Continuing his commitment to modernize the Secretary of State’s Office, Secretary Alexi Giannoulias is championing legislation, to allow Illinois residents to start using digital Driver’s Licenses and State IDs.
“Smartphones have become convenient places to store everything from movie tickets, boarding passes, and credit cards,” Giannoulias said. “With technological advancements and additional safeguards to make it the most secure and state-of-the-art system in the Nation, we’re confident Illinoisans will soon have the option to ‘carry’ a digital version of their Driver’s license or State ID.”
His backing marks the first time the Illinois Secretary of State’s Office has supported such a measure, which now includes digital IDs as well as digital Driver’s licenses. If the bipartisan legislation passes, implementation could occur as early as next year.
If approved in the General Assembly, Illinois would join 12 other States that already offer digital forms of identification (including bordering states Iowa and Missouri.) At least 18 others are currently working toward the implementation. Legislation would not eliminate physical Driver’s Licenses. Digital IDs would act as a companion to a physical card.
New technology allows for more privacy. [It allows] individuals to decide what personal information they share, via a contactless, encrypted data exchange between their device and the reader. Digital IDs offer privacy control options that allow people to verify their age when legally purchasing alcohol, cannabis or renting a car, while hiding other personal information–like their address.
Giannoulias added that the initiative will also help reduce in-office wait times and lines at DMVs. The digital platform will allow users to make changes to their licenses and IDs remotely, without having to make an in-person visit.
The proposed legislation would give the Secretary of State’s Office the authority to begin the process of providing digital IDs. The Office would issue a Request For Proposals and then select the vendor that is most capable of producing digital IDs in the safest way possible. This will ensure that the final product meets testing requirements and the highest standards of security for Illinoisans.