No, not a wide smile. GOV.UK asks for a plain expression with your mouth closed (GOV.UK: Get a passport photo). HM Passport Office's examiner guidance rejects photos where you're smiling widely, pouting or frowning, because that changes the shape of your face, but accepts a relaxed mouth with teeth showing slightly, as long as your features aren't distorted (GOV.UK: HM Passport Office photo standards (examiner guidance, March 2026)).
GOV.UK's photo rules and HM Passport Office's photo standards checked on 3 November 2026. Fees and rules change, so check the linked GOV.UK page before you pay.
| Expression | UK passport photo |
|---|---|
| Plain expression, mouth closed | Accepted |
| Relaxed mouth, lips slightly open or teeth just visible | Accepted, if your face isn't distorted |
| A slight, closed-mouth smile that doesn't change your face | May be accepted; a plain expression is safer |
| Wide smile, grin, pout or frown | Rejected |
| Mouth open because of a medical condition | Accepted |
| Children under 6 | Don't need a plain expression or to look at the camera |
Sources: GOV.UK: HM Passport Office photo standards (examiner guidance, March 2026), GOV.UK: Get a passport photo.
Your photo is read by face-matching systems at borders. An expression that changes the shape of your face can stop the system capturing accurate measurements (GOV.UK: HM Passport Office photo standards (examiner guidance, March 2026)).
Picproved checks for an open mouth or a wide smile, eyes open and a straight head before you save, and relaxes those checks in Baby mode the way GOV.UK does for young children. HM Passport Office still makes the final decision.
Or make it at home. Picproved costs £5.99 (free while we launch) for one person's photo in every size you need, and it checks the size, background, head size and face rules before you save. The office still makes the final decision. Make your United Kingdom Passport (online) photo
