Illinois is implementing a digital driver’s license and state ID program in 2025, becoming the 12th U.S. state to adopt mobile driver’s license technology. The initiative, established through House Bill 4592 and supported by Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias, will enable residents to display state credentials via secure mobile applications. The program follows successful mobile driver’s license implementations in states like New Mexico and West Virginia.
The digital credentials will include standard identification information such as name, photograph, and signature, while adhering to American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators guidelines and the ISO/IEC 18013-5 standard for mobile ID security and interoperability. The standardization ensures compatibility with federal verification systems, including TSA checkpoints, where digital IDs are increasingly accepted. The system incorporates remote identity verification capabilities to ensure security and integrity of the digital IDs.
Physical IDs will remain mandatory, with digital versions serving as a supplementary option. The Secretary of State’s office will manage the implementation, building on successful deployments in states including Hawaii and West Virginia. The legislation includes specific privacy provisions, clearly stating that presenting a digital ID to law enforcement does not constitute consent to search the mobile device. These privacy protections address growing concerns about digital identity security and personal data protection.
Market research conducted by iProov shows substantial public interest in digital driver’s license services, with consumers expressing strong preference for government-issued digital credentials. Major technology companies including Google and Apple have begun incorporating digital ID support in their wallet applications across multiple states, with Apple Wallet now supporting digital IDs in ten U.S. jurisdictions.
Concurrent with the digital ID initiative, Illinois has enacted legislation to address catalytic converter theft. The new law requires recyclable metal dealers to maintain records of vehicle identification numbers (VINs) from vehicles where catalytic converters have been removed. The legislation enhances Scott’s Law by increasing penalties for individuals who obstruct or hinder the removal of stolen converters, while implementing requirements for recyclable metal dealers to maintain detailed VIN records.
Sources: ID Tech Wire, KHQA, Mobile ID World
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