mDL adoption picking up speed in America

Many states in the United States have already initiated the adoption of digital driver’s licenses, while others are in the process of doing so. Stakeholders say that this transition to digital will enhance the security and modernization of the transportation sector in the country.

Illinois starts implementing mDLs, North Carolina seeks approval

After a five-year process, Illinois lawmakers in the House and Senate passed House Bill 4592. This bill enables the Secretary of State to issue a mobile Illinois identification card or mobile driver’s license to individuals eligible for a physical credential.

The bill allows the Secretary to enter into agreements with state agencies or third parties to facilitate the verification of a mobile driver’s license issued by the Secretary or another state. It is anticipated that TSA will soon add Illinois-issued mDLs to its growing list of CAT2-enabled digital ID verification.

North Carolina is seeking approval to implement digital licenses. Wayne Goodwin, the state’s DMV commissioner, will address the delays in issuing physical driver’s licenses and identification cards before state lawmakers.

House Bill 199 in North Carolina received preliminary approval from the state Senate’s Transportation Committee and is now scheduled to be reviewed by the Senate’s Judiciary Committee.

The implementation of digital licenses would allow travelers to present their digital IDs through their smartphones, potentially improving their experience at security checkpoints.

TSA using Louisiana mobile driver’s licenses nationwide

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has completed the integration of Louisiana-issued mobile driver’s licenses with its Credential Authentication Technology at checkpoints across the country. These include Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport and 26 other airports.

According to the TSA, the Louisiana-issued mobile driver’s licenses must comply with REAL ID standards and can be accessed through the LA Wallet app from Envoc. This digital ID verification is part of the expanding deployment of CAT-2s, which are made by Idemia.

Article Topics

digital ID  |  driver's license  |  Envoc  |  Idemia Smart Identity  |  identity document  |  mDL (mobile driver's license)  |  United States