What to know as your driver's license gets a digital upgrade

The traditional plastic driver's license might soon transition into a digital format. Tim McPhillips, a digital reporter, discusses three key points about this forthcoming change, including benefits and concerns.

A mobile driver's license is essentially a digital version of your current license that you can carry on your smartphone, smartwatch, or tablet. Ian Grossman, president and CEO of the American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators, explains that this digital credential can be accessed through a smartphone, watch, or tablet.

There are several advantages to having a digital driver's license. For instance, when you need to present your ID, you can simply tap your phone on a reader, making the process more convenient. This also limits the amount of personal information shared. For example, at a liquor store, they only need to know your name and address, not your entire address book. If you've lost your wallet or left it in a TSA bin, it's much harder for someone to access your digital ID compared to a physical one.

However, there are concerns about this new technology. The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) has raised issues about government data collection. Jay Stanley, an ACLU senior policy analyst, warns that the standard for digital ID adoption by some states could potentially allow the government to track individuals. When using a mobile ID, information about you is transmitted from point A to point B, raising questions about whether verification occurs locally on your phone or on a server. The ACLU has opposed this "phone home" or "server retrieval" scenario due to potential abuses.

On the other hand, the Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators (AAMVA) prohibits states from using their digital ID systems that involve "phone home." As such, states are under pressure to avoid building systems that could share the information remotely. However, the technology exists, and the responsibility lies with elected officials to prevent it from happening. Some states have taken steps to protect privacy, such as Utah's first digital identity bill of rights, which bans "phone home" architecture.

While some states have adopted digital driver's licenses, others have rejected them, such as Texas and Minnesota. Despite this, AAMVA believes widespread adoption is imminent. The ACLU, however, argues that elected officials should codify a ban on "phone home" into law to protect privacy. They fear that these digital IDs could become a form of virtual ankle bracelet for all citizens.