Illinois residents will soon have the option to obtain digital driver’s licenses and identification cards, following the passage of House Bill 4592 signed into law by Governor J.B. Pritzker. The digital license program is set to launch in January 2025, making Illinois the latest state to join a growing number of U.S. jurisdictions offering mobile driver’s licenses.
The digital driver’s license will serve as an electronic version of the physical license, accessible via smartphone or smartwatch. Users will pay no more than $6 for the required application installation. The program follows similar implementations in states like Arizona, California, Colorado, Georgia, Hawaii, Maryland, New Mexico, and others that have already launched digital ID programs.
The digital format will be entirely optional, with residents having the flexibility to maintain only their physical credentials, opt for both physical and digital versions, or primarily use the digital format while keeping physical documents as backup. The system incorporates advanced encryption and security measures to protect personal information, and is expected to comply with the ISO/IEC 18013 standard for mobile driver’s licenses.
While digital licenses will be accepted by Illinois law enforcement once the program launches, physical licenses will remain mandatory. Law enforcement officers retain the authority to request physical documentation during encounters, and drivers must comply with such requests. The approach matches practices in other states, where digital IDs supplement rather than replace physical credentials.
The digital license initiative accompanies other significant changes to Illinois driving laws. A new statute prohibits law enforcement from initiating traffic stops or vehicle searches solely based on objects that obstruct the driver’s view, such as air fresheners, addressing concerns about racially motivated traffic stops.
The state’s digital ID program is part of a broader national trend toward mobile identification solutions. The American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators (AAMVA) has been working to establish standards and verification services for mobile driver’s licenses across jurisdictions, helping to ensure interoperability and security of these digital credentials.
The modifications to Illinois driving laws reflect a broader technological transition in state-issued identification systems while maintaining traditional documentation requirements. The program represents a significant step in the state’s digital transformation efforts, joining a nationwide movement toward more convenient and secure digital identification options.
Sources: SOS Hearings, Disparti Law Group, Blue Notary, The Zebra
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