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/.

Outreach

The **Washington State Department of Licensing** has introduced an exciting program called **DOL2Go**, which operates as a **mobile licensing unit**.

1. Purpose and Services:

  - **DOL2Go** focuses on assisting under-resourced Washington residents by providing essential services related to identification and driving.
  - The mobile unit offers the same services as traditional offices, including:
    - Issuing **first-time Washington driver licenses or ID cards**, including enhanced versions.
    - Handling **out-of-state transfers**.
    - **Renewing driver licenses**, permits, or ID cards.
    - Providing **driver records**.
    - Assisting with **reinstatement letters**.
    - Conducting **document reviews for proof of identity**.

1. Where to Find DOL2Go:

  - The mobile unit can be found in various locations, including:
    - **Rural communities**.
    - **Assisting people experiencing homelessness**.
    - **Community centers**.
    - **Emergency response events**.

For more information, you can visit the official [**DOL2Go mobile unit page**](https://dol.wa.gov/driver-licenses-and-permits/dol2go-mobile-unit) or explore other services on the [**Washington State Department of Licensing website**](https://dol.wa.gov/).

(1) DOL2Go mobile unit | Washington State Department of Licensing. https://dol.wa.gov/driver-licenses-and-permits/dol2go-mobile-unit.
(2) 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/.
(3) WA State Licensing (DOL) Official Site: License eXpress Login. https://secure.dol.wa.gov/lx/ind/_/.
(4) Home | Washington State Department of Licensing. https://dol.wa.gov/.

Status of Legislation

The status of the bill related to **mobile driver's licenses** in Washington state:

1. **Bill Information (SB 5105):**

  - **Title**: Authorizing digital driver's licenses through a mobile application.
  - **Sponsors**: Senators Mullet, Fortunato, Gildon, Liias, Nguyen, Pedersen, Wilson, and C.
  - The bill aims to create a framework for implementing digital driver's licenses accessible via mobile devices.
  - It instructs the **Department of Licensing** to develop an implementation plan by the end of 2023.
  - The plan will assess technical infrastructure to **maximize interoperability, utility, and privacy protection**.
  - Privacy concerns have been addressed, including measures like fingerprint or face unlocking.
  - Some states also allow "privacy views" that reveal only relevant information (e.g., legal age) without disclosing additional details¹.

2. Status

  - As of February 24, 2024, the bill is in the **Senate Transportation Committee**.
  - It has undergone several steps, including pre-filing, first reading, and a public hearing.
  - The bill aims to make digital driver's licenses a reality, allowing residents to use their smartphones as a convenient alternative to physical IDs¹.

3 Implementation Timeline

  - While the bill is progressing, it's important to note that digital licenses will initially serve as companions to physical IDs.
  - Residents may still need to show a physical driver's license in certain situations until full acceptance of digital versions is achieved.

In summary, Washington state is actively working toward enabling digital driver's licenses, offering greater convenience and flexibility for its residents¹²⁵. Soon, your smartphone might become your new ID wallet!

Source: Conversation with Bing, 3/4/2024

(1) Washington State Legislature. https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?billnumber=5105&year=2023.
(2) Washington Mobile Driver's Licenses Soon To Come. https://idscan.net/state-digital-id/washington-mobile-drivers-licenses-soon-to-come/.
(3) 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/.
(4) Driver’s License Application Process in Washington – USCIS Guide. https://www.uscisguide.com/state-regulations-and-laws/drivers-license-application-process-in-washington/.
(5) Detailed Legislative Reports - Bill Status - Washington. https://app.leg.wa.gov/bi/billstatus.