Digital driver’s licenses (DDLs) are gaining momentum across the United States as states continue to adopt and implement electronic versions of traditional identification documents. These digital credentials, stored on smartphones and accessed through secure applications, offer a modern alternative to physical ID cards while incorporating advanced security features like biometric authentication through fingerprint or facial recognition.
Several states have successfully implemented DDL programs using different technological solutions. Arizona, Delaware, Mississippi, and Oklahoma have partnered with Idemia to use their Mobile ID app platform, which has received certification from France’s national IT security agency for its robust security features. Colorado has developed its own solution called myColorado, while Louisiana employs the LA Wallet app. Maryland and Utah have also launched state-specific applications for digital identification and recently joined the AAMVA’s Digital Trust Service to ensure cross-jurisdictional verification.
The Department of Homeland Security is actively working to establish standards for mobile driver’s licenses, including protocols for federal agencies to accept these digital credentials as REAL ID-compliant identification for official purposes. The effort has gained support from the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), which experts have urged to take a leading role in establishing security and interoperability standards for mobile driver’s licenses.
Virginia recently joined the American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators’ Digital Trust Service, implementing Public Key Infrastructure technology to authenticate mobile driver’s licenses and ensure cross-jurisdictional compatibility. The development has enabled Virginia residents to use their mobile IDs at TSA checkpoints across US airports. In West Virginia, residents can now access their mobile ID through Samsung Wallet, enabled by a partnership with Idemia. Users can verify their identity by tapping their phones near mobile ID readers or scanning QR codes.
Looking ahead, several states including Connecticut, Georgia, Hawaii, Iowa, Kentucky, Mississippi, Ohio, and Puerto Rico have indicated plans to offer digital licenses. While Ohio has not yet introduced specific legislation for digital driver’s licenses, the state is among those expected to implement the technology in the future. The recent Federal Aviation Reauthorization Act of 2024 has further accelerated this transition by mandating mobile ID acceptance at airports nationwide.
The implementation of digital IDs represents a significant technological evolution in identity verification, with various states adopting different approaches and solutions to meet their specific needs and requirements. The shift toward digital identification is supported by ongoing developments in security standards, cross-state compatibility protocols, and federal acceptance guidelines.
Sources: Upgraded Points, ID Tech Wire, ID Tech Wire
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