Mobile Driver's License WA

Full Title

Tracking the progress of the mDL in Washington State.

Context

The concept of **digital driver's licenses** is making strides in the state of Washington. A new bill introduced during this year's legislative session aims to pave the way for digital driver's licenses, allowing residents to use their smartphones as a convenient alternative to physical ID cards¹. Here are the key points:

1. **What Is a Digital Driver's License?**

  - Similar to how a smartphone can serve as a digital credit card or a digital boarding pass, a digital driver's license is an electronic version of the state-issued identification.
  - States like Arizona, Colorado, and Maryland already allow their residents to use digital driver's licenses, and the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has started accepting digital licenses at select airports¹.

2. **How It Works:**

  - Obtaining a digital license typically involves taking a photo of the physical card using a smartphone.
  - Some states offer standalone apps specifically for accessing digital licenses.
  - Last year, Apple enabled residents to add their ID to the Wallet app on iPhone and Apple Watch, while Google has been testing similar support on Android through Google Wallet¹.

3. **Washington's Bill (SB 5105):**

  - Sponsored by Senator Mark Mullet, the bill instructs the Department of Licensing to create an implementation plan for digital driver's licenses by the end of 2023.
  - The plan will assess technical infrastructure to maximize interoperability, utility, and privacy protection.
  - Concerns about privacy have been raised, but measures like fingerprint or face unlocking can enhance security.
  - Some states also allow "privacy views" that reveal only relevant information (e.g., legal age) without disclosing additional details¹.

4. **Companion to Physical Licenses:**

  - For now, digital licenses act as companions to physical IDs.
  - In some situations, residents may still need to show a physical driver's license to agencies that don't yet accept the digital version.
  - Travelers to states that don't accept digital IDs will still need to carry their physical cards¹.

In summary, while digital driver's licenses are not yet fully implemented, progress is being made, and they offer convenience for those who prefer using their smartphones for identification purposes¹³. Soon, forgetting your wallet at home might not be such a hassle after all! 📱🚗🔍

Source: Conversation with Bing, 3/4/2024 (1) New bill aims to allow digital driver’s licenses in Washington state. https://www.geekwire.com/2023/new-bill-aims-to-allow-digital-drivers-licenses-in-washington-state/. (2) Media Advisory – Digital Driver’s License Bill Hearing TODAY in Senate .... https://senatedemocrats.wa.gov/mullet/2023/01/23/media-advisory-digital-drivers-license-bill-hearing-today-in-senate-transportation/. (3) Digital driver’s licenses coming after research. https://www.kitsapdailynews.com/opinion/digital-drivers-licenses-coming-after-research/. (4) Washington Mobile Driver's Licenses Soon To Come. https://idscan.net/state-digital-id/washington-mobile-drivers-licenses-soon-to-come/.