Passport Photo: Mouth Closed

“Mouth closed” sounds strict, but the rule is narrower than it looks: what matters is whether your mouth changes the shape of your face. A relaxed mouth with visible teeth or slightly parted lips can still pass. Here is exactly where the line is. Verified against the UK HM Passport Office examiner standard v51.0 (§3.11).

The rule, in the standard’s own words

The UK HM Passport Office standard sets a clear test:

You must reject any photo where the customer’s mouth is open if this changes the shape of the customer’s face.

And then it lists what may be accepted:

• the mouth is relaxed, with teeth visible or lips slightly open;
• the facial features are not distorted;
• it is clear the customer cannot close their mouth (for example, due to a medical condition).

So the test is not “are your lips touching?” — it is “has your mouth changed the shape of your face?” A wide open-mouthed grin distorts the face and is refused; a natural, relaxed mouth does not.

Why the shape of the face matters

The standard is consistent across expression rules: anything that changes the shape of the face can stop the system capturing accurate biometric information. That is why a wide smile, a pout or a frown is refused, and why an open mouth only matters when it distorts the face. Keeping your expression neutral is what keeps your face measurable — see passport photo expression and the wider passport photo standards guide.

The medical exception

The standard explicitly allows a photo where it is clear the customer cannot close their mouth because of a medical condition. If that applies to you, the guidance for disability exceptions explains how such cases are handled, and medical exceptions covers related waivers.

How to get it right

• Relax — let your jaw rest and your lips meet naturally, without pressing them together hard.
• Don’t smile widely — a broad smile changes the shape of the face and is refused.
• Don’t pout or frown — the same rule applies to any expression that distorts the face.
• Take several shots — a relaxed mouth on the first try is not guaranteed; pick the frame where the face looks most natural.

Check the result with the passport photo checker, confirm the size on the photo size chart, and read the common rejection reasons before you submit.

Frequently asked questions

Do I have to keep my mouth fully closed in a passport photo?
Not strictly. The rule is that your mouth must not change the shape of your face. A relaxed mouth with visible teeth or slightly parted lips may be accepted.

Can I smile in a passport photo?
A wide smile changes the shape of the face and is refused. Keep your expression neutral.

What if I cannot close my mouth for medical reasons?
The standard allows a photo where it is clear you cannot close your mouth due to a medical condition; disability and medical exceptions apply.

What counts as changing the shape of my face?
Widening your mouth into a grin, pouting or frowning distorts the face. A relaxed, closed or slightly open mouth with undistorted features does not.

Are slightly open lips a problem?
Not by themselves. If the lips are only slightly open and your facial features are not distorted, the photo can be accepted.

How can I be sure my expression is neutral?
Relax your jaw, let your lips meet or part naturally, avoid grinning or pouting, and check the result with the passport photo checker.

Source: UK HM Passport Office, “Photo standards” v51.0 (published 19 January 2026), §3.11 Mouth closed. Requirements change, so confirm the current rules before you submit.