The Idaho House of Representatives has passed legislation that would enable residents to carry digital versions of their driver’s licenses and identification cards on their mobile devices. House Bill 78a cleared the chamber with a vote of 37-33, granting the Idaho Transportation Department (ITD) authority to issue electronic credentials, joining a growing number of U.S. states adopting mobile driver’s licenses.
The proposed legislation would give Idaho residents the option to obtain digital versions of their driver’s licenses and ID cards for use in most situations. The electronic credentials would not be mandatory, and they would be specifically prohibited from use at polling places and voting stations throughout the state. The approach matches similar implementations in other states, where digital IDs serve as a complement to physical credentials rather than a replacement.
The bill underwent a significant amendment on March 5, 2025, which added the explicit exclusion of digital ID use at polling locations. The modification addressed concerns raised during the legislative process about the potential impact on voting procedures, reflecting broader national discussions about the intersection of digital identity and electoral security.
During legislative discussions, proponents emphasized the convenience of digital credentials, noting that individuals are generally more likely to have their mobile phones with them than their physical wallets. Critics of the measure raised questions about data security and the potential for electronic credentials to be compromised. The security concerns have been addressed in other states through the implementation of ISO 18013-5 standards, which provide robust security protocols for mobile identification systems.
If enacted, Idaho would join states like Arkansas and Illinois that have already implemented digital ID solutions. The technology typically allows residents to present their identification through a secure mobile app, with features that protect privacy and prevent unauthorized access. Many of these implementations are supported by the American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators’ (AAMVA) Digital Trust Service, which helps ensure interoperability and security across jurisdictions.
The legislation will now advance to the Idaho Senate for further consideration and potential approval. If enacted, Idaho would become part of a broader national movement toward digital identification solutions, which has seen accelerated adoption in recent years as states modernize their identification systems to meet evolving technological capabilities and citizen expectations.
Sources: Local News 8, Idaho Freedom Indexes, Excelined in Action
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