Can you smile in a passport photo? We’ve got the answers. It’s important that you submit a compliant passport photo to your application, so find out whether you can smile or not! Keep reading to find out the secrets you never knew about whether you can smile in a passport photo. Let’s get started!
Can You Smile in a US Passport Photo?
You may be wondering whether you’re allowed to smile in your US passport photo. Well, there are a few points of advice when it comes to taking your picture.
Can You Smile in a US Passport Photo?
- You should have a neutral facial expression with your eyes open and mouth closed.
- You can smile in your passport photo, but with your eyes open and mouth closed.
The Department of State website says you can smile, but it’s up to you whether you want to risk invalidating your passport photo, as you must also keep a neutral expression.
How Much Can You Smile in a US Passport Photo?
Whilst you are permitted to smile a small amount in your US passport photo, you shouldn’t grin or bare your teeth! Make sure your mouth is closed and your eyes are open whilst smiling.
If you’re having trouble taking a passport photo whilst trying to smile, you can always just keep a neutral expression, as it isn’t mandatory to smile in your passport photo.
Smiling in Passport Photos for Babies and Kids
The US government advises certain passport photo requirements when it comes to smiling in passport photos for babies and kids. Take a look below.
Smiling in Passport Photos for Babies and Kids
- Babies can smile, with their eyes open, half open, or closed.
- Children can smile but must have their eyes open and mouths closed.
If it proves too difficult to get your child to smile in the correct way for the passport photo, they can always try to keep a neutral expression instead of smiling.
Which Facial Expression to Keep in a Passport Photo?
The official advice from the US Department of State is to keep a neutral expression, first and foremost. However, you are permitted to smile with your eyes open and mouth closed.
Bear in mind, it is your responsibility to submit a fully compliant passport photo with your US passport application. If you’re concerned about whether your passport photo is acceptable, you should just keep a neutral expression for the photo.
Get the Best Passport Photo Smile With Smartphone iD Guidelines
It’s easy to get a passport photo whilst still looking good when you use Smartphone iD! We’ll give you guidelines when you use our app, so you can rest assured you get a high-quality passport photo, with the best smile! Our specialist team provides a government approval guarantee, and if for some reason your photo isn’t accepted we’ll send you a full refund!
Check out the steps below to get started with Smartphone iD today.
- Make sure to remove your glasses or any accessories covering your face.
- Ensure that there are no shadows covering your face (even lighting across your face).
- Keep a neutral expression whilst keeping the camera at eye level.
- Take your photo then follow the instructions in the Smartphone iD app.
Summary
Want to show off your smile in your US passport photo? Don’t be intimidated by the government requirements! We can make sure you get your passport photo when you need it, with the professional quality you expect. Get started with Smartphone iD today.
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