New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy signed legislation requiring the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC) to create digital driver’s licenses.

“Requires MVC to create digital driver’s licenses and digital non-driver identification cards,” Bill S1297 read.

The law gives New Jersey residents the option to present a mobile ID as opposed to a physical version to confirm their identity.

Although obtaining a digital driver’s license or ID card is voluntary right now, how long until it becomes ‘mandatory’ to have digital versions of these documents?

“Digital driver’s licenses will make life easier for drivers across New Jersey,” Murphy said in a statement.

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“Innovation has always been at the core of who we are as a state, and my administration has embraced that spirit to deliver practical solutions that improve everyday life for our people. By bringing government services into the digital age, we’re setting a new standard for how the public interacts with State agencies,” he added.

More from Murphy’s office:

Digital driver’s licenses, commonly referred to as mobile driver’s licenses (mDLs), offer several advantages in terms of convenience, security, and compatibility. They are accessible on smartphones and other mobile devices, making it harder for individuals to lose or forget their license or ID, and also allow residents to update their documents electronically. The bill contains several provisions to protect user security and privacy, including protections against the collection, use, retention, sharing, sale, or disclosure of any information obtained in the creation or access of digital licenses/non-driver IDs and measures to prevent tampering, duplication, and unauthorized access to data.

The bill also outlines protections afforded to a holder of a digital license/non-driver ID when using the digital license/non-driver ID. It prohibits persons and entities from requiring a holder to turn over their electronic device, including to law enforcement, to verify identity. It also provides that displaying the digital license/non-driver ID does not imply consent to a search or access to other phone data, and that information seen while verifying identity cannot be used as probable cause for a search warrant. The new legislation makes participation voluntary, ensuring those without access or interest can continue using physical licenses.

New Jersey Monitor noted:

At least 15 states and Puerto Rico have implemented mobile driver’s license programs, with another 10 states and Washington, D.C., planning to follow.

The state budget allocates $1.5 million toward implementing mobile driver’s licenses.

Under the law, allowing a police officer or judge to look at a mobile license does not mean you are consenting to have them review the other contents of your phone.

The bill passed overwhelmingly in the Legislature earlier this year.

“Digital licenses mean residents can carry their ID securely and conveniently on their phones, whether they’re renewing it, verifying their age, or interacting with state services,” bill sponsor Assemblyman William Sampson (D-Hudson) said in a statement. “This legislation is about meeting people where they are and embracing the tools that make everyday tasks easier and faster.”

Individuals may continue to use physical licenses and are not required to switch to a digital license.

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