Maria Silva reporting

The days of smiling big for the camera are gone... at least at the DMV. A facial recognition system is forcing folks to tone down their smiles in an effort to prevent identity theft.

A trip to the DMV typically isn't anything to smile about which might work to your advantage if you're getting or renewing a license. Nevada is one of about thirty states using a facial recognition system and one of four not allowing folks to smile. Or not much, anyway.

So what's acceptable and what's not? A slight smile is OK. But a big, toothy grin is not.

"Apparently what it does (is) measure with your mouth points between your cheeks," explains Kevin Malone with the DMV. "A smile can throw that stuff off."

The facial recognition system was put in place back in January in hopes of preventing identity theft, fraud, and even terrorism. That's why a driver's license is no longer issued on the spot.

It's not just grins which are no longer allowed. You'll now have to take your glasses off for the picture as well. In addition, you can't wear facial jewelry such as nose rings. That too can throw off the facial recognition system.