House Transportation Committee votes 10-6 to introduce bill allowing optional mobile driver’s licenses

The House Transportation Committee voted 10-6 to introduce RS 31,990, a bill that would authorize an optional electronic (mobile) driver’s license for Idaho residents. Representative Stephanie Mickelson presented the measure and Representative Petzke moved to introduce it; the motion passed after a roll call vote with 10 in favor and 6 opposed.

The bill would allow an individual to opt in to a state-provided mobile driver’s license, while preserving the existing paper or plastic license as a required form of identification. Mickelson told the committee that the measure “allows people that want electronic driver's licenses want, not everyone's required,” and said the technology can limit the information shared with others: “the information, the only information that you will send to or give to the police officers is what you choose on your device.”

Why it matters: supporters said a mobile credential could improve officer safety and streamline traffic-stop processes; critics raised data-security and cost concerns. Representative Harris cited research from other jurisdictions and warned the technology can be faked, saying the systems she reviewed “are…