In the near future, I intend to reintroduce legislation authorizing the development and deployment of mobile driver’s licenses, identification cards, and vehicle registration cards in Pennsylvania (previously Senate Bill 1032 in the 2023-2024 session).

The proliferation of smartphones has led more and more people to use digital wallets for purchases and other transactions – often electing to not carry their physical wallets. Recognizing this shift, it is prudent for the Commonwealth to leverage this technology allow for secure, digital identification to be accepted as proof of identity and age within the state.

Currently, at least 15 states offer mobile driver’s licenses and identifications in some form, with more to come in the near future. These states include ones from a vast political composition, such as New York and Louisiana and Iowa and California.

A mobile driver’s license is not simply a digital copy of a physical driver’s license. It is a secure version of the driver’s license or ID from PennDOT, uploaded on to a single device, which uses biometric face scanning to confirm the authenticity of the user to match the person attempting to use the license. Consider this, when using a debit or credit card in your Apple Wallet or Google Pay, your phone performs a biometric scan of your face prior to allowing payment for the transaction. The same process occurs with a mobile driver’s license or identification.

The Missouri Department of Public Safety recently launched a mobile application to verify the authenticity of any physical state-issued identifications when presented for the purchase of alcohol. Out of 2.1 million checks of physical driver’s licenses and IDs, approximately 8% were flagged as potential fake or fraudulent. Since a mobile driver’s license or ID completes a biometric scan of the user’s face, it would be nearly impossible for a minor to use a mobile version to purchase alcohol. In short, this technology goes far and beyond the capacities, and limits, of human verification of physical driver’s licenses and identification cards.

This legislation will provide for two notable instances where mobile driver’s licenses may not be used. First, a physical driver’s license will still be required during all traffic stops. Additionally, a physical driver’s license will need to be produced when voting at a polling place for the first time, in accordance with current state law.

Finally, this bill will add a provision to allow for mobile registration cards to be presented during traffic stops.

With the advancement of technology, the Commonwealth has an opportunity and obligation to use technology to improve the lives of all residents.

Please join me in this effort to bring driver’s licenses, identification cards, and vehicle registrations into the digital age.