Mobile app downloads driver’s licenses to smartphones, uses selfies for security

Biometrics company Morphotrust USA is rolling out an app that enables users to upload their driver’s license onto their smartphones, according to a recently posted CNet video.

“You could verify yourself one of several ways,” said Jenny Openshaw, of MorphoTrust. “Either using a pin or possibly using a selfie.”

If the digital driver’s license (DDL) holder chooses to take a selfie for verification purposes, the image will be compared to their existing image in the state’s database of driver’s licenses.

DDLs offer a range of security features to provide stronger protection against identity theft, such as the “Harry Potter” feature, which provides a rotating headshot of the DDL holder.

Delaware lawmakers are considering implementing DDLs, while Iowa will kick off its DDL pilot program this summer, and if it is successful, DDLs could roll out in Iowa as early as 2016.

“It’s an idea whose time has come,” said Openshaw. “Smartphones are becoming more and more a digital wallet. Eventually, the last piece of plastic I need to carry around with me is a driver’s license.”

Article Topics

biometrics  |  driver's license  |  mobile app  |  MorphoTrust USA