The introduction of a mobile version of driver’s licenses that can be presented on smartphones and other devices is just around the corner in New Jersey.
On the 30th of last month, the New Jersey State Assembly passed a bill allowing the issuance of mobile driver’s licenses and sent it to Governor Phil Murphy. The mobile driver’s license bill that has passed the threshold of the state assembly has also been supported by Governor Phil Murphy, so it is certain to be finalized.
The mobile driver’s license bill essentially allows parking authorities to issue driver’s licenses that can be presented on mobile devices. Instead of the existing plastic card form, the use of a digital version of driver’s licenses will be recognized. Not only regular driver’s licenses, but also temporary licenses and motorcycle licenses will be issued in digital versions.
Currently, 13 states, including New York, Delaware, Maryland, Georgia, and Florida, allow the issuance and use of mobile driver’s licenses.
According to the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), mobile driver’s licenses in some states can be used at certain airports and federal agencies. In New Jersey, vehicle insurance cards have been available for presentation on mobile devices since 2015, and mobile vehicle registration cards will be issued starting in 2023. Now, the introduction of mobile driver’s licenses is just around the corner. The bill states that it will take effect 44 months after the governor signs it, so it is expected that the actual issuance of mobile driver’s licenses will begin three years later. However, it is stated that the New Jersey Department of Motor Vehicles and the State Attorney General can act for implementation before the effective date, so the issuance process may be accelerated.