16 States Approve New Law: Driving License Requirements to Change

Driving licences have been accepted as official identification in the United States for more than a century, but in today’s fast-paced, mobile-first society, the actual card is still outdated. Identity verification still frequently falls behind as cellphones take on more everyday tasks.

You would think that verifying your identity would be as easy as tapping your phone, but the legal system hasn’t kept up. However, with 16 states receiving approval to move from the conventional paper and plastic to the digital version, this is going to change.

Is a driver’s licence just a click away?

That disparity is rapidly narrowing. A more virtual future has been made possible by a flurry of digital ID initiatives over the last few years, ranging from Real ID requirements to state-sponsored mobile applications.

Systems have already been tested by governments and tech companies in at least a dozen states, but rollouts have been cautious, including restricted trials and pilots.

Both momentum and scepticism have grown as a result of that gradual but consistent deployment. Although consumers value the convenience, concerns remain around privacy, access to law enforcement, and widespread acceptability.

A change is currently taking place that may push millions of people towards a licence they carry in their pockets rather than their wallet and turn digital IDs from novelty to the standard.

Digital driver’s licences are being adopted in these states

Digital driver’s licences have been introduced in at least 16 U.S. states, allowing citizens to carry a legitimate ID on their smartphones or smartwatches.

According to Apple Support, customers can now provide a digital copy of their driver’s licence at specific TSA checkpoints and participating establishments by using their Apple Wallet, iPhone, or Apple Watch. Although Apple claims it doesn’t store where or when the ID is used, the procedure is secured via Face ID or Touch ID, and the data is encrypted.

Privacy is one of the main benefits of mobile ID. Users can confirm certain details, such as confirming they are older than 21 to purchase alcohol, without disclosing their address or licence number, rather than displaying their whole licence.

Not every state is on board, though. For instance, Alabama is encouraging citizens to get a STAR ID before the federal deadline on May 7 because it does not currently accept mobile IDs. While Louisiana uses the LA Wallet app, California’s DMV has developed a unique mobile ID system for its citizens. New Jersey, a nearby state, is considering its options after New York released its NY MiD app.

The states that will be obtaining the digital driver’s licence

• Arizona: Samsung, Google, and Apple wallets
• California: Google Wallet, Apple Wallet, and California DMV Wallet App
• Colorado: Samsung, Google, and Apple wallets
• Georgia: Samsung, Google, and Apple wallets
• Hawaii: Wallet for Apple
• Iowa: Samsung Wallet, Apple Wallet, and Iowa Mobile ID app
• Louisiana: The LA Wallet
• Maryland: Samsung, Google, and Apple wallets
• Samsung Wallet, Google Wallet, and Apple Wallet in New Mexico
• New York: MiD-App for NY
• Ohio: Wallet for Apple
• Apple Wallet in Puerto Rico
• Utah: Download the GET App
• Virginia: The Virginia Mobile ID App
• WV MiD-App and West Virginia

Why is Pennsylvania not included?

But Pennsylvania is not on the list. Although officials have not provided a precise explanation, worries about data security and the further adoption of the digital driver’s licence could be important issues.

Early in 2024, state senator Marty Flynn filed a bill that would permit digital driver’s licences in Pennsylvania. The proposal has not yet been finalised.

Meanwhile, Apple keeps negotiating with new states to provide mobile ID functionality to its Wallet app. Although it has not yet gone into effect, Connecticut was one of the first states to announce a digital ID programme. Additionally, legislators in Montana have decided that mobile IDs will be a top legislative goal in the near future.

About The Author