Smiling and showing teeth

Yes, a natural smile is allowed in a US passport photo, as long as your eyes are open and your mouth is closed. The online renewal page says to use a neutral expression or natural smile and to avoid showing teeth. Most other countries want a neutral face.

Why it happens

  • A wide smile that shows teeth.
  • An open mouth.
  • Raised eyebrows, a frown or another exaggerated expression.

How to fix it

  1. Keep your mouth closed

    A closed-mouth smile or a relaxed neutral face is safest.

  2. Relax

    Breathe out before the shot. A tense face often looks like a frown.

  3. Check it

    The checker reads mouth and smile from the face model and tells you if your expression could be a problem.

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Checks

  1. Add a photo to see the crop and the checks.

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Questions

Can I smile in a visa photo?

For other countries' documents, assume a neutral face with the mouth closed. Our smile guide lists the rule for each document.