State of the states for mobile driver’s license pilots
29 November, 2017
category: Digital ID, Government, Transit
Are you ready for a mobile driver’s license?
In previous episodes of this four-part series, we’ve looked at how mobile ID technology can benefit both citizens and governments, and we explored the concerns and opportunities around privacy and security.
Now, it is time to learn more about mobile driver’s license pilots. in the US.
The initial deployment of a mobile driver’s license in at least one state will likely occur next year and another half dozen states will deploy pilots
“Iowa ran the first mobile driver’s license pilot. Virginia followed suit, as has Maryland and Colorado, and there are a number of states that have stated their intention to move forward with pilots – Idaho, Wyoming, even the District of Columbia,” says Joseph Pearson, North American Sales Vice President for Citizen ID Solutions for HID Global. “All these pilots have been very controlled, enabling you to register yourself and have a driver’s license on your phone that could be used for certain applications.”
These pilots haven’t been open to the public. They’ve generally used DMV employees or family and friend volunteers. Scenarios tested thus far include age verification and law enforcement interactions.
Pearson says the biggest lesson learned so far is that the way information is displayed on a mobile driver’s license shouldn’t necessarily be a duplication of the physical license.
“If you’re trying to verify someone’s age, you’re not going to necessarily want to see the full driver’s license,” Pearson explains. “You’ll just want to see their photo and that they’re above 21.”
Beyond the pilots, state legislatures around the country are pushing DMVs to take action. Pearson sees the states working to deliver on an unrealized demand from citizens for a mobile ID – and it could happen as early as next year.
“I would say there is a good likelihood that the initial deployment of a mobile driver’s license in at least one state will occur next year and another half dozen states will likely deploy pilots,” Pearson says. “Certainly within the next 10 years, I think it will be very common for someone to have a mobile driver’s license.”
Listen to the podcast to hear more from HID Global’s Joseph Pearson about mobile driver’s license pilots, and stay tuned for our final installment of this four-part series, Investigating Mobile IDs and Credentials.
Listen to other episodes from the series:
- Episode 1
Mobile ID 101: Establishing rules of the road for mobile driver’s licenses and IDs - Episode 2
Mobile ID privacy concerns and privacy-enhancing opportunities - Episode 3
State of the states for mobile driver’s license pilots - Episode 4
Mobile ID use cases beyond mobile driver’s licenses
