(June 12, 2009 ) — “Smile,” click! These familiar lines will soon be replaced with “Please don’t smile.” The Washington Post recently reported that the DMV in Virginia and other states recommend that people do not smile in their driver’s license pictures. The reason for this request is simply an identification protection measure. According to California DMV spokesperson Armando Botello, however, California has not adopted this system. But this may become a possibility in the future. In certain states, actions are being taken to prevent smiling in pictures because when a person smiles the muscles in their face move, changing their complexion. As the DMV adopts facial recognition software, it is necessary to have similar photographs over time to use the software. “If the facial recognition can not recognize your teeth, then if one of your eyes looks smaller than the other then it won’t recognize it either,” said junior Preny Sayadyan. She recently passed her permit test, and says it would have been difficult to hold back a smile on such an important day. The facial recognition software is being put in place in order to protect citizens from fraud and identity theft. “I love smiling in pictures,” said sophomore Talin Markarian. “But I would not compromise my safety for my smile.” Although the benefits come at a small price, some students believe that they should have the choice to smile. “It’s my picture, if I want to smile I will,” said junior Biju Babu. “It should be my choice if I want to be protected.” The DMV cannot force a person to not smile in a driver’s license picture, but they do recommend a Mona Lisa smile, where there is only a smirk without teeth. Although the process to develop the facial recognition program may take a while to become fully active, measures are being taken to ensure its full success. “My smile does not affect me personally, as long as I get my license,” said sophomore Collette Hamamah.