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Bill would expand Maryland Mobile ID uses to rental vehicles and interstate verification; sponsor demonstrates live reader
Summary
Delegate Terrasa's HB 13-71 would expand use of the Maryland Mobile ID and authorize MVA to enter agreements that facilitate interstate verification; sponsor demonstrated mobile-ID readers and emphasized privacy and voluntary uptake.
Delegate Terrasa presented House Bill 13-71, the Maryland Mobile ID Enhancement Act, which seeks to expand the use of the state's mobile driver's license (MDID) and to allow the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) to enter into agreements with national motor vehicle associations to facilitate interstate issuance and verification.
Terrasa demonstrated a live mobile-ID reading during the hearing, showing that the reader app can confirm a user’s age without revealing the person’s full birth date or address. The demonstration also showed that screenshots of the mobile ID are blocked and that the reader workflow requires user consent. "This legislation aims to expand the use of electronic credentials in our state," Terrasa said, and noted that more than 200,000 Marylanders had added IDs to mobile wallets.
Questions from lawmakers focused on police acceptance of mobile IDs during traffic stops and concerns about officers taking custody of a phone. The sponsor and MVA staff said the system includes a reader app that does not require an officer to hold a motorist’s device — the reader app verifies the credential remotely — and that working with law enforcement around policy and training remained a priority. Terrasa said the program is voluntary and that there is no cost to implementing the statutory expansion included in the bill. The sponsor urged a favorable report and said the bill updates a pilot launched under the Hogan administration.
No vote was recorded; the committee discussed possible follow-up with law enforcement and MVA about training and operational policies for officers interacting with mobile credentials.
