A new law in the state of Illinois allows residents to use mobile driver’s licenses and ID cards. But how does it work and what rules apply?
Governor JB Pritzker signed the bill on Friday, but it will not go into effect yet.
Here you can find out everything you need to know about the new rules:
When does the new law come into force?
The law, part of Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias’ office-wide modernization efforts, will not take effect until Jan. 1, 2025. Giannoulias said the goal is to have the licenses available by then, “but only after rigorous testing requirements are implemented and the highest safety standards are ensured.”
Will mobile driving licenses replace physical driving licenses?
According to Giannoulias, the mobile driving licenses would not replace their physical counterparts, but would “act as a companion”.
“We are pleased to have reached a point where we can implement mobile IDs in a way that keeps our streets safe and protects the privacy of Illinois residents, while still allowing us to provide law enforcement, businesses and medical personnel who rely on physical driver’s licenses and IDs with the information they need,” Giannoulias said in a statement.
How does the mobile driving license work?
Mobile IDs and driver’s licenses let citizens decide what personal information they want to share through a contactless, encrypted data exchange between their device and the reader, officials said. Such IDs can be used, for example, when buying alcohol, cannabis or renting a car, while other personal information – such as address – remains hidden.
“Mobile driver’s licenses and ID cards provide our citizens with the ability to protect their personal information,” Senator Michael Hastings, one of the bill’s co-sponsors, said in a statement. “There is no reason why age verification should require citizens to disclose sensitive information such as their address when we have the technology for mobile cards that allow for selective disclosure of information.”
In addition, a person presenting a mobile driver’s license or identification card would not mean they consent to having the device searched, according to a press release from Illinois Senator Michael E. Hastings, who sponsored the bill. Twelve states already offer mobile IDs, while at least 18 more states are currently working on implementing them, state officials said.
Some groups, including the ACLU, had previously raised concerns about the use of mobile IDs, fearing that law enforcement could search a person’s phone without proper consent. The Illinois measure specifically prohibits law enforcement officers from searching the contents of a phone after viewing the mobile ID, the legislation says.
Hastings said a key feature of the law is “the requirement that mobile driver’s licenses and identification cards must use an electronic authorization system – such as a barcode system – to confirm that the individual does not have to surrender possession of their mobile device to the requesting party.”
Could a mobile driver’s license be helpful at the airport?
According to TSA officials, while the agency accepts mobile identification at airports, it still recommends that passengers carry additional physical identification.
As with REAL ID-compatible cards, mobile identification can be used in these situations, but officials are still asking residents to bring a physical copy of their ID in case of any issues.
Are mobile driving licenses also permitted in other federal states?
With the new law, Illinois joins 12 other states that already offer mobile IDs, including Iowa and Missouri. Giannoulias noted that at least 18 other states are currently working on implementation as well.
“Other states already have mobile driver’s licenses and identification cards. This bill gives our citizens the same opportunity to have a mobile card if they need it, but still gives them the option of a traditional physical card,” said Kam Buckner, co-sponsor of the bill.
