OHIO LEGISLATIVE SERVICE COMMISSION
Office of Research Legislative Budget
www.lsc.ohio.gov and Drafting Office
H.B. 724 Bill Analysis
134th General Assembly
Click here for H.B. 724’s Fiscal Note
Version: As Introduced
Primary Sponsor: Rep. Blackshear
Effective Date:
Larry Gunter, Jr., Research Analyst
SUMMARY
 Allows a person to use a digital driver’s license or digital identification card (digital ID)
with a cell phone, tablet, or other wireless device to prove the person’s identity in lieu
of a physical ID card.
 Requires the Registrar of Motor Vehicles to establish a program that provides for the
use of a digital ID by Ohio residents.
 Specifies various requirements for the digital ID program, including establishing a
mechanism by which the Registrar receives data and images, including an image taken
by a licensee or cardholder of themselves (selfie) to verify identity and to ensure the
validity of the license or ID card.
 Prohibits a person who is viewing a digital ID for identification purposes from viewing
any content other than the digital ID on the wireless device.
 Specifies that a person who provides digital ID to a requestor generally assumes the risk
of any resulting damage to their device.
DETAILED ANALYSIS
Digital driver’s licenses and state-issued identification cards
The bill allows a person to obtain a digital driver’s license or digital state-issued
identification card (digital ID), which must be displayed through an application (app) on the
person’s electronic wireless communications device (i.e., cell phone, tablet, etc.). The Registrar
of Motor Vehicles must develop the digital ID program. Once legally obtained, a person may use
November 8, 2022
Office of Research and Drafting LSC Legislative Budget Office
a digital ID in lieu of a physical ID card any time the person is requested to provide proof of
identity or age, including when requested by a state official or peace officer or when voting.1
To qualify for a digital ID, a person must continue to maintain a valid physical ID card.
This requirement ensures that the digital ID program will not conflict with the requirements of
the federal REAL ID Act.2 (Other states have already implemented a digital ID program.)3
Further, in order to accept a digital ID, the requestor of the ID must have the means and
authorization to accept and validate it.4
Registrar’s digital ID program
For purposes of the digital ID program, the Registrar must establish all of the following:
1. A mechanism by which the Registrar receives data and images, including an image taken
by a licensee or cardholder of themselves (selfie),5 from either the mobile app or the
licensee or cardholder to verify their identity and to ensure the validity of the license or
ID card;
2. A verification process to determine that any data, images, or selfie submitted
reasonably matches the data and digitalized photographic records of the Department of
Public Safety for that licensee or cardholder;
3. Mechanisms to ensure that any information transmitted by the Bureau of Motor
Vehicles (BMV) to either the mobile app or the digital ID is encrypted and protected in
accordance with reasonable security standards broadly available and cannot be
intercepted while being transmitted from the BMV;
4. Procedures that apply when a licensee or cardholder’s driver’s license or ID card is
expired, suspended, or revoked; and
5. Any other procedure or requirement that the Registrar determines is necessary to
implement and administer the program and ensure the general privacy, security, and
safety of the data and images exchanged through the program.
In addition, the Registrar must provide any identification verification services required
by the entity that developed a digital ID mobile app. (If a digital ID is issued by another state,
that state must provide the verification services.)6
1 R.C. 4507.60 through 4507.62 and R.C. 3501.01(AA)(2).
2 R.C. 4507.61(A).
3 For example, see Arizona Department of Transportation Mobile ID.
4 R.C. 4507.62(A).
5 R.C. 4507.60(A)(7).
6 R.C. 4507.61 and 4507.62(A).
P a g e |2 H.B. 724
As Introduced
Office of Research and Drafting LSC Legislative Budget Office
Viewable information and assumption of risk
When a person uses a digital ID on a wireless device to present proof of identity, only
the ID can be viewed by the requestor. A requester is prohibited from viewing any other
content on the device. Further, when a person provides a wireless device to a requestor, the
person assumes the risk of any resulting damage to the device unless the requestor purposely,
knowingly, or recklessly commits an action that results in damage to the device.7
HISTORY
Action Date
Introduced 09-27-22
ANHB0724IN-134/ts
7 R.C. 4507.62(C).
P a g e |3 H.B. 724
As Introduced