CHICAGO, IL – Illinois may become the next state to offer a digitized driver’s license. House Bill 1110, introduced by Representative Kam Buckner, aims to amend the Illinois Vehicle Code to permit the use of a digitized driver’s license.
This would enable Illinois residents to show a digitized license to law enforcement officers during traffic stops or checkpoints, without the risk of receiving a citation for not having a physical copy.
If passed, the bill would require individuals to pay an installation fee not exceeding $6 for the application used to display the digitized driver’s license. The legislation also ensures that presenting a digitized driver’s license does not give consent to anyone to access other data or applications on the mobile device.
Supporters of the bill claim that it would provide a more efficient alternative to carrying a physical driver’s license, reduce the risk of lost or stolen licenses, and streamline the verification process for law enforcement. However, opponents of the bill are concerned about privacy and security issues.
Currently, Connecticut, Georgia, Hawaii, Iowa, Kentucky, Mississippi, Ohio, Oklahoma, Puerto Rico, and Utah offer digital licenses. But drivers traveling out of state are advised to carry a physical copy since the majority of states do not accept digital driver’s licenses.
The bill is now under review by the 103rd General Assembly in Illinois, and if passed, it would take effect immediately.
