When your photo is taken for your driver's license, why do they tell you to smile?

Question

If you are stopped by the police and asked for your license, are you going to be smiling?

Answer 1

they are just trying to be friendly.  i have never smiled in any of my DL photos.

Answer 2

So you know when they are about to take the picture, pretty much EVERYONE says Smile or "say cheese" (which makes you smile, try saying it, you'll see).

Answer 3

There is no Law Enforcement reason why they would want you to smile. They just say that because so many people get mad at their pictures and what not.

Doesnt have anything to do with a police officer or a traffic stop. Its just like an ordinary picture like when you are carded just to make it look good

Answer 4

The purpose of the drivers license, well it has many purposes. It proves that you are eligble to drive and that you are an identified human in that state.

but that is funny about you asking that. And besides i would definetly smile if it was a handsome cop