The state of Illinois is looking to offer its residents some upgraded driver’s licenses. Plastic IDs will be done away with, and a mobile driver’s license (mDL) will be instituted. People will be allowed to download a digital version of their license on their smartphones. The Illinois Secretary of State’s office says this ties into a nationwide effort to move towards a digital-first outlook.
How the new license will work
The digital license will not be an outright replacement but rather used in addition to the plastic IDs. The state has, at present, not approved the immediate use of these licenses and IDs. At least for the time being, you should carry both versions, as not every business or agency will accept the new mobile license. The state does expect this to change quickly as more entities like airports, retailers, and law enforcement will upgrade their systems to recognize these digital licenses.
This modern step is a way of tightening and securing identity. The Illinois Secretary of State says that residents looking to renew their licenses or state IDs can make a request for an mDL during that process. A secure app is used to load these with an array of security features like biometrics, limited data sharing, and encryption features.
This is to give people more control of their personal information and how it is shared. Your date of birth can be given should you be asked, without revealing your age. The plastic alternatives have everything on display, whether you would like it to or not.
Other states are opting for the smart option, too
Illinois is not the only state looking to upgrade the identification methods. Arizona, Maryland, and Colorado all have instituted digital IDs that are even compatible with Apple and Google Wallet systems. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has also put itself in a position to accept these at selected airports in the hopes of streamlining travel experiences for citizens.
Technological advancements collide with issues of sustainability when it comes to the transition from plastic to digital IDs. Plastic will still be used and produced for licenses and IDs, but the gradual rollout of the smart option will eventually see those replaced entirely, which will cut down on waste generated by plastic.
Hawaii is also looking to adopt something similar as it pertains to electric vehicles and the high-occupancy vehicle lane. These states are looking to the future and creating systems that are secure, progressive, and environmentally conscious.
The challenges ahead for the license transition
There is a swell of optimism around this development, but a few concerns and challenges have been highlighted. Law enforcement officials and businesses will require extensive training on dealing with digital IDs and licenses, and systems will need to be upgraded to ensure these developments are compatible. Security measures on devices will also need to be mindfully maintained, as loss of a device could mean the loss of identification data.
The state feels that biometric safety measures are enough to safeguard against this, just so long as residents keep their devices updated in terms of security settings. We all enjoy more options, and for the moment, that is what is being afforded to the residents of Illinois.
The familiar plastic option is still on hand should you prefer, and the smart option will be available to make things like travel and shopping easier, once the state fully approves its use. In time, the digital license may very well become the norm as it gains acceptance and usage, which is what the state expects.
This rollout will be looked at closely, but the adjustments will take some time. This move does tie into a nationwide ideal to have a more digital approach to such matters, which should help citizens greatly and make administrative requirements less demanding.