TRENTON, N.J. (KYW Newsradio) — New Jersey is one step closer to offering digital driver's licenses to those who request them, after the Senate Transportation Committee approved the bill last week.
Digital identification and driver’s licenses would be sent from New Jersey’s Motor Vehicle Commission to a person’s mobile device. That would be accepted in place of a physical ID card, similar to the way digital tickets to sporting events and concerts have replaced physical tickets.
State Sen. Nellie Pou, the bill’s sponsor, says the technology for this is available now. Pou argues that it’s time New Jersey catches up with several other states, including Delaware, that have already approved digital licenses.
“A more convenient, more expedited, as well as equally secure — and just a new method in terms of what the future looks like,” said Pou, who adds the system would allow New Jerseyans to get immediate updates for name or address changes.
If approved by lawmakers, there would be a six-year implementation period as state officials and the MVC ensure all of the safety features work, so nobody can make counterfeit IDs. There’s no word on when it will be up for a full vote in Trenton.