NJ DMV says don't smile for the camera on driver's license CHERRY HILL, N.J. - New Jersey motorists have another reason to frown about their driver's license photos. The state has banned motorists from making big smiles because such expressions don't work with facial recognition software. The policy has gone mostly unnoticed since taking effect in January. But Velvet McNeil from Sicklerville is trying to bring it to light. She tells The Philadelphia Daily News she was so mad about being told not to smile when she went to get her license this week that she stormed out of the Cherry Hill Motor Vehicle Commission office. After learning the reason for the policy, the 38-year-old says she'll go back and pose with a slight smile. Related Images